head unit recomendation?

[aaron325ix]

its that time again. Heres the baics. I have a luke box so i need a sub preout, as well as preout for my front stage. Blue tooth is a must as i want hands free talking and also pandora in the car from my iphone. A USB in the front would be nice. CD with would be nice but i dont know if i necessarily need that anymore.

Ive checked out some JVC models and they seem to be pretty nice, especially since you can match the color to the e30 interior, but if anybody has any input, let me know.

[xtos]

I'm seriously focused on this Kenwood
Planning on installing a usb input on the handbrake console so I plug in my iPhone there too. The illumination color mostly I love.Seems to blend in so good. Also found a guy on youtube that posted a video. Price ain't bad either.

[bmwguy325is]

I have this one http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...vers/DEH-80PRS
You can tune the colors to anything you want as that seems to be important on here.
I am looking at getting this one though..

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/Stage4/CD-Players/DEX-P99RS

[aaron325ix]

the Kenwood doesnt look bad, but i dont see a price. I'm not looking to spend more than $200. anyone have experience with the JVC units?

[xtos]

Yeah it's "KDC-BT92SD" in Europe, "KDC-BT92HD" in the US, this one be it. Looks like it's in your price range.

[StereoInstaller1]

I have a 2010 JVC in my E34, the KD-R925.

The part I hate is the controls. There are 5 steps to get to sub level, balance, fader, etc. You can't search the USB drive if you use folders to organize your music. If you have larger than 2GB USB devices, the BT dongle gets stupid, eventually freezing the whole machine up.

The color match is nice and the SQ is wonderful. I have a knob on my dash for sub levels now, but it irked me no end when I din't. The only reason it is still in my dash is the awesome SQ, the Burr-Brown DACs really do seem to be better resolution.

The newer JVCs are not as annoying...but my attitude is still the same: all headunits suck in one way or another.

GL!
Luke

[campbellj25]

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500UTE42BT/Alpine-UTE-42BT.html?tp=5684&stop_mobi=yes

Alpine UTE-42BT

This one seems to fit what your looking for. Doesn't have a CD player though. I just ordered one for myself a few days ago.

[madsedan]

I have an Alpine cde-124sxm2 that was great, does everything you are asking for and it has SiriusXM radio built in and came with the antenna, etc. I removed it before selling the E30 but used it for a few weeks. You can have it for $140 if you want it.

[beta14ok]

................but if anybody has any input, let me know.

I've been enjoying a new JVC KD-HDR71BT this winter. It's sorta the swiss army knife of relatively low entry cost HUs. Everything works like it should...even the bluetooth is pretty effective. I'm pleased....and yes the colors go well with the e30.


Here's the install thread from October 2012.

[MrGeekFreak]

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500UTE4...&stop_mobi=yes

Alpine UTE-42BT

This one seems to fit what your looking for. Doesn't have a CD player though. I just ordered one for myself a few days ago.

I absolutely LOVE the square, boxy look of these Alpines. It matches the cockpit of the E30 so damn well.

But, the lack of color customization sort of bugged me. Beyond that, my main selling point was Bluetooth, so I went for the Pioneer DEH-6400BT. It can color-match the interior lights really well, sounds great, and was less than $100 at the time.

[aaron325ix]

i hear what youre saying Luke. i like the that the JVC has good color options, but I still think it just has a goofy look to it. Also where do you mount that damn microphone?

[StereoInstaller1]

i hear what youre saying Luke. i like the that the JVC has good color options, but I still think it just has a goofy look to it.

I won't disagree...like I said, all head units suck in one way or another IMO.

[CB-M3]

i installed my pioneer unit yesterday. will post pics when it's all cleaned up. i bought it based on reviews of other members saying color was close to the stock orange.

[aaron325ix]

I think i like the look of that alpine unit that campbell posted, just not sure about that blue source button. whats your opinion on that one Luke? I know you dont like Alpine so I'm kind of afraid to ask.

EDIT: looks like only blackberry users are able to connect wirelessly. I guess I'm SOL with my iPhone. WTF is up with that?

[StereoInstaller1]

Huh? Should do A2DP fine with your phone, gotta be a typo. I have paired 3's, 4's 4Ss' adn 5s with new Alpine, should be no issues for anything.

As far as the new Alpines like the one you showed, they are all 100% made by Panasonic. Inside and out, 100% Pana-freaking-sonic, and another part of the riddle of why Panasonic quit making car audio.

Except for the stupid blue lights, I love them.

Luke