Sony Headunit

[AC Schnitzel]

I'm in the market for a new headunit, and although I know the vast majority of Sony HU's are SH*T, I dont mind this one (plus its relatively cheap)

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3087184993&category=3293

Does anyone have any experience with this model? Having a black face with no controls on the front must have its pro's and con's: smooth appearance(+), must rely on the remote a lot more(-).
I'm definitely open to suggestions whether they be pro or con, but please dont suggest Nakamichi as they are ridiculously expensive over here ($750USD+) and very rare. Also, any units suggested MUST play MP3!

[Sean]

For that price you could get a Clarion headunit, and one that'll match interior colors exactly. It looks like, even though the face is black, the colors will definately clash with the E30 interior lights.

[KenC]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3087831206&category=50144

[Sean]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3087831206&category=50 144

That works too... :P :up:

http://crutchfield.com has some pretty good selections too. Not sure if they ship internationally though.

[KenC]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3087831206&category=50 144

That works too... :P :up:

http://crutchfield.com has some pretty good selections too. Not sure if they ship internationally though.

Crutchfield is a ripoff.

[AC Schnitzel]

Yeah the link is great, but the HU is SECOND HAND and bidding is still running so who knows what type of price it will reach. Damn thats an ugly HU...

[rayz]

SONY xplod cdx-F5700. thats what just got. cd/mp3 - 3 rca's, aux input.

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13712

has like 5 different color illumination including amber.
Im very happy with it

[Matto]

Yik, I wouldnt buy anything sony. For the price you can get somthing that is way better quality. Alpine is always a good idea for audio.

[AC Schnitzel]

Do you know that from experience, or is that just what your mate said?

[christophbmw]

i think that if you really like your e30.....dont put that sony in there. get alpine.....you drive a nice car which needs nice stuff, so dont go ruining your car by putting sony in it.

[KenC]

Re: Sony Headunit

I'm in the market for a new headunit, and although I know the vast majority of Sony HU's are SH*T, I dont mind this one (plus its relatively cheap)

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3087184993&category=3293

Does anyone have any experience with this model? Having a black face with no controls on the front must have its pro's and con's: smooth appearance(+), must rely on the remote a lot more(-).
I'm definitely open to suggestions whether they be pro or con, but please dont suggest Nakamichi as they are ridiculously expensive over here ($750USD+) and very rare. Also, any units suggested MUST play MP3!

I don't see anything about a D/A converter in the specs.

What is your goal for you car stereo? Are you an audiophile? Do you plan on using external amplifiers and aftermarket speakers?

[AC Schnitzel]

kencopperwheat: yeah I will definitely run splits in the front (powered by headunit) and at least one 12" sub (powered by amp). Personally after installing quite a few car systems and getting semi-interested in the scene, I believe that the amp, install and splits will provide more input into a good system than the headunit will. Thus, I want a full-featured, aesthetically pleasing HU...and very few ppl are giving me objective opinions.
Note: "sony sux" "i heard sony HU's are crappy" are not OBJECTIVE! I also refuse to believe that low-end Alpine models are better than high-end Sony...

[KenC]

kencopperwheat: yeah I will definitely run splits in the front (powered by headunit) and at least one 12" sub (powered by amp). Personally after installing quite a few car systems and getting semi-interested in the scene, I believe that the amp, install and splits will provide more input into a good system than the headunit will. Thus, I want a full-featured, aesthetically pleasing HU...and very few ppl are giving me objective opinions.
Note: "sony sux" "i heard sony HU's are crappy" are not OBJECTIVE! I also refuse to believe that low-end Alpine models are better than high-end Sony...

Splits? I'm assuming that's your lingo for components down there.
I'd say that deck is definitely 'full-featured'. Contrary to what most of the noobs before me have posted, Sony can actually make a pretty nice CD player. A few years back they made arguably one of the best for SQ on the market (albeit it was just shy of $1k USD). It's a higher end Sony so I wouldn't worry about it being a piece of shit, especially not at that price. It also has 4V preouts, which is pretty decent. I'd say go for it if it's got everything you're looking for.
As far as running the components off of the deck, I'd seriously consider getting an external amplifier. You'll notice a world of difference. I'd recommend trying to find an a/d/s/ two-channel amp for the components, one that puts out about 40x2. You should be able to pick one up for less than $50 on eBay.

[Matto]

Sony just has a bad reutation for quality. On top of that all of the sony gadjets ive had have died a lot sooner than my non sony ones.