Guys

I'm now looking to junk the Symphony tape player and multichanger after finally getting the **** with it displaying "ChkMagazine" and Surface.

I'm looking at getting a standard single DIN CD player/tuner with MP3/WMA playback.

I have seen a couple whilst browsing at Halfrauds that would suit my needs.

I have a couple of questions to ask first. :confused:

1. I seem to remember being told by the dealer at the time of purchase that Kenwood radios play havoc with the central locking. Is this right?

2. What would any of you guys suggest, I want to try and keep the radio looking as close to standard as possible. (Ie, not silver and having USB holes in the front.)

The standard fit speakers will be kept for now.

Cheers all.

If it's the OEM look you're after, nobody does it better than Becker IMO:

For example, the Grand Prix 7993

Can't help with that Kenwood issue though...

Steve

I have looked at Becker, but they are on the expensive side.

I can't justify spending £280 on a radio for the tank.

I should have said that I have a bidget of £150 max.

Thanks anyhoo Wardy.

Fair enough; they are a bit pricier than others, but the SQ and build are top notch.

Within budget then, I'd probably go for something like the Alpine 9880. At least the surround is black and it has green backlighting. Good price from CAD too.

Steve

Looks good.

I can feel an order going in very soon.

that becker unit, notice you save -£71!

Availability: In Stock

List Price: £199.99

SAVE: -£71.44

Our Price: £271.43

I got a Kenwood HU, and I've never heard or indeed had any problems with the central locking, although I did use a proper autoleads converter for the loom.

HTH

Also, I've read about the areial amplifier.

Apart from swapping the red and yellow for the switch/perm live will I need to sort out anything else?

Yeah, you can bung one in line and it will boost the signal as the OEM one is built into the unit iirc.

Is it a necessity?

I ain't sure, I bunged one in as it was a tenner

If you do a search there is loads of info on these, I think it made a difference to the reception, but can't really remember as I only listen to the radio once in a blue moon

Found the post by bodge.

I take it that it is only advisable then?

Yeah but for £10 you may as well fit one, saves pulling it all back out later if you then think you need one.

coolio, thanks lads.

yeah ive obviously got the Alpine 9880R unit fitted now. And it gets my vote!

As you said, youve gotta swap the red/yellow over, and remove the blue wire from the alpine adaptor. but thats it.

£130 off caraudiodirect, which is £50 less than Halfarts!

id whip the glovebox out when you do it too, saves alot of hassle and swearing trying to fit all the wires behind the new head unit!

ive still got the standard speakers, but it sounds approximately a million times better now. (official figure!)

Does anyone know how to remove the changer unit?? The torx screws on the front of the cage are too close to the arch for me to get a screwdriver on!

yeah ive obviously got the Alpine 9880R unit fitted now. And it gets my vote!

As you said, youve gotta swap the red/yellow over, and remove the blue wire from the alpine adaptor. but thats it.

£130 off caraudiodirect, which is £50 less than Halfarts!

id whip the glovebox out when you do it too, saves alot of hassle and swearing trying to fit all the wires behind the new head unit!

ive still got the standard speakers, but it sounds approximately a million times better now. (official figure!)

Does anyone know how to remove the changer unit?? The torx screws on the front of the cage are too close to the arch for me to get a screwdriver on!

you need to loosen the torx screws (dont remove ) and the changer and the carpeted cover pull towards the centre of the car and up .the bracket is clamped between the carpeted cover and the changer unit .

yeah ive obviously got the Alpine 9880R unit fitted now. And it gets my vote!

As you said, youve gotta swap the red/yellow over, and remove the blue wire from the alpine adaptor. but thats it.

£130 off caraudiodirect, which is £50 less than Halfarts!

id whip the glovebox out when you do it too, saves alot of hassle and swearing trying to fit all the wires behind the new head unit!

ive still got the standard speakers, but it sounds approximately a million times better now. (official figure!)

Does anyone know how to remove the changer unit?? The torx screws on the front of the cage are too close to the arch for me to get a screwdriver on!

If that is the official figure and not one that the powers that be quote (Ahem)..... Then I think thqat my order will be going in tonight.

Does anyone know how much CAD charge for a Saturday delivery?:confused:

I didnt have any problems with central locking when I had my kenwood, I was however dissapointed with the lack of bass with the Kenwood HU. I also had the power adaptor for the amplified arial.

I installed a sony HU into my superb and have decided that I need an amplifier for the radio, as frequently the signal will just drop, and I can't pick up any reception...then the following day on the same road in the same place its all fine! Means pulling the dash apart again though lol!!