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General => Car audio => Topic started by: GregUK on 06 May 2009, 17:26

Title: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: GregUK on 06 May 2009, 17:26: I'm looking to replace my VW Gamma head unit with an aftermarket one, but want it to match the rest of the car (blue screen backlight with red button illumination). I couldn't find a thread discussing possible options, so thought I would start one. Feel free to add any further suggestions; I will keep this thread updated if I find any more :smiley:

1) Pioneer DEH-1100MPB
(http://www.pioneer.co.uk/images/products/caraudio/pioneer/deh1100mpb_main1_gallery.jpg)

2) Becker Grand Prix 7995 (bluetooth phone compatible, but high end so not cheap)
(http://www.beckerspanakis.eu/pictures/Grand_Prix_Zoom_7995_blau_1.jpg)

3) Various Blaupunkt models (not surprising as they make the VW Alpha/Beta/Gamma units)

- Brisbane SD48

(http://www.bluespot.co.uk/stock_image/brisbane.jpg)

- Sevilla MP38

(http://www.bluespot.co.uk/stock_image/sevilla.jpg)

- New Orleans MP58

(http://www.bluespot.co.uk/stock_image/neworleans.jpg)

- Kingston MP47 (screen colour changable, but has red key illumination)

(http://www.bluespot.co.uk/stock_image/kingston_ani.gif)

- Queens MP56 (found a photo of it in a Golf)

(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h208/old_n07/misc%20golf%20pics/DSCF0288.jpg)

That's it for now!
Title: Re: Aftermarket VW-look head units
Post by: bobbarley on 06 May 2009, 19:57: I like the Becker one, but not the price, and also the Kingston MP47 :)
Title: Re: Aftermarket VW-look head units
Post by: GregUK on 06 May 2009, 23:41: Quote from: bobbarley on 06 May 2009, 19:57
I like the Becker one, but not the price, and also the Kingston MP47 :)

I like the Becker, but it's pretty basic for £280.

The Blaupunkt Queens MP56 is my favourite so far I think -- a good compromise between OEM look and functionality. Here's a better pic (but with blue backlight, obviously):

(http://www.bluespot.co.uk/stock_image/queens.jpg)
Title: Re: Aftermarket VW-look head units
Post by: GregUK on 08 May 2009, 13:17: This drifts away from the OEM-look slightly as it's part silver, but adds Bluetooth.

Hamburg MP68:

(http://www.bluespot.co.uk/stock_image/hamburg_mp68.jpg)

The backlight can be set to blue/red as per the Queens MP56 above. Good value too at around £150 :smiley:
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: T_J_G on 08 May 2009, 13:35: (http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/images/shop/large/alpine/b_cde103bt.jpg)

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-cde103bt-p-7167.html?cadid=66umd9dbhaa7f3qvmon0ik3lr0
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: jeynesey on 08 May 2009, 16:01: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_500617_langId_-1_categoryId_165474

I know its halfords but not a bad buy??
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: GregUK on 08 May 2009, 16:08: Quote from: jeynesey on 08 May 2009, 16:01
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_500617_langId_-1_categoryId_165474

I know its halfords but not a bad buy??

I've listened to this unit in Halfords. It blows most of the Sony models out of the water for clarity.

Looks wise, I think I prefer a blue backlit screen in a VW, so would probably go with the Pioneer DEH-1100MPB instead (above). Depends what you're after though. :smiley:
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: AlanD on 08 May 2009, 16:12: Quote from: T_J_G on 08 May 2009, 13:35
(http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/images/shop/large/alpine/b_cde103bt.jpg)

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-cde103bt-p-7167.html?cadid=66umd9dbhaa7f3qvmon0ik3lr0

Winner.
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: jeynesey on 08 May 2009, 16:13: I did think that, but with the subtle red around it I think would blend in nicely
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: jeynesey on 08 May 2009, 16:14: Quote from: AlanD on 08 May 2009, 16:12
Quote from: T_J_G on 08 May 2009, 13:35
(http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/images/shop/large/alpine/b_cde103bt.jpg)

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-cde103bt-p-7167.html?cadid=66umd9dbhaa7f3qvmon0ik3lr0

Winner.

£100 extra, really worth it??? :laugh:
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: AlanD on 08 May 2009, 16:15: As my old man says, if the jobs worth doing, do it properly.
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: T_J_G on 08 May 2009, 17:56: Quote from: jeynesey on 08 May 2009, 16:14
Quote from: AlanD on 08 May 2009, 16:12
Quote from: T_J_G on 08 May 2009, 13:35
(http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/images/shop/large/alpine/b_cde103bt.jpg)

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-cde103bt-p-7167.html?cadid=66umd9dbhaa7f3qvmon0ik3lr0

Winner.

