richsmells 2 Posted October 14, 2009 Hello, I'm a bit out of touch with car audio stuff, but understand the principles. I'm not really looking to change speakers or anything (306), but would like a new head unit that I can connect to my iPhone. Ideally, if possible, i'd like to retain the steering column stalk controls. What do I need to make this happen? Thanks, Rich Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pablo 0 Posted October 14, 2009 The Alpine IDA-X305 is very good I have it in my mondeo. No CD tho. adapters can be bought for the steering controls Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happygoron 2 Posted October 14, 2009 I think DrSarty is our resident chav ICE expert, I'm sure he'll be along in a bit! Most head units these days come with aux in inputs that are simple enough to connect to iphones from a headphone jack (I'm assuming the iPhone has this?) but these won't allow you to change tracks with the stereo or wheel controls. There should be plenty of higher end stuff that will have dedicated iPod/iPhone inputs I would imagine, the brands to go for are Alpine and Pioneer. Apparently Sony should be avoided but I have a sony head unit and have been perfectly happy with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
one-lady-owner 1 Posted October 14, 2009 Seconded for pioneer, when I completely overdid my old 1.1 106 (good times.....) I had a pioneer headunit and it was pretty damn awesome, mind you that was about 5 years ago, I never liked the alpines personally, but that's just me!! Long gone are those days for me though, Clarion radio cassette is definitely the way forward..... cassette adapter, you won't get one of those in your CD player!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richsmells 2 Posted October 14, 2009 Mix tapes are the way forward! I've still got the radio cassette and pug code from my 205! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pablo 0 Posted October 14, 2009 mixtapes = playlists in the 21st century Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrSarty 90 1 Cars Posted October 14, 2009 ICE isn't all chav. The thread about people's jobs shows there are many engineers on here, and sound engineers are pretty talented. It takes a lot of work to make a truly outstanding sound system in a car, BUT, it's very easy to make systems which are quick and easy to fit (dare I say cheap) and get tasty results that are a lot of fun. I'm not saying the OP said this, but changing just the head unit in any typical system is going to make naff all difference. The real difference comes from power, amplifiers and properly installed speakers. For example sound deadening (e.g. installing Dynamat) can change a system dramatically, so you don't have to buy flashy gadgets. As for the original question, I'm not saying you're limited with choices of head unit as many cars these days have steering column controls. But you should be able to narrow down your list fairly quickly to the ones that will support (probably via an adaptor) plug and play into cars like your 306 so the controls work. The big names as mentioned will do them (Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine, Sony, Blaupunkt, Clarion and Panasonic), so as long as they have the aux socket for your iPod then it'll just be a matter of personal preference. Power outputs will be similar so again it'll just be down to which one you like. My simplest recommendation is go to a good car hi-fi/audio specialists, as they'll be able to recommend a model - even ex demo which is what I do and saves a lot of money - and may even give a decent fitted price, as linking in to the steering column controls MAY not be as simple as you'd like. Best of luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pablo 0 Posted October 14, 2009 I'm not saying the OP said this, but changing just the head unit in any typical system is going to make naff all difference. I strongly disagree with this, as a first step you do get a good improvement just by changing the HU. The unit is able to power the speakers easier (not necessarily louder, but with plenty of headroom so no distortion). The internal components are better made (lets face it most oem HUs are junk). Plus the additional functionality of IPod connection etc etc. I used to be fairly big into car audio but nowdays all I do is change the hu, as the results are usually very good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrSarty 90 1 Cars Posted October 14, 2009 Sorry I wasn't clear. An OE head unit to aftermarket upgrade will be an improvement 99% of the time, providing you don't buy a Matsui special. Aftermarket head units will have more power like you say, so can operate well within their limits. You are right. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrSarty 90 1 Cars Posted October 14, 2009 But just remember though: when you get handed new limits, you'll go find them and hence find other weak links in the system, like cheap OE speakers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pablo 0 Posted October 14, 2009 Ive completely lost interest in car audio these days so a new HU is plenty for me Ah a far cry from the days of 145db sub and digital EQs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tagy 1 Posted October 14, 2009 Here is a post I made to a similar topic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pablo 0 Posted October 14, 2009 those kenwood ones are nice alright. Any of the USB ones will charge a 3G iphone ok, older ones wont (apple turned off the 12v charging pin on the 3G). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GLPoomobile 958 Posted October 14, 2009 If it's of any use to you, I've just had an email from Halfords to tell me they have a sale on at the moment. 50% of all Sony stereo gear. They also have 50% off selected tool sets if anyone is interested. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
large 33 Posted October 14, 2009 If you want a proper chav head unit you will need to pop down your local and see "the fat bloke" . He sould have just the job for about £20. . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boombang 2 Posted October 14, 2009 Personally I'd go Alpine. Had years of service out of my old MP3 compatible one, and certainly will be considering one for my next car if it's not already got one. Still have the old one as it goes, but iPod connectivity will be a requirement of the new one! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davey sprocket 14 Posted October 15, 2009 If it's of any use to you, I've just had an email from Halfords to tell me they have a sale on at the moment. 50% of all Sony stereo gear. They also have 50% off selected tool sets if anyone is interested. Their Sony prices are just ridiculous though.... I've been looking at this one but if you do a web search, its widely available for less than £100, so knocking £40 off the Halfords £170 start price doesn't help much does it?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GLPoomobile 958 Posted October 15, 2009 You had me confused with that, as I was sure my email said it was 50% off all Sony. Just been on the site and it's Up To 50% off I hate it when companies do that and make the "Up to" bit really small. Bloody gets me every time Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rupertfinch 6 Posted October 16, 2009 I had a nice Pioneer headunit off Dr Sarty for a ridiculously low price. Lent it to my old man to stick in for a bit as his was playing up and the bugger went and sold the car with my Pioneer firmly attached! I only remembered he'd got it after reading this thread...grrr... Then again he's replaced that car with another audi cabriolet with a £700 bad boy sound system, perhaps it'll come my way? 60 year olds with subwoofers is just all kinds of wrong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
omega 82 Posted October 16, 2009 Sorry I wasn't clear. An OE head unit to aftermarket upgrade will be an improvement 99% of the time, providing you don't buy a Matsui special. Aftermarket head units will have more power like you say, so can operate well within their limits. You are right. matsui now thats a blast from the past[i think or are they still going?] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
