Any one got any manufaturer recomendations? I am interested in the pioneer and alpine models but not sure which to go for.

I (and many other fabia drivers ) have the Pioneer deh-p77mp. Cracking head unit and very good quality for the money. It's a single-slot cd player one with retro style. Will play back cdr/cdr-w with mp3 and wma. 3 sets of pre-outs if you go down the amp route too

If you listen to a lot of radio, the blaupunkt woodstock dab 52, 53 and 54 are decent head units with dab built in. rooboy has one of them and is very happy with it afaik

Do a search in the ICE section. There's loads of information. You're more than welcome to have a listen to mine, but I've changed a little more than just the HU

Cheers, much help, i was looking at the pioneer one with the dolphins on. Got an alpine amp (v power) and a Alpine s type sub also so should be ok!

What about the Becker Monza with green illumination. That's the model I'll go for when my Symphony packs in.

Des

I've got an Alpine CDM9823R, and I'm really pleased with it. The green display matches the interior well, too!

It also allows a line-in for mp3 players: the adaptor lead costs between

I had that alpine head unit, but it just did not sound right off the built in amp, was not a fan of the mp3 cd handling functions and did not really get along with it, shame really as I love Alpine gear. I tried a Pioneer the 8600, the MP3 access is much better, uses a rotary know to quickly spin through the file structure, not so keen on the auto eq, but you can overlay your own curve on top (nice touch)

The inbuilt x-over is real good, more flexible then I am used to in a headunit.

2 bad points.

1. when turning off, takes an age fort he flap to open to remove the faec, I am a quick car exit person and this annoys me.

2. Can be hard to see the display in bright light.

But value for money it is a top contender in my book. I was gonna look at Nackamichi (sp?) but the gf through a paddy when she saw the pricing!

What about the Becker Monza with green illumination. That's the model I'll go for when my Symphony packs in.

Des

I don't have experience of the Becker Monza but my Becker Mexico is cr@p. The menu's have bugs, the front panel is really big and broke very easily. Also parts are horrendously priced. Nearly

I've got a Pioneer 6500

I don't have experience of the Becker Monza but my Becker Mexico is cr@p. The menu's have bugs, the front panel is really big and broke very easily. Also parts are horrendously priced. Nearly