Looking for suggestions for my stereo, trying to elimate some discs Options

[mark_426]

well, I've been searching occassionaly, and pondering some different options.

I saw the omnifi 20gig setups, considering aux inputs, seen the dvd head units, considered a carPC, and looked at the neo jukebox setups. I havent really used any of these options (omnifi, dvd unit, carpc, or neo) in a car, only messing around at the audio places for the dvd units. I have used aux and dont really like having to control them two different places.

I really want to eliminate cases and cases of cds, but I would kind of like it all to be organized in one head unit - or be able to control it with my head unit.

Anyone have any interesting setups or suggestions to do this? Any pics of an omnifi or a neo installed? If you have something, please include a price estimate

thanks

[Clipsetuner]

I might reccomend a Unit that plays DVD-R MP3's because I think its just over 4gigs per disk or so, I am gettin aIndash that has this feature. Also mabey a Portable Stoarge device then Aux Inputs on a Headunit or EQ, I have AUX imputs on my EQ that I might use for PS2 down the line.

DTE

[Digndoug]

I might reccomend a Unit that plays DVD-R MP3's because I think its just over 4gigs per disk or so, I am gettin aIndash that has this feature. Also mabey a Portable Stoarge device then Aux Inputs on a Headunit or EQ, I have AUX imputs on my EQ that I might use for PS2 down the line.

DTE
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I was going to say the same thing, at Circuitcity we have one for liek $300.. and each dvd holds 4.7 gigs.. thats a lot , i mean a lot of music.

[mark_426]

Are they basically the DVD LCD units without the LCD assembly?

Who all makes them?

How organized are they - can you find a song you want easily, as youre driving?

[Silver94CelicaOw...]

Just get a good quality headunit with auxilliary inputs and a good EQ. Then, if you want DVD capability I would get a PS2 or a seperate dvd unit and hook it up to a external monitor, which will cost you much much less than an in-dash unit.

As far as music goes, I would consider getting an iPod and using the iTrip to interface with the radio easily and wirelessly, or if you buy a Kenwood stereo they use a system called MusicKeg that plugs into your computer and plays the MP3's you put on it from a Kenwood headunit. Then just control your entire selection of music from the headunit without having to mess with anything else.

However, if you have the money I would get the new Kenwood double-din in dash DVD/CD/MP3/WMA player with navigation, DVD, aux inputs, Sirius radio, MusicKeg interfaces, etc.... then one unit is all you need to fulfill all your needs. And it also fills the whole dash with one stationary screen which to me looks great.

[mark_426]

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/Pr...ProductID=15395

Is that the one youre talking about?

http://buyeretail.com/product.asp?file=pri...ch&i=KENDDX7017

Is that one the same?

This post has been edited by mark_426: Aug 7, 2005 - 9:27 AM

[Clipsetuner]

the kenwood is a really cool unit might check the DVD-R MP3 capablitiy's tho, I know Pioneer and a few other companys make single din, standard looking decks that play DVD's.

DTE

[Zimluura]

i have an alpine mp3 cd player with an aux input. don't use the mp3 cd capability much.

i have a 60gb one of these going through the aux input.
http://www.digmind.com/store/index_500.html

they're comparatively cheap and play ogg vorbis. like an iriver on a budget.

pretty happy with it. pondering carpc stuff.

[mark_426]

You cant control it through the headunit though, can you?

[Clipsetuner]

I know alot of alpines have AUX input, and with allmost all pioneer's its a 20$ plug. The Alpine(i think) in deck controller for the Ipod looks pretty cool.

Ive got my EQ 70$ Clarion 7band which if your running your whole system of amps is really nice, independent Sub control, and master volume if you go that route.

DTE

This post has been edited by Clipsetuner: Aug 7, 2005 - 8:13 PM

[Zimluura]

You cant control it through the headunit though, can you?
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totally can't control the xclef with the head unit
been also pondering getting a 2nd xlcef and trying to build it into the space under the current head unit.

btw - the xclef does fit well overtop of the ashtray.

