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Car Audio Head unit options
- Antony Oldham
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2 years 4 months ago - 2 years 4 months ago #43768
by Antony Oldham
Car Audio Head unit options was created by Antony Oldham
Hi All, I'm thinking of replacing my basic audio head unit and am thinking of a android compatible head unit with screen. Has anyone got one they have installed and recommend?
Thanks
Antony
Thanks
Antony
Last edit: 2 years 4 months ago by Antony Oldham.
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- Alan Hutton
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2 years 4 months ago #43772
by Alan Hutton
Replied by Alan Hutton on topic Car Audio Head unit options
I installed a Pioneer head unit (no CD or cassette!) - just Spotify / bluetooth / USB / DAB, FM / 4ch power amp unit.
Also allowed hands free phone use.
Bought it some 4 years ago so no point in quoting model numbers as they bring out new every year.
The advantage of the driveless head unit is they tend to be shorter and lighter so make installation simpler.
Do not be fooled by the brainless marketing power figures by the way, they all are limited by power = V2xR - battery voltage and speaker impedance,
so ~20watts per channel RMS is absolute tops. Any more, fit an external power amp with internal DC-DC inverter (as my subwoofer amp with 90Watts 1ch).
Most importantly!! - Fit the very best speakers you can afford, I spent ages selecting the optimum speakers (and it was my professional job for a car manufacturer, so was very fussy). The speaker dimensions / size is most important, they have to fit, the car isn't big. Sounds great sitting in the garage.
Having said that no matter, the lovely engine sound soon takes over drowning out whatever audio you fit!!
Enjoy
Also allowed hands free phone use.
Bought it some 4 years ago so no point in quoting model numbers as they bring out new every year.
The advantage of the driveless head unit is they tend to be shorter and lighter so make installation simpler.
Do not be fooled by the brainless marketing power figures by the way, they all are limited by power = V2xR - battery voltage and speaker impedance,
so ~20watts per channel RMS is absolute tops. Any more, fit an external power amp with internal DC-DC inverter (as my subwoofer amp with 90Watts 1ch).
Most importantly!! - Fit the very best speakers you can afford, I spent ages selecting the optimum speakers (and it was my professional job for a car manufacturer, so was very fussy). The speaker dimensions / size is most important, they have to fit, the car isn't big. Sounds great sitting in the garage.
Having said that no matter, the lovely engine sound soon takes over drowning out whatever audio you fit!!
Enjoy
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- Tony Pullen
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2 years 4 months ago - 2 years 4 months ago #43774
by Tony Pullen
One Life, Live It !
Fiat X1/9 1300 Turbo 1987
Maserati Ghibli 3.0 V6
Honda CBR 650F
Replied by Tony Pullen on topic Car Audio Head unit options
Hi Alan,
Any more info on what and were you installed more interested in speaker placement tbh? I have been contemplating for years to upgrade all my ICE in the car even toying with one of those spare wheel woofers..
Any more info on what and were you installed more interested in speaker placement tbh? I have been contemplating for years to upgrade all my ICE in the car even toying with one of those spare wheel woofers..
One Life, Live It !
Fiat X1/9 1300 Turbo 1987
Maserati Ghibli 3.0 V6
Honda CBR 650F
Last edit: 2 years 4 months ago by Tony Pullen.
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- Alan Hutton
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2 years 4 months ago #43778
by Alan Hutton
Replied by Alan Hutton on topic Car Audio Head unit options
Ok, in process of sorting through 113GB of pics on my desktop!!! will try and sift through a few pics of the speakers placement and what I used, may take me more than a couple of days.
Basically, 6"x4" coax in the rear parcel shelf (I made my own from 18mm ply and covered in black cloth, original speakers rubber had gone since I fitted a pair of Alpine speakers in 1990 so replaced them with JBLs costing £70+ a pair.
I fitted an 8" subwoofer in the front bulkhead and that also had rubber surround age issues so found a better sub for there, powered by an Alpine 90W rms 1 ch amp.
I also fitted a pair of Clarion 4" coax speakers in the doors, they are still going fine now.
As I said (and being a very long time HiFi guy both home and for a Luxury car manufacturer) I carefully selected the best speakers I could find - based on specifications, and paid the price. Head unit not so crucial but I selected Pioneer as they have a good name in ICE. Not as good as the sound in a Jaguar but there again our wee cars are not a quiet!! and the NVH and interior noise makes a vast difference to the sound to your ears, such a vast difference.
Basically, 6"x4" coax in the rear parcel shelf (I made my own from 18mm ply and covered in black cloth, original speakers rubber had gone since I fitted a pair of Alpine speakers in 1990 so replaced them with JBLs costing £70+ a pair.
I fitted an 8" subwoofer in the front bulkhead and that also had rubber surround age issues so found a better sub for there, powered by an Alpine 90W rms 1 ch amp.
I also fitted a pair of Clarion 4" coax speakers in the doors, they are still going fine now.
As I said (and being a very long time HiFi guy both home and for a Luxury car manufacturer) I carefully selected the best speakers I could find - based on specifications, and paid the price. Head unit not so crucial but I selected Pioneer as they have a good name in ICE. Not as good as the sound in a Jaguar but there again our wee cars are not a quiet!! and the NVH and interior noise makes a vast difference to the sound to your ears, such a vast difference.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Andy Rowley, Tony Pullen
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- Tony Pullen
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2 years 4 months ago #43779
by Tony Pullen
One Life, Live It !
Fiat X1/9 1300 Turbo 1987
Maserati Ghibli 3.0 V6
Honda CBR 650F
Replied by Tony Pullen on topic Car Audio Head unit options
Hey Alan,
Sounds good so far would love to see the pics of your parcel shelf and sub install. Good luck diving into all those pictures lol but look forward to seeing what you did.
Many thanks for update
Tony.
Sounds good so far would love to see the pics of your parcel shelf and sub install. Good luck diving into all those pictures lol but look forward to seeing what you did.
Many thanks for update
Tony.
One Life, Live It !
Fiat X1/9 1300 Turbo 1987
Maserati Ghibli 3.0 V6
Honda CBR 650F
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- Adrian Hardwick
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2 years 4 months ago #43781
by Adrian Hardwick
Replied by Adrian Hardwick on topic Car Audio Head unit options
In my opinion theres only one music system in a xy and thats the engine behind you
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