[Swiss spider]

Team,
Hopefully the last project that I mean to complete is up-rating the original stereo in the Spider. Aside from the poor sound the LCD display has faded, it's connected to a 6 CD changer sited in the cubby hole near to the battery. I would much prefer a radio/CD player with single front-loading. It obviously needs to be finished in the silver of the centre console and I was wandering whether a straight transplant from a JTS would be the best option? Again ideally I was hoping for a simple 'plug-and-play' with little or no modification to the available wiring. My Spider is a Phase 2 on a '99 plate.Added to this I suppose there is the marginal weight saving by loosing the changer. I would appreciate your views.......

Swiss Spider.

 

[alexGS]

I agree with you about the CD changer; they are just generally a pain in the arse with skipping/disc load errors and are basically obsolete technology...

My Spider has an 'original' (for Japanese market) Kenwood stereo branded 'Alfa Romeo' but with finicky buttons, some blue illumination (which I hate) and a single CD in the headunit which skips way too easily with a scratched disc.

The way I see it, there are two good options:
- Original silver headunit out of a 2000s-era Alfa - these are basically a Blaupunkt mid-range unit and produce mid-range sound. I have an XCarLink adaptor in my 156 which works brilliantly - mimics a Blaupunkt CD changer but interfaces an iPod or iPhone and allows either playlist selection or direct control from the iPod/iPhone. Has optional Bluetooth adapter for phone calls. Disadvantage: quite expensive for the two combined and I think the faceplate trim is different for the Spider to the 147/156 but I guess you have taken that into consideration. Also there are no steering wheel controls in the Spider so one advantage of the setup in my 156 is lost.

- New headunit with integrated iPod/iPhone functionality and Bluetooth. I think this is the better-value option and you get what you pay for - some high-end units have self-equalisation with microphone which will extract the best sound possible from the speakers. I have found that Pioneer headunits offer tasteful looks (green illumination) and good sound quality - the one I use in my 164 is a DEH-3000IB (I think) and it was cheaper than the XCarLink - but no Bluetooth. Radio operation is confusing (no preset buttons) but it looks great. A 120GB iPod left in the glovebox and cabled-in permanently provides thousands of tracks and makes a 6-CD changer look pathetic.

ISO adapters are available for most brands - like you, I hate bodged wiring.

I personally dislike anything with small buttons and blue illumination. Most cheaper brand-name headunits have 'budget' LCDs not capable of displaying song names, though that limitation also applies to the Alfa unit. The Pioneer I have has a pleasant white LCD and a multifunction single knob.

-Alex

 

[Chris_C2000]

Do GTV's/Spiders have the same wiring for the stereo?

I had one of these in my 156 with the converters supplied by Halfords, moved it over to my GTV, plugged straight in no fuss with the same adaptor, even works the electric aerial perfectly, raising it when you turn the radio on and lowering it when you switch to USB or CD.

Sony CDX-GT35U CD MP3 Car Stereo with Aux Input and: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

 

[jaymz]

I've got an Alpine CDE-111R in my Spider which fits in very well with the silver centre console and green dash dials. Sound quality is also very good even with the standard speakers...

Cheers,
James

 

[Swiss spider]

Thanks for the excellent and informative replies......there's a lot to take in and some of the terminology shows just how 'out-of-touch' I am when it comes to ICE.

Nice one team!! Swiss.

 

[radicalmachine]

It all depends on your budget:

You may want any or all of these features:

- iPod interface so you can control an iPod from the headunit
- Bluetooth (hands free calls, and stream music from your iPhone or other smartphone)
- Front loading CD Player with MP3 support

The standard speakers in the GTV are fairly unimpressive, even for it's era - mk5 Ford Fiestas for instance have better speakers Nevertheless, a new headunit should have a fairly decent amplifier and rudimentary EQ (equalisation) control and you'll notice an immediate improvement in sound quality over the factory headunit's amplifier. You may want to consider upgrading the speakers. I have a pair of full range JBLs in the rear, and standard component speakers up front.

The sky's the limit in terms of features and quality, but a spend of around £110-180 should get you a brand name with everything listed above.

 

[JAO]

I've got an Alpine CDE-111R in my Spider which fits in very well with the silver centre console and green dash dials. Sound quality is also very good even with the standard speakers...

