Head Unit

xplosiv · Post by **xplosiv** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 6:52 pm

Hi,

Please can you all recommend a good head unit for mp3's (mp3 cd player):

I am after one with a large LCD screen so you can navigate easily through all the stuff you but on the cd, I ask as all the HU's I have seen all have f*cking small displays which makes navigation hell

Price range up to £150

Cheers,

Andy

NB: and a cheap place to get it from

jameslxdt · Post by **jameslxdt** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 6:58 pm

alpine 9857r on ebay

i used to have one and there amazing, no fancy display, just simple and clear

but there not cheap

mjb · Post by **mjb** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 8:31 pm

I have one of these: http://jvcmobile.co.uk/product.php?pr=14

I bought it purely because 1) it plays MP3s and 2) it has a very clear display which is easy to read at a glance - much clearer than do-everything top end models

The picture doesn't do it justice as they've got it set to flashy whizzo chavvy useless crap mode instead of something sensible. No colour display or anything so it's fairly cheap in comparison, but you can set the backlight colour to match the 406 and have it dim when you switch the headlamps on

You can set it to tilt the face up when it's on, which makes it easier to read given the 406's fairly low mount.

Basically on that display is (top line) album number, track number, track time, (middle line) album name, (bottom line) track name. Gets its data from the id3 tags if any else it falls back to using the folder/filename.

It takes about 10 secs to scan a cd when you put a new one in, this means pressing the next track/album buttons result in the display changing nearly instantly, so you can browse through all the albums on the disc nice and quickly without risking missing the traffic lights turning to green ;)

xplosiv · Post by **xplosiv** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 9:54 pm

Yes I agree, I hate all the chavved up crap, I find it funny that they cost £200 -300 but look like they cost £10. It is like everything chav's do to cars, put shitty lights on them etc.

I like the look of that head unit; can you attach the 406 standard cd multi changer into it?

And does it have an AUX line in on the front, or will have to do a DIY job and add a cable from the back?

Do I need a set of converter leads so it will connect to the 406?

Last question how much is the stalk converter and where can I buy it?

Edit: - How much is it and where can I buy it from?

Many Thanks,

Andy

NB: if you get time could you stick a picture of it on the forum (from your car)?

mjb · Post by **mjb** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 9:30 pm

Bleedin' hell you don't ask much do you?

xplosiv wrote:I like the look of that head unit; can you attach the 406 standard cd multi changer into it?

Not as far as I know. But the standard cd changer will only read audio CDs not data, plus mine took exception to burnt CDs... so it's not really worth it.

And does it have an AUX line in on the front, or will have to do a DIY job and add a cable from the back?

It's got a 3.5mm stereo jack on a trailing cable from the back of it. It's just long enough so if you're careful you can stick it down the slot at the front of the centre console so it dangles down into the storage area by the ashtray

Do I need a set of converter leads so it will connect to the 406?

Nope

Last question how much is the stalk converter and where can I buy it?

Autoleads I think they're called sell one, and you can get them from Halfrauds for about £30 but don't quote me on that. I never bothered

Edit: - How much is it and where can I buy it from?

It cost me about £250 from Halfrauds nearly 2 years ago. I dare say it may be past 'last years thing' now so you might have some fun finding one, but it should be a lot cheaper now.

NB: if you get time could you stick a picture of it on the forum (from your car)?

I'll see if I remember tomorrow. Might not be a good picture as it's only in Summer I get to drive in the daylight... Plus my phone's crap.

One thing I would say about it though, is if I had it stolen (btw it has a detachable front thingy) I would buy the same model again without hesitation.

xplosiv · Post by **xplosiv** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:27 pm

HI,

Got one off eBay for £51.50 6 months old in box and only used for 2 months, I have yet to try it as I missed the delivery. So will let you no if it is broken or not.

Andy

xplosiv · Post by **xplosiv** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 6:15 pm

hi,

where the hell does the ariel connect to?

do i need an adapter?

Andy

mjb · Post by **mjb** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 10:27 pm

*if memory serves* the 406 aerial cable connects to a short break-out cable coming out the back of the head. I think an adapter may be required (possibly male-male RCA?), it was for the original car I bought it for (Renault Laguna Mk.1) but I can't remember if I took it off or not for the 406. It was about £2 from Halfrauds.

Hope this helps

xplosiv · Post by **xplosiv** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 3:09 am

hi,

i got the connecter for £3, maybe you can help with this one: -

The New head unit keeps on reseting its self any ideas?

Many Thanks,

Andy

mjb · Post by **mjb** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 12:29 pm

Sounds like it's not being fed backup power - I'd be willing to bet when your key's out of the ignition, you can't eject the cd?

If memory serves there's an adaptor cable supplied for the power, which has a few bullet connectors allowing you to wire different configurations. No details to hand, but you want to make sure the aux power is connected to an always-on source