Classy Headunit?

Ive got a 2000 156SW, looking to replace the clarion unit, ive not got any wheel controls subs/amps or cd changers so no requirements there.

Id like something classy, maybe with little gagues or needles to indicate output or something? just a little different from your halfords neon specials. Id like a line-in (on the back so i can hide my ipod rather than dangle it down the console) but thats not 100% necessary,
dont need bluetooth or any of that hands free lark.

Satnav would be nice but i cant imagine me getting that in a classy package.

What do you recomend?

classy or bling bling?

there are no HUs with analogue gauges fitted. nearest that i can remember is a 2-DIN denon unit, but may be only a Jap spec one, so probably not available in the UK.

perhaps check out the online websites for pioneer, sony, and jvc. there may be something there you like.

for overall quality though, i'd recommend alpine or eclipse. for niche brands, look at nakamichi.

the Pioneers with OEL screens emulate analogue guages, look pretty cool!

they are mostly 'blue' in colour though. if you like that, no probs.

some of their models have black/white displays which would be nicer, but unsure about the 'meter display'; if that's part of it.

not bling thats for sure, i want something subtle with good sound that looks right in an alfa. I was happy with the kenwood system in the last car, but it wouldnt match in this one! Will look at nakamichi now...

what colour is your dash and backlighting? i think the pioneer ones with the display set to 'meters' is rather bling - not classy, btw. what i'm saying is, meters = bling, not class, IMO!

the pioneer P88RS might suit you.
DEH-P88RS-II Pioneer Car Audio - CD Player - In CarÂ*Entertainment

Eclipse look very cool And Alpines older range sit in nice and same with their new ones kinda look better than my glide touch 9855R kinda too modern in my 146.

I meant more like uh.. gauges perhaps? to mirror the ones above the stereo, real old fashioned style. Might go with one of the low-key denon units...

Panasonic CQ-TX5500D Vacuum Tube Car Stereo | Uncrate


Like this!!! only not double-DIN. single slot only!

ah yeah, i remember seeing that panasonic one on websites. rather unique!

unfortunately, i don't think you'll find a 'late model' unit that is anything like that.

There is really only one headunit that comes to mind, and that is the classic Pioneer DEH-P77MP.

Take the facia apart and paint the white LEDs with either green or red nailpolish/bulb paint to match the rest of your dash.

Sorted.

Pic:
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j3...6/DSCN2700.jpg

Originally Posted by NiTRoGuY

There is really only one headunit that comes to mind, and that is the classic Pioneer DEH-P77MP.

Take the facia apart and paint the white LEDs with either green or red nailpolish/bulb paint to match the rest of your dash.

Sorted.

Pic:
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j3...6/DSCN2700.jpg

+1

I had this unit in my g/f's Spider. It looks great and has a good sound too.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3618/imgp0906hs2.jpg

Anything with VU Meters on it would look like 70's lo-fi, If you want to spend some moolah on good quality kit go for Nakamichi. You wont get any bling on it just seriously good sound - but at a cost above the market average.

The Panasonic is just tooo bling, plus I do wonder how long those tubes will last as tubes are notoriously fragile - especially to vibration!