Hey guys. Got a Blaupunkt San Francisco that I'm wanting to replace. Not really that keen on it and the CD also skips sometimes when on a bumpy road.
So, what would you buy? Gotta be a good sound, play MP3's, bluetooth handsfree would be good too.
I'll probably limit myself to £250. I like the look of the Pioneer DEH-P9800BT, although the display is a bit small. Anyone heard this?

I have the Sony MEX BT5000 which is good but the sound quality could be better.

Alpine have a very good reputation.

The Bluetooth on my Pioneer BT55 has gone awol in the last month or so, which I am a bit fed up about, so not sure I'd go for another Pioneer with it.

I had a Blaupunkt ages ago in another car, and thought it was great. So I have been looking at their Hamburg MP57, as you can get it bundled with a 40GB USB hard drive for less than £200, should be no worries about skipping then!

Put the extra £50 towards some new speakers?

Yep, new speakers are also on the cards after I've sorted the head unit out.

I have the pioneer DEH-P75BT and the bluetooth works fine. I've had it about 8 months now and the bluetooth has worked great for me

Click for spec

It's time to replace this headunit now. The DEH-P75BT looks like it's been discontinued and replace with the DEH-P85BT. Looks more or less the same to me. Does anyone know if the front is removable on either model?

Cheers.

Go for the Alpine CDA Range - Pay the extra get a Decent head unit and auto changer.

I have installed it (super easy) except the lack of space (standard) at the back of the center console
I'll post some pics when I get home.

Specifications and head unit listings at;
http://www.alpine-europe.com/index.php?id=headunits&L=0

the unit does Everything that I wanted and a shed load more (which I dont even use) !!!! but might do in the future

R00

Check out the new Pioneer USB h/u which interfaces with usb hdd very well

W

Are you saying the Pioneer isn't up to scratch? I'm pretty sure it is.

I'm also after a new HU, and have to agree with R00, the CDA Alpine range seem spot on.

I think Father Christmas is bringing mine

Having had both an Alpine and a Pioneer, I would have to say that Alpine really is a league above in terms of both build quality and sound quality, certainly at the price points you are looking at.

I am looking at replacing my Pioneer as the bluetooth seems to have given up the ghost, and I hate the way the Up/Down/Left/Right is built in to the volume controller, ro it rotates and moves, and the subsidiary buttons are far too small.

I was looking at a Becker Grand Prix, as they are now down to reasonable prices.

Not completely up to speed on these, whcih is the best to go for? I don't want to spend anymore than around £250. Although mine may have already been ordered by Santa!

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-cda9883r-bluetooth-pack-p-5855.html ???

Or

http://www.alpine-europe.com/index.php?id=cde-9881rrb&no_cache=1&L=0&tx_comproductcatalog_pi1[show]=features#ridercontent


Can't see much of a difference. Need advice please? Thanks.

Anyone?

9881r will suit the interior of the coupé better I think

Think mine is a CDA 9887 I'll check when I leave work (2.5 hrs to go) and I'll post it.

Reason I went for this model was exactly due to the reason stan stated - looks nice in the coupe (all black) Surrounded by black.

I Think I have some pics from the install some where at home.

But note this. The Apline head that I have can be connected immediately using the Fiat standard connections as the back of the center console (no hastle) although if you want it to pump real loud without cutout you will have to bypass this and run seperate cabling directly to the battery with in line fuse (standard ops for amp etc).

This I must do (as the snow is coming) and my god its getting COLD !!!!! (time to hit the slopes)

Mr Claus has had his order http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/alpine-cda9883r-bluetooth-pack-p-5855.html
I can't wait to fit it, I want it now!!

Well, Mr Claus got my letter and was very kind in dropping off a lovely new HU for me. Here she is, all installed and working perfectly. I love it - the sound is so much better already and the hands free works a treat! I can't recommend it enough. Pics are taken with my phone, so not the best.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/robin_banks/Image097.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/robin_banks/Image096.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f174/robin_banks/Image095.jpg

Oh and the illumination is red too - suits the Coupe very well. I'll try and get some night shots with my Fuji soon.

I hope you found something better to listen to than Radio 1