Can anyone recommend a headunit??

[bedumon]

Hi

I'm looking to buy a new headunit but I'm not sure what to get. Must be OEM style, iPod connectivity & good quality sound. Looking to have a good setup in the future so must suitable for that. And I don't want to spend too much.

Cheers in advance.

[pac1982]

Your dont want much do you, a head unit that looks retro, works with all current tech and has lots of plugs on the back for a good system and to top it all off you want it cheap!!

Keep a look out on ebay for a second hand becker unit

[mrLEE30]

Alpine everytime.

they control the Ipod from thr head unit via a cable, so ipod hidden in the glovebox - it even charges it for you!

they also look plain with no stupid flashing lights etc although the functions can be a bit fiddley at first, and they change the same amber as the E30 dials..what more can you want....

problem is the price

i have simlar model to this:

[Royalratch]

Alpines are far from plain, though very good.

Becker / Blaupunkt look the best and gave tons of tech features. All iPod 'interfaces' do as described above.

[mrLEE30]

they appear plain to me!! they dont have the silly graphics and large knobs i accociate with Sony, they are plain in terms of design and colour,

but each to their own!

[Morat]

I've got my eye on one of these http://www.bluespot.co.uk/car-audio.asp ... -car-radio
but I don't know how the internal microphone will cope with the cabin noise of an E30 when making phone calls. Otherwise it looks spot on.

[bedumon]

Cheers guys.

I like Alpine, great quality sound, reliable......But IMO don't look very OEM.

Would love to have a Becker headunit, they look great and include all the modern kit. But the price on these are way out of my budget.

So does anyone know of a slightly cheaper Becker. Really just needs ipod connectivity and OEM look. Is there such an item out there???

[Royalratch]

£300 with Bluetooth Telephone.

Can use Amber for backlight.


iPod interface is another £60 though.

[pac1982]

You could always get a period alpine look up my thread called retro headunit porn for some model numbers.

A retro alpine will suit your dash more than one of these Becker units that pretend to look period but fail, plus As long as it has aux input or a cd changer input you can link it to an ipod

If all your worried about is the Amber back light don't be lots of E30's came with OE units that did not light up amber

[Royalratch]

You could always get a period alpine look up my thread called retro headunit porn for some model numbers.

A retro alpine will suit your dash more than one of these Becker units that pretend to look period but fail, plus As long as it has aux input or a cd changer input you can link it to an ipod

If all your worried about is the Amber back light don't be lots of E30's came with OE units that did not light up amber

Becker are the OEM manufacturer and look far better than any Alpine, period or not. Just because it's from the 80's, that doesn't mean it looks right.

Plus he wanted iPod control and Bluetooth. How's he going to get that in your in-dash 8-Track?

[dazleeds]

nakamichi for the period looks

or buy the best you can afford of the new crop and match the look as best you can

[bedumon]

I think the Becker looks really nice and would suit the dash well.

Any links to any websites selling or is my best bet eBay for a used one?

I don't mind it not having Bluetooth but ipod connectivity is essential.

[clipper]

I've got my eye on one of these http://www.bluespot.co.uk/car-audio.asp ... -car-radio
but I don't know how the internal microphone will cope with the cabin noise of an E30 when making phone calls. Otherwise it looks spot on.

That's a nice looking "does it all" stereo !

I wouldn't worry about the quality of its inbuilt mic. I have a cheap (probably THE cheapest) bluetooth stereo and it works perfectly, including the integrated hands free... I wouldn't recommend it to the OP though as "period look" it isn´t

[pac1982]

I think the Becker looks really nice and would suit the dash well.

Any links to any websites selling or is my best bet eBay for a used one?

I don't mind it not having Bluetooth but ipod connectivity is essential.

Don’t be fooled in to thinking you need your unit to be iPod ready of have a specific iPod connection, don’t get me wrong this is the best way to go about things but I have used my iPod/iPhone on various units that pre date the invention of the iPod.

As long as the head unit has some form of aux input 9 times out of ten you will be able to get a cable to link it up.

I know you can get an iPod to work with any Alpine unit that has CD changer capability as the head unit just thinks the signal from the iPod is the CD changer so this may be the same with other brands

[Royalratch]

iPod interface is not the same as iPod connection.

An interface allows you to control the iPod with full track information on the head unit. You can keep your iPod hidden in the glovebox and the sound quality is better - higher bandwidth connection / all digital etc.

iPod adpaters are normally just one way cables that go to the CD Changer input or analogue mini-jack (AUX-IN).

Parrot Bluetooth system is the best regardless of head unit.

[bedumon]

Okay. Thanks for all the advice.

Now to re-evalute. What I'm after is a Becker headunit with AUX in (does not need interface) for not too much money. Any ideas/model numbers?

Cheers guys.

[VeinAST]

I'm going to get this one for mine!

[kieran325]

I've got the Alpine in the touring, it was once in the sport but it got swapped over





It's got the USB on the front and has bluetooth.

You've seen the Becker before -






It looks at home