£100 extra, really worth it??? :laugh:

Bluetooth and Ipod support. I really want one but don't want to spend that kind of money.
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: bobbarley on 08 May 2009, 19:55: Alpine, good quality, but seriously falls down on style :undecided:
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: GregUK on 08 May 2009, 20:05: Quote from: bobbarley on 08 May 2009, 19:55
Alpine, good quality, but seriously falls down on style :undecided:

I think the trouble is, anything with a segmented display is starting to look a bit '90s.
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: bobbarley on 08 May 2009, 20:49: I concur.
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: MrShabz on 11 May 2009, 18:37: http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=113813.0

:cool:
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: bobbarley on 11 May 2009, 20:17: After all my b!tching on old school segmented displays, I really like this one!

Kenwood KDC-W4644UY

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/kenwood-kdcw4644uy-p-7223.html

(http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/images/shop/large/kenwood/b_kdcw4644uy.jpg)
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: Rhyso on 11 May 2009, 20:27: Quote from: bobbarley on 11 May 2009, 20:17
After all my b!tching on old school segmented displays, I really like this one!

Kenwood KDC-W4644UY

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/kenwood-kdcw4644uy-p-7223.html

(http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/images/shop/large/kenwood/b_kdcw4644uy.jpg)

that does look rather smart :smiley:
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: DanoGTI on 12 May 2009, 06:00: I've got to say that I've never seen the attraction with the Alpine stuff. Found them really fiddly to use, and I don't like the styling. I'm sure they're very good, but I can't help but feel that they're popular for the name's sake......

I'd personally go Pioneer - just as fiddly (:grin:), but nicer to look at, and a much warmer sound.

ALL IMHO, of course ;)

DAn
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: danny_p on 14 May 2009, 00:44: i've had a few alpines and allways liked them. ain't the cheepest but they work well and keep on working well.

had an alpine in the work van, it would play cd's while been ratteld around driveing down rough tracks without skiping and it would also play cd's that were coverd in nasty scratches that other units woudl just spit back out
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: jeynesey on 14 May 2009, 10:41: Quote from: Rhyso on 11 May 2009, 20:27
Quote from: bobbarley on 11 May 2009, 20:17
After all my b!tching on old school segmented displays, I really like this one!

Kenwood KDC-W4644UY

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/kenwood-kdcw4644uy-p-7223.html

(http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/images/shop/large/kenwood/b_kdcw4644uy.jpg)

that does look rather smart :smiley:

Think I may well buy that one :smiley:

http://www.audio66.com/product.asp?id=5959&cat=1&man=3&main=1
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: T_J_G on 14 May 2009, 16:15: Quote from: jeynesey on 14 May 2009, 10:41
Quote from: Rhyso on 11 May 2009, 20:27
Quote from: bobbarley on 11 May 2009, 20:17
After all my b!tching on old school segmented displays, I really like this one!

Kenwood KDC-W4644UY

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/kenwood-kdcw4644uy-p-7223.html

(http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/images/shop/large/kenwood/b_kdcw4644uy.jpg)

that does look rather smart :smiley:

Think I may well buy that one :smiley:

http://www.audio66.com/product.asp?id=5959&cat=1&man=3&main=1

Does look good but does it have aUSB ont the rear as don't like connectinbg stuff on the front as it looks poop
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: bobbarley on 14 May 2009, 17:54: Well, I just received it today!! The sound is brilliant! And when using the radio it does that cool information scrolling text thing :) Really easy to set up and use, barely needed to use the manual.

It only has a front USB, but that doesn't bother me too much, as I'm going to fashion a stealthy kinda connection for a hard drive at some point, that can be hidden when not in use.
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: jeynesey on 14 May 2009, 22:54: Quote from: bobbarley on 14 May 2009, 17:54
Well, I just received it today!! The sound is brilliant! And when using the radio it does that cool information scrolling text thing :) Really easy to set up and use, barely needed to use the manual.

It only has a front USB, but that doesn't bother me too much, as I'm going to fashion a stealthy kinda connection for a hard drive at some point, that can be hidden when not in use.

Good news!!! Did you need an adaptor stalk thing to fit it mate? Gonna order it now dont tell the gf :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: jeynesey on 14 May 2009, 22:58: Also mate how does it look in the car? How well does it "blend in"
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: T_J_G on 15 May 2009, 10:28: Quote from: bobbarley on 14 May 2009, 17:54
Well, I just received it today!! The sound is brilliant! And when using the radio it does that cool information scrolling text thing :) Really easy to set up and use, barely needed to use the manual.

