Best sounding ipod capable radio update SC/Carrera?

[SCWDP911]

Originally Posted by emcon5

I have yet to see a head unit that will play MP3 that doesn't look completely out of place in a ~27 year old car.

Is your car quiet enough for sound quality to matter? Granted I have spent way too much time around airplanes/firearms/race cars, but I never really could tell the difference with the really high end audio, particularly in a car with a sport muffler that has the windows and sunroof open much more often than not.

Tom

Interesting thread. I had been pondering the same and then started looking into having some made for resale:






So then while researching companies I might be able to get to make my design, I found these guys (http://www.radioeng.com/product_detail.aspx?prod=472), and will probably give one a try until I can get all the ducks in a row on mine...




My only complaint with this one is that the LED display, which is very simple and period for me, is green. I prefer amber... Price is reasonable though and the face is very simple and looks like it would fit flush in opening instead of protruding out in some way.

[white99c2]

I just put in a Pioneer DEH-2100IB, $119.99 at BestBuy, it includes the iPod cable that goes to the glove box. I control all functions of the iPod from the radio and the thing sounds awesome. I installed 4 Alpine speakers and couldn't be happier. I'll probably add an amp just to richen the sound. Great solution for the money.

[wildcat077]

Originally Posted by juicersr

Thanks for all the input guys. I looked at all or your recommendations via 'Crutchfield' and other sources, and read the reviews.

The JVC is discontinued

The Kenwood KDC has a lot of functions and power, but a lot of the reviews said it was fiddly and not very user friendly. I take stuff like that with a grain of salt, but it is priced over $300 which was my arbitrary cut-off.

The Sony CDX is a great value, but has buttons that i dont like and less options than others.

The Alpine is a great unit, but u are not getting anything more than the Pioneer, and the price is $100 more

Thus, i choose the Pioneer DEH P5100UB. Has a sleek, buttonless look that i like, got ecstatic review from all those who bought it, has all the functions i am look for, and at $190 shipped, u cant beat the price. The remote is nice and compact. I prolly wont use it, but i can run my iphone throught it as well. Phil, thanks for the pix, so i get an idea of how it looks in the car.

Now all i need are some door speakers. Luckily, i have a set of low-end polks already in my RS panels, so wont have to cut.

You won't regret your Pioneer purchase... I've looked around for a few weeks before deciding on the Pioneer 5100 as it doesn't have all the bling-bling and flashy lights that are common with other units,which makes it more discreet and more acceptable in a 20 year old car.
Although it has some pretty cool screen saver displays... lol
You'll see what i mean !!!
My son loves the usb port for his Ipod and with the fixed usb cable in the rear of the unit you can leave your Ipod in the glove box and use the remote !
Glad i was able to help !

Enjoy
Phil

[nineball]

hope you enjoy your decision.

if anyone else is thinking about upgrading audio parts feel free to use this code on crutchfield:

p3xht-5r681-r1hix

it is part of their referral program and will get you $20 off any purchase of $200 or more.

[911pcars]

"If you are wanting the best "sound" you need to start with the speakers."

Totally agree. None of the above head units will sound good without decent speakers and a budget.

Sherwood

[nineball]

exactly. if anyone would like some help or suggestions please feel free to pm me. i have a pretty extensive background in mobile a/v and would be more than willing to lend a verbal hand where i can.

[WERK I]

Not affiliated in any way, but found this dealer on eBay.
Blaupunkt in-dash
Sounds too good to be true. Can't find anywhere if it has preamp outputs for power amp.

[nineball]

don't be mislead by the ebay listing. any single din radio will fit into a 911 and there was never, as far as i know, one specifically designed for a 911. that is just the lowest model available from blaupunkt on the market today, the Daytona MP28. you can pick up the exact same radio at fry's for $60.

http://shop2.frys.com/product/5829283

it has a single set of rca preouts.

[geoz]

i'm quite happy with my pioneer deh-p710bt, which i've had for 2 weeks now.
excellent ipod control (i actually use an iphone 3g and that works very well, too), bluetooth hands-free, rather smooth looks (you can switch off the display if you want), fm, am, cd, ipbus.

300 bucks from amazon, probably a little cheaper on evilbay.

[geoz]

[dw1]

I went with a refurbished CDR-220, including the display "reversal" (changing it to dark numerals on a light background) and connecting the iPod via the aux cable connector.

While other units have higher spec'd output, this is a very well-made unit, doesn't look out of place in my '87, and displays "Porsche" each time I turn it on.

It doesn't really matter that much, because on my 911 with the Fabspeed euro-type premuffler and the Dansk 1-in-2-out "muffler", at highway speeds with the windows and roof open the ambient noise level is quite high, to say the least.

I mention this to bring up a point: If you are interested in high audio quality, you need to match the audio system to the listening environment. You ask for the "best sounding head unit", when audio quality may take a back seat to other factors - like the right speakers (and speaker locations) for this car, as well as sound-deading insulation (or the lack thereof), ambient noise level and ambient noise frequency distribution, etc.