Head units...do i go retro or newer?

[csl]

Looking into getting a head unit for my Sport.

I like the idea of an original "period" unit but not sure if quality of sound and reliability are issues?

The other option was maybe something newer like a Nakamichi cd400/cd500(still period looking imho),but have read that reliability is questionable?

Whats the best way to go?

Ive an open mind at the moment,so any advice/recommendations would be great.

[csl]

Oh,and only intrested in the CD playing versions of the period stuff please.

[Raj_p]

I was in the same boat as you. I ended up going for an old alpine headunit. Still a bot flashy, but unit is black, lights up orange, and sound is great.

The nakamichi is a great headunit and does have a dated look so would fit in well

[csl]

I was in the same boat as you. I ended up going for an old alpine headunit. Still a bot flashy, but unit is black, lights up orange, and sound is great.

The nakamichi is a great headunit and does have a dated look so would fit in well

Old Alpine unit that lights up orange? What model is that mate?Do you also know what year its from?

[Ziggy]

You won't go far wrong with any Becker headunit...

[csl]

You won't go far wrong with any Becker headunit...

Yeah?.....if anyone has pics of any suitable head units,that would be great!

Im not too bothered about mp3 or whatever,just want something with a capability of excellent sound quality with reliability,be it a new unit(with retro looks) or an old school period one.

[Ziggy]

Fair few pics here: http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=170126

[Royalratch]

Becker Cascade or Grand Prix FTW - if you can find any!

[bss325i]

I have a Nakamichi CD500 and the sound is imense. Its early days though so yet to see how reliable it is but i am using an external amp with the head units internal amp switched off so this should help with matters.

[Royalratch]

Here we go...

[mrcool]

I have a Nakamichi CD500 and the sound is imense. Its early days though so yet to see how reliable it is but i am using an external amp with the head units internal amp switched off so this should help with matters.

Is that a surface mount USB? If so can you inform me of where you got it? Cheers

[bss325i]

No thats an imobiliser socket.

[csl]

Barry....that does look good in the e30 dash!

R.ratch....what is the sound quality/capability like on the Beckers? Also where would one find such a unit now,as i take it they are NLA?

I am not well up on this sort of stuff but i do love music!

Anyone got any retro recommendations then?

[Royalratch]

Mate if you check out the link that was sent there are 5 billion head units of all kinds with all the pros and cons debated at length.

[kam325itouring]

I got this unit for mine changed the display to amber and proper looks the part in the dash got everything on it bluetooth by parrot, 4vpreout hp and lp x-overs 5 band eq and loads more, cant fault it!
http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/vi ... _E_red.jpg

kam

[csl]

I got this unit for mine changed the display to amber and proper looks the part in the dash got everything on it bluetooth by parrot, 4vpreout hp and lp x-overs 5 band eq and loads more, cant fault it!
http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/vi ... _E_red.jpg

kam

Pic in dash fella?...would be good to see,if thats possible?

[Alex]

found these while browsing the net as you do

would suit a really early e30





$159 USD

http://www.casmfg.com/radios.htm

they look a bit cheap and american like

[schnaarf]

That's bad mate!

[Alex]

That's bad mate!

they do look a bit cheap like

[csl]

Yeah,not keen on those Alex,but thankyou for posting up.

[pac1982]

I think all this period head unit business is stupid, just because you live in an old house don’t mean you have to have a gramophone or a black and white 14 inch TV, same applies to your car.

Sorry but having a period head unit is just being anal

[csl]

Sorry but having a period head unit is just being anal

Thats all good then,cos i is.

[schnaarf]

Would a properly installed wide screen sat nav from an e39/46 look so put of place? Shite load of looms and wiring though

[pac1982]

Would a properly installed wide screen sat nav from an e39/46 look so put of place? Shite load of looms and wiring though

I dont think there would be a way to properly install a wide screen in an e30 dash

This is my set up.............





Not to everyones cup of tea but does everything i want it to do.

Next stage is to get a PC with wifi linked up to the screen already had a lap top working on it just need to work out a way to break down a lap top hide it away add a wireless mouse and mini keyboard and bobs your mothers brother

[schnaarf]

Always planned to do this with a mac mini then use front row with the mac remote

[Royalratch]

Gash.

[pac1982]

Gash.

Why thank you royalrash function over form for me old boy

[bss325i]

Why the hell would you want a PC in your car?

[pac1982]

Why the hell would you want a PC in your car?

That's a bit of a silly question, to name but a few reasons wireless Internet, store my whole music collection in the car, store all my movies in the car, email, google maps etc etc etc

[polsta]

period ones are better for a show type or a sunday nice weather car...for a daily and car your always in, get a nice new one,that lights up amber

the features,sound, feel, are a lot better, personly love my pioneer bluetooth one with remote control, lights amber, or any color i want it to, ipod in the glovebox with 64gb of music on , when your driving along at night it looks period, wouldnt change it for some 15 year old crusty one

[bss325i]

Why the hell would you want a PC in your car?

That's a bit of a silly question, to name but a few reasons wireless Internet, store my whole music collection in the car, store all my movies in the car, email, google maps etc etc etc

No its not a silly question, you have missunderstood my question.

I am aware of the possibilies of having a PC in you car but the question is why?

Do you live in your car or something?

You can have all of what you have mentioned on an I phone!

[fuzzy]

i cant think of any reason why id need a pc in my car.
a cars for driving. a pc's for surfing porn with the light off when your missus is up in bed.
unless your far to important and busy to wait until you get home to email someone?

[pac1982]

if you dont get it you never will

[bss325i]

What to have a branch or dixons in my car?

Oh i get that but its stupid.

[schnaarf]

No it isn't. We're talking about a small computer smaller than a head unit. Not a washing machine & dish washer mate, but I do agree, that would be stupid.