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General => Car audio => Topic started by: jasonwinslow on 09 March 2010, 08:55

Title: Retro / Old Skool headunit with ipod/mp3 capabilities
Post by: jasonwinslow on 09 March 2010, 08:55
Hi guys,

I'm after a decent 80's style headunit but ideally want something capable of playing music from my ipod. I want something that suits the 'boxy' look of a mk2, none of this modern smooth round rubbish!! Must be decent SQ though.

I don't mind if it's a proper ipod connection like the alpine interface, or just phono to headphone jack via the aux in - as long as it works and looks retro :cool:

Budget isn't important at this stage, just want to actually find something that meets my needs! Also doesn't matter if it is a passive HU as I will be running amps to 17cm comps and and 10" sub.

Would like to go with something German like Blaupunkt or Becker, but so far only found Alpine stuff.
Title: Re: Retro / Old Skool headunit with ipod/mp3 capabilities
Post by: jasonwinslow on 09 March 2010, 09:00
So far my list of maybes are;

Apline 7904
Apline 7939r
Alpine 7949

Anyone know if any of those can run with the an Alpine ipod interface or cable? I'd actually prefer to use my ipod to control the music rather than the HU so thats no prob.
Title: Re: Retro / Old Skool headunit with ipod/mp3 capabilities
Post by: jasonwinslow on 09 March 2010, 09:03
Mods - can you move this to the car audio section. Had a bit of a 'mare :embarassed: Sorry!
Title: Re: Retro / Old Skool headunit with ipod/mp3 capabilities
Post by: dragonfly on 10 March 2010, 08:43
I think you may be hard pushed to find an 80s unit with AUX in let alone a jack. If you do chances are you will need to control your music from the iPod.

What about using an FM modulator?
Title: Re: Retro / Old Skool headunit with ipod/mp3 capabilities
Post by: jasonwinslow on 10 March 2010, 15:03
Quote from: dragonfly on 10 March 2010, 08:43
I think you may be hard pushed to find an 80s unit with AUX in let alone a jack. If you do chances are you will need to control your music from the iPod

The decent old skool alpine stuff has the option to replace the cd changer with a lead for mp3s etc instead if that makes sense. You can get an ipod specific connection or just a 3.5mm headphone jack on the other end. Or so I've been led to believe by an audio expert... :nerd:

KCE-422i for ipod http://www.alpine-electronics.co.uk/products/details/ipodR-solutions/kce-422i.html
KCE-236b for anything else http://www.alpine-electronics.co.uk/products/details/ipodR-solutions/kce-236b.html

Thats the case for the 7939r anyway.

Quote from: dragonfly on 10 March 2010, 08:43
What about using an FM modulator?

They sound whack! :sick: I'm after something decent otherwise I'd prefer to just use CD's
Title: Re: Retro / Old Skool headunit with ipod/mp3 capabilities
Post by: dragonfly on 10 March 2010, 16:37
Ah yes of course! Yep that would work!
Title: Re: Retro / Old Skool headunit with ipod/mp3 capabilities
Post by: jasonwinslow on 10 March 2010, 18:53
Quote from: dragonfly on 10 March 2010, 16:37
Ah yes of course! Yep that would work!

I hope so. Any other suggestions of retro headunits?
Title: Re: Retro / Old Skool headunit with ipod/mp3 capabilities
Post by: j_jza80 on 10 March 2010, 23:52
Nakamichi head units are TOP for sound quality and look retro. Quite expensive though (around £100 second hand)

(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm203/j_s14a/nakamichi_cd_400.jpg)

They have adjustable display colours too.
Title: Re: Retro / Old Skool headunit with ipod/mp3 capabilities
Post by: jasonwinslow on 11 March 2010, 08:49
Haven't heard much about them? As I said, budget isn't important right now :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Retro / Old Skool headunit with ipod/mp3 capabilities
Post by: dragonfly on 11 March 2010, 16:10
I recently sold two of my old Naks - a CD45z and CD40z.  Both were cracking headunits - recommend them.