It only has a front USB, but that doesn't bother me too much, as I'm going to fashion a stealthy kinda connection for a hard drive at some point, that can be hidden when not in use.

Damn, I'l lscrub that one off the list.
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: gjroe78 on 19 May 2009, 09:34: Did you fit it yourself Bob ??? Easy ?
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: jeynesey on 19 May 2009, 22:40: Quote from: gjroe78 on 19 May 2009, 09:34
Did you fit it yourself Bob ??? Easy ?

Mine is in now too, nice an easy to fit, had to borrow the tools to get my old one out though!! lol
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: bobbarley on 19 May 2009, 22:45: Quote from: gjroe78 on 19 May 2009, 09:34
Did you fit it yourself Bob ??? Easy ?
Went in a treat, no problems. I didn't have the tool to remove the old stereo, so I had to "fashion" one out of plastic. Worked though :)

I'll try to get some shots of the stereo. It looks about 90% OEM'ish.
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: dTEA on 22 May 2009, 15:37: piece of p!ss to remove the old headunits in a mk4...the tool is only £5 from halfrauds. You need the lower cubbyhole out of a polo/lesser golf and that'll save getting a blanking plater plus keeps it OEM, and the extra space is useful for phones, cigs, etc :cool: The other thing you may need depending on headunit is the connection adapter and Autoleads from Halfrauds support this also for about £10...most units don't need it these days tho.
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: Stokie Mac on 04 January 2010, 12:32: Quote from: bobbarley on 19 May 2009, 22:45
Quote from: gjroe78 on 19 May 2009, 09:34
Did you fit it yourself Bob ??? Easy ?
Went in a treat, no problems. I didn't have the tool to remove the old stereo, so I had to "fashion" one out of plastic. Worked though :)

I'll try to get some shots of the stereo. It looks about 90% OEM'ish.

Have you got any photos of the Head Unit mate??..
As im thinking about getting this Head Unit myself..
Cheers..
:smiley:
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: AlanD on 04 January 2010, 13:04: Must. Stop. Stareing. At. Sig.
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: DanoGTI on 04 January 2010, 19:00: Was JUST thinking the same..... sorry what's the topic about again.......
:drool:

DAn :grin:
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: connects2 on 22 April 2010, 13:06: how about these units?

http://www.zenec.com/en/products/ego/volkswagen-seat/ze-nc2010/ (http://www.zenec.com/en/products/ego/volkswagen-seat/ze-nc2010/)

(http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/productimages/zoom/zenec-ze-nc2010.jpg)
or

http://www.zenec.com/en/products/ego/volkswagen-seat/ze-nc2040/ (http://www.zenec.com/en/products/ego/volkswagen-seat/ze-nc2040/)

(http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/productimages/zoom/ZENEC-ZE-NC2040.jpg)

they are made specifically for VW but the units have all the features you expect, ipod/iphone , dvd,parrot bluetooth, usb, sd card reader

let me know what you think

cheers

Stu
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: AlanD on 22 April 2010, 13:49: Hummm they look pretty decent.
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: connects2 on 22 April 2010, 14:05: they are a good unit, the illumination lights are the same as on the car so everything still matches.
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: tom-gardiner on 22 April 2010, 15:03: Quote from: jeynesey on 08 May 2009, 16:14
Quote from: AlanD on 08 May 2009, 16:12
Quote from: T_J_G on 08 May 2009, 13:35
(http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/images/shop/large/alpine/b_cde103bt.jpg)

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-cde103bt-p-7167.html?cadid=66umd9dbhaa7f3qvmon0ik3lr0

im going for the double din Alpine...

(http://www.vaasanykkosradio.fi/store/images/alpine_cde-w203ri.jpg)
Winner.

£100 extra, really worth it??? :laugh:
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: connects2 on 22 April 2010, 15:19: thats not a bad unit but with the zenec you can a monitor input so if you have screens in your head rest everyone wathes the same it supports multizone just incase you dont want the same as everyone else, you can put a tv tuner on it and you can have a reverse cam on it so i suppose the £100 is worth it in some ways and it supports bluetooth audio streaming. i suppose the £100 is worth it in someways
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: Golf GTI Dude on 25 September 2010, 18:04: becker all the way
Title: Re: Aftermarket OEM-look head units
Post by: Snoopy on 25 September 2010, 18:40: Got to agree on becker. I have one in the mk1.

For the mk5 and 6 i quite like

http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/products/car/vw/DNX520VBT/

(http://images.kenwood.eu/files/image/1698/8/original/DNX520VBT_IMG_VW-Golf-GTI_F.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/jaffa666/mini-IphonepicsJune370.jpg)