Cheers,
James

+1

I've done the same but fitted some Alpine speakers with it, excellent value for money and the best sound quality I've heard, just need a little more Bass.

 

[alexGS]

For me it's actually quite nice that there is no properly-integrated standard stereo and the speakers are average, as it provides an excuse to upgrade it and get whatever you like

Cars newer than the GTV/Spider generally have an integrated factory stereo which I'm loathe to consider 'upgrading' to an aftermarket unit. Take the stereo in an Alfa 166, for example - amazing DSP sound and fully integrated with other functions (air conditioning, etc.) but of course no iPod/iPhone compatibility, no Bluetooth, etc. so you're left with difficult decisions.

With the GTV/Spider it's easy because the stereo isn't related to anything else.
I'm considering this Pioneer Pioneer Media Centre With USB iPod/iPhone - CD Tuners - JB Hi-Fi - Smashing Prices! or this Sony Sony DSXS300BTX - Great Value - Abtec | Online Car Audio as a cheaper option. I have a feeling the Pioneer will have the better sound quality of the two. EDIT: OK, maybe I have to take that back after reading http://www.mobileelectronics.com.au/reviews/digital_media_receivers/

-Alex

 

[Rufus Ruffcut]

I went for the Alpine BT126 (I think it is) head unit with JL speakers which just fitted in the original door apertures.
sound is MUCH improved plus I have an iPod cable in the glovebox with full control over playlists etc plus I have Bluetooth connection and hands free through the stereo for my phone.

It all works seemlessly

RR

 

[alexGS]

Thanks RR... I hadn't heard of JL speakers and wondered if you meant JBL but then I did a Google search and I found JL Audio ZR570CSI 5x7" Car Speakers - RYDA Car Audio($878.85) ... oh my goodness, maybe a bit beyond my price range :lol:

Reason I ask is because I've found some 5x7" JBL speakers but not sure if they will fit. Is there any chance you could advise the exact 'model' of speakers please? I understand if that's not possible - don't go taking them out - just thought you might have the box or the receipt maybe... Thanks

-Alex

 

[Rufus Ruffcut]

Hi Alex,

No worries, it's peeing down outside so just dug out the invoice )))

Part number is : JL-TR570CXI and they were 99 pound for the pair.
they are dual cone so I disconnected the Alfa tweeter and used the tweeter on these.

hope this helps
RR

 

[alexGS]

Hi Alex,

No worries, it's peeing down outside so just dug out the invoice )))

Part number is : JL-TR570CXI and they were 99 pound for the pair.
they are dual cone so I disconnected the Alfa tweeter and used the tweeter on these.

hope this helps
RR

Thank you for that!
I'll see if I can find those, I now know that JL have a great reputation and that price is more my budget. I guess one reason to use coaxials is the mounting depth problem...

-Alex

 

[Guest]

I have a Sony head unit you can have for £20, front loading cd powered aerial, just taken it out of my spider to replace with a touchscreen unit. Will fit straight in, standard connectors.

 

[Swiss spider]

Thanks, can you send me some images and spec; please......

Cheers, Swiss.

 

[alexGS]

I have a Sony head unit you can have for £20, front loading cd powered aerial, just taken it out of my spider to replace with a touchscreen unit. Will fit straight in, standard connectors.

What single-DIN touchscreen unit have you chosen?

-Alex

 

[Guest]

Swiss - I dont have any photos at present (as at work) but the Sony unit is a CDX2000

AlexGS - The touchscreen single DIN I went for was off ebay - Eonon D1302

 

[Swiss spider]

No worries! I'm in the same boat at present stuck at work...as soon as I can get around to it i'll research it and let you know one way or tother,

Nice one! Swiss.

 

[Ruiner]

Swiss - I dont have any photos at present (as at work) but the Sony unit is a CDX2000

AlexGS - The touchscreen single DIN I went for was off ebay - Eonon D1302

Had a look at the Eonon - what is it like ?

 

[Guest]

It's pretty good. The DVD quality is good, I am connecting up a reversing camera as the plastic rear window of the spider can be tricky to see through when it's dark and raining. Bluetooth function is great as can answer calls and stream music from iPhone. Loud amp and good equalizer options as well as playing all formats, mp3, Avi, divX etc make for a good all round unit. Worth the money.

 

[Ruiner]

Thanks for the prompt reply - is it a straight swap, connectors etc ?