[S_C_M]

I just installed an Omnifi DMP1, and have been very pleased so far. It's got a DIN control scheme with detachable face, you can upgrade the drive to larger capacity, if needed. Easy to install and set up as well; wireless synch is also supported through an optional USB device. The only thing tht you might need is a receiver with Aux input. My Sony head unit needed an XA-107 to work correctly; I happened to have one from another project.

I don't personally like having to use the bundled software (SimpleCenter) to manage my tracks, so I will probably be installing the Openfi project on mine soon. There seems to be ongoing development of open source and DIY stuff for this unit, which I like.

[mark_426]

so, scm, you still have to control volume and what not though your sony, and the rest though the omnifi?

got any pics of it?

thanks for all the info thus far

[S_C_M]

Yeah, volume still goes through the head unit. That aspect doesn't bother me too much, for whatever reason. I'll try to get some pics of the unit installed tonight for you.

[snadman]

Alright well I'm a Senior in Car Audio at Best Buy so I can tell you the coolest thing right now is using an iPod with an iPod adapter for either Alpine, Pioneer, or Kenwood decks. It charges the iPod and lets you fully control it from the deck itself. My favorite setup for regular consumers (ie: not someone getting discount) is the Alpine CDA-9847 with iPod adapter. It has 3 pair of pre-outs, 50x4 with 18x4 rms, and ability to do the iPod and direct connect satelite etc etc. Lots of sweet features for only $199.99 for the deck, $99.99 for the connector and eventually if you want satelite another $99.98 for that plus $12.95/month for service. Sweet deal for a decent price.

[celicaracer18]

you can also get nearly any headunit you want including factory as long as it has a cd changer control input and get the dension ice link. it charges the ipod shuts it off when the car gets turned off, completey controled throught the headunit. they even make a mount for our celicas just search dension on google and you should be able to find it

[snadman]

Not necessarily, some of the cars you don't retain control through the head unit despite what the website says. We've done a few of the Honda ones and we find about 50% of those cars actually get control of the iPod throughout the deck. BUT yes, with Sony or JVC you have to get the Dension IceLink but it's $199.99 compared to if you already have a Pioneer with IP-Bus port, Kenwood with changer controls, or Alpine with an Ai-Net port then you can get away with an iPod adapter for $99.99-$119.99

There may be other cars too that will give you non-functioning control using the IceLink, just we do a lot of Hondas here so those I know you a got 50/50 shot of it working.

[mark_426]

Alright well I'm a Senior in Car Audio at Best Buy so I can tell you the coolest thing right now is using an iPod with an iPod adapter for either Alpine, Pioneer, or Kenwood decks. It charges the iPod and lets you fully control it from the deck itself. My favorite setup for regular consumers (ie: not someone getting discount) is the Alpine CDA-9847 with iPod adapter. It has 3 pair of pre-outs, 50x4 with 18x4 rms, and ability to do the iPod and direct connect satelite etc etc. Lots of sweet features for only $199.99 for the deck, $99.99 for the connector and eventually if you want satelite another $99.98 for that plus $12.95/month for service. Sweet deal for a decent price.
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What about "irregular consumers"

I was thinking one of the new pioneer/kenwood double DIN units, with an ipod adaptor... (bought an Ipod already..)


Also, what do you know abou that Dension head unit? I dont have a bestbuy nearby, and it seems like theyre the main dealer for them..

This post has been edited by mark_426: Aug 14, 2005 - 5:28 AM

[snadman]

The Dension isn't a headunit just basically an iPod adapter for decks that dont already have one for them such as Sony, JVC, as well as a lot of factory vehicles. I think the fastest way is Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine and then the iPod adapter for whichever deck you get. You get control of your iPod with less than a two second delay while I've seen some of the IceLink's take up to 3 or 4 seconds when changing between artists and whatever else. It may not seem like much of a difference but it is when you have to scroll through artist lists or if you are just scrolling through by song.

[mark_426]

http://www.densionusa.com/dh100ix_info.htm That, not the icelink.