Simple Head Unit

4G63K · Dec 15, 2008, 07:06 AM

Hi Everyone,

Im looking for a VERY simple head unit it for my evo as stock looking as possible. I just want to connect my ipod to it. I love the clean look for the stock radio and i would like a replacement.. Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks,

Blast83 · Dec 15, 2008, 08:13 PM

I went to best buy and was surprised that even $90 units have iPod (USB) interfaces now. I doubt anyone here buys a cheap replacement unit to replace the cheap stock one. May want to head over there and see which one you like the most and order it online to save some money. Check my post below for a Pioneer 6000 unit I just bought. It was $250....more than I wanted to spend but I'm pretty happy with it. A cheap unit isn't going to sound the best...even more so if you go with an analog input from the iPod instead of a USB interface.

boostdtalon · Dec 15, 2008, 09:03 PM

i went to fry's and bought a sony headunit with the ipod hookup for mine. mine cost about $200. it was worth it. especially since i just throw my ipod in the glove box and away i go.

4G63K · Dec 16, 2008, 07:20 AM

Thanks guys.. im going to look around.. i hate making a ton of cd's

4G63K · Dec 16, 2008, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blast83

I went to best buy and was surprised that even $90 units have iPod (USB) interfaces now. I doubt anyone here buys a cheap replacement unit to replace the cheap stock one. May want to head over there and see which one you like the most and order it online to save some money. Check my post below for a Pioneer 6000 unit I just bought. It was $250....more than I wanted to spend but I'm pretty happy with it. A cheap unit isn't going to sound the best...even more so if you go with an analog input from the iPod instead of a USB interface.

Do you have any pictures?

EvolvedMR · Dec 16, 2008, 08:42 AM

If you want to stay stock, the best option in my opinion is to use a direct FM modulator. You won't be able to get this at Best Buy though, you will have to get from a car stereo place. What it is, is a box that plugs in-line to your stock stereo's antenna jack, it comes with RCA inputs, and requires a switched 12 volt source, and an on off switch. Many companies make these fairly cheaply, If you ask the stereo shop for an A/V input box, they will know. These are used a lot of times for TV in the headrest set ups. Install behind the factory stereo, add an RCA to stereo headphone jack cable - (less than ten bucks at radioshack), and put the ipod and the on off switch in the glovebox. All you have to do is set your radio to the correct channel and your good to go.

You should be able to do the whole thing for less than 50 bucks. While you are tapping a 12 volt source for the modulator, you could also add a charger for your Ipod to keep it going on long trips.

I did this in my f-150 and actually mounted a dock for the ipod in the dash tray, so I can see what is playing, and quickly change it at will.

prodigalsunn · Dec 16, 2008, 08:55 AM

put guages where your stock radio is, install a head unit in your glove box, run you usb for your ipod to where ever you want to mount it and have a super sleek look. plus not if a thief comes by and doesn't see a head unit they are less likely to break in

SPOOLD · Dec 16, 2008, 09:08 AM

i had a Clarion DXZ475MP in mine and loved it. it was cheap (look for em on ebay, i bought mine for $60 or $70 new) had decent featurs and didnt look out of place. and the best part is if you have done one of the diy amber hvac lighting mods to match the gauge cluster the illumination matches all of it very well. i liked that part a lot.

4G63K · Dec 16, 2008, 11:32 AM

Thanks guys i have a few options to consider.. thank you for all your help..

evo4g63awd · Dec 16, 2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvolvedMR

If you want to stay stock, the best option in my opinion is to use a direct FM modulator. You won't be able to get this at Best Buy though, you will have to get from a car stereo place. What it is, is a box that plugs in-line to your stock stereo's antenna jack, it comes with RCA inputs, and requires a switched 12 volt source, and an on off switch. Many companies make these fairly cheaply, If you ask the stereo shop for an A/V input box, they will know. These are used a lot of times for TV in the headrest set ups. Install behind the factory stereo, add an RCA to stereo headphone jack cable - (less than ten bucks at radioshack), and put the ipod and the on off switch in the glovebox. All you have to do is set your radio to the correct channel and your good to go.

You should be able to do the whole thing for less than 50 bucks. While you are tapping a 12 volt source for the modulator, you could also add a charger for your Ipod to keep it going on long trips.

I did this in my f-150 and actually mounted a dock for the ipod in the dash tray, so I can see what is playing, and quickly change it at will.

You can get that at circuit city, but when all said and done, you are talking about $60 for it

so at that point, IMO replace the radio, you get more features.

If you want, I have an Eclipse CD4000 stereo and the Ipod interface (IPC106) that plays directly through your stereo, and I have all parts needed as well for install. PM me if you are interested.

4G63K · Dec 16, 2008, 12:27 PM

See thats the thing i like the fit of the stock radio its very clean looking.. thats why im looking for a VERY simple replacment or a diff solution..

NWEvoViii · Dec 16, 2008, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evo4g63awd

You can get that at circuit city, but when all said and done, you are talking about $60 for it

so at that point, IMO replace the radio, you get more features.

If you want, I have an Eclipse CD4000 stereo and the Ipod interface (IPC106) that plays directly through your stereo, and I have all parts needed as well for install. PM me if you are interested.

Here's the part for the Direct FM Modulator

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/produ...l.do?oid=80974

As for ipod control, I like last years model of Pioneer radios like the Pioneer Dehp5900ib for Ipod control, But you would have to buy an ipod cable for it.

Some of the new Sony's are not that bad like the Sony cdxgt430ip which comes w/ an ipod cable build into the radio (Just route it to your glove box) and its pretty easy to browse through your ipod through the radio. The higher model Sony's allow for multiple line display.

Of course, These radio won't keep your stock look you're looking for though, Lol.

evo4g63awd · Dec 16, 2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWEvoViii

Here's the part for the Direct FM Modulator

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/produ...l.do?oid=80974

But dont forget, thats not the only part you will need then, this gives you JUST an RCA input. You then need to get an RCA to 3.5mm cable to be able to plug into the headphone jack of the mp3 player

Broxma · Dec 16, 2008, 11:54 PM

Just FYI, the FM modulators don't work very well in big cities where every .2 on the dial there is a new station. D.C. being an example my wife has some experience with. She could not find a clean station to run her Ipod through.

I too haven't been into stereo's since around 1994. I went to BB the other day and was totally amazed. Every stereo regardless of price was Ipod compatible, MP3, HD, Digital, you name it. I settled on a Kenwood for my car and a Pioneer for the wifes.

Hers was 139 and mine was 129. We were paying over 500.00 for much less back in the 90's. BTW, her pioneer has a very square shallow face that would fit perfectly in the factory position. Better than the Kenwood I put in it did for sure.

/brox

EvolvedMR · Dec 17, 2008, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWEvoViii

Here's the part for the Direct FM Modulator

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/produ...l.do?oid=80974

As for ipod control, I like last years model of Pioneer radios like the Pioneer Dehp5900ib for Ipod control, But you would have to buy an ipod cable for it.

Some of the new Sony's are not that bad like the Sony cdxgt430ip which comes w/ an ipod cable build into the radio (Just route it to your glove box) and its pretty easy to browse through your ipod through the radio. The higher model Sony's allow for multiple line display.

Of course, These radio won't keep your stock look you're looking for though, Lol.

Yup. That's exactly it!!!. I agree with earlier posts. For not much more money, and less time you get more features. BUT, if your goal is to remain completely stock, This is the way to go.