About USD 2,000 +/-

:eek: :eek: Holy Guacamole!:eek: :eek:


Much as I love the look of that, I guess I'll never own one.

This is the best one, IMO:

http://www.audiocubes.com/category/Home,+Portable+Audio_Car+Stereo/product/Panasonic_CQ-TX5500D_Vacuum_Tube_CD_Receiver.html

I had an Eclipse installed in my 86 cab, and it was nice. My turbo has one of these Alpines in it, and I like it.

The volume knob is nice, and my ipod connects to it and is stored in the glove box and can be controlled by the deck. The colors are not too bright or ricey either.

http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=CDA-9857

Bill

Legion, that Panasonic is uber-cool! I'm actually a big fan of tube gear. My guitar amp is 1968 Fender, I've got an old McIntosh tube amp, even my o-scope uses tubes!

Bill, that Alpine 9857 is actually the unit that I've been considering the most. Good to hear that you're pleased with it as it looks like that may be the unit I end up with. Any gripes or concerns with it?

David,

With the weather, and the work I have been doing on the turbo, I honestly haven't had a lot of seat time. With that being said, I do like what I have heard with it so far. Like you said, the face kind of just flips down, and it is also removable. I haven't looked into the HD radio, and don't have any satelite radio service, I mostly just have a couple of different play lists on my ipod.

I get the car back a week from today I think, and if you want I can take some pictures for you.

Bill

Re: Does anyone make a DECENT head unit anymore????
 

just got a JVC with exactly that list


KD-G722/KD-G721

http://jvc-online.hu/bolt/images/auto/kd_g722_ok.jpg



EDIT, except Bluetooth , didn't notice that was in the list too..

I was faced with a similar dilemma with my BMW - the OEM radio actually has the brain for the on board computer so swapping it out was not an option. There was also the issue that the output signal on the OEM radio was Balanced Line

Assuming that you have a CD player already installed, you can install this:

http://www.mobileaudiocontrol.com/product.asp?Product_Id=231512&d_Id=17612&l1=17612& l2=

This allows a full speaker level conversion to preamp and it should retain the full frequency response of the CD player VS. the cheap line outputs you can buy for $30.00. This solution isn't cheap but it a hell of a lot better than these aftermarket units (as you have just now found out) This also gives you the option of an auxilary input so you could wire in your Ipod. It's also a full digital EQ.

If they make an Ipod interface that works with your factory deck you can use the LC6I Audio Control, save a bunch of cash

http://www.mobileaudiocontrol.com/product.asp?Product_Id=222456&d_Id=17612&l1=17612& l2=

No digital EQ and no aux input but has everything else...Works like a champ in my BMW



Good luck.

rjp

LC6I install in my car / E39 electronics hack
 

LC6I install where the factory BMW amp used to be (driver's side trunk)http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1168715712.jpg

BMW E39 - cut the sheetmetal behind the back seat for better bass response - where the armrest is supposed to be

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1168715734.jpg

6.5" Speaker install in the front doors - 5.25" supposed to go there. Easy fit. New tweeters mounted in top location in doors next to mirror. Factory door tweeters left unplugged

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1168715772.jpg

I just did all of this, with an Eclipse 200W 4CH amp running Boston separates up front and 5.25" CO-AX out back with a 600 x1 JBL pushing 2x10" JL Audio 10's. All controlled by LC6I

I'm finally happy with the BMW sound system. :)

Regarding Nakamichi - I called them up when I started thinking about a new head unit to see if they had plans to incorporate Sirius or XM into any of their products. They told me they currently have no plans to do so.

Hmph.... I don't understand why car audio manufacturers are so slow to adapt these days. I used to work in the audio business and back then everyone was trying to one-up each other. Now, it seems that everyone is sitting back and waiting to see who jumps first.

I have a vintage NOS Mac 406 (like above) absolutely top-o-line and no equal. it's in my '85 Targa