TrevorS

iTrader: (1)

I've upgraded my door speakers and would like to upgrade the head unit sound quality as well. Anybody know of any that work well with the steering wheel controls? By "work well", I mean smoothly and reliably, as similar to the OE units as practical (preferably the same, but I realize that's probably asking too much, though you would think Pioneer would have something fully compatible.) I know about the PAC SWI-JACK -- $75 at Crutchfield.

My goal is enjoyable sound quality for listening while driving. I don't go for loud, and I try to avoid expensive -- that includes avoiding external amplification. I've no particular interest in iPod or USB, but no objection to them either.

Crutchfield says the Alpine CDA-9884 is a popular choice. Any opinions?
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDA9...4.html?tp=5684
How about Double-DIN?

Thanks for any help -- Trevor

w1ck3d714

i would go with an eclipse double din. its practically plug and play. as far as the steering controls its plug and play, no adaptor needed. the only thing u need to do is tap into the speed sensor for the nav. other then that the radio just plugs right in.

TrevorS

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the suggestion, but NAV goes a bit out of my tight-wad budget range. That's pretty awesome if the steering wheel contrtols are really plug-n-play though :o!

w1ck3d714

what kind of budget are you on? my friend has a car stereo business and has an ecipse 6.5 inch double din nav unit for $350.00. the model is a avn20d. i think its pretty much what you are looking for since your not going to add an amp or ipod adaptor.

TrevorS

iTrader: (1)

I definitely want to stay under $300 for the HU and accessories. I spent some time reading about the Eclipse NAV and I get the impression it's not an especially good choice if NAV matters, so I'd prefer not to spend the money on it. On the other hand, supposedly, Eclipse is one of the best sounding HUs available, and it directly supports my steering controls, so I've decided to give both a try.

I've ordered an Alpine CDA-9884 and an Eclipse CD3100, and I'll see how they sound in my xB. I did that before with a JVC and Kenwood cassette in my '90 Eclipse, and although I preferred the JVC controls, the Kenwood won on sonics. The Alpine has shipped already and will be here by Friday, hopefully the Eclipse will be out today too!

Thanks for your help -- very valuable !