I am looking to upgrade my headunit, my budget is somewhere between $100 to $200. A bonus would be if the face of the headunit has read lighting to match the dash. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

I would recommend Alpine, for the money they offer a solid unit. Now a days most head units come with quite a few features between the $100-$200 range. I also think they still offer color changing buttons but I could be wrong.

 

yea which alpine one?

 

they are all pretty good and pretty much the same imo, i think the only diffrence among them are the special features like being ipod ready... and other crap. i believe all the newer models are 50Wx4

 

I was thinking about these three options:

1: Eclipse CD1000 http://www.crutchfield.com/S-IdcQqKb...00&I=099CD1000

2. Alpine CDE-9873 http://www.crutchfield.com/S-IdcQqKb...0&I=500CDE9873

3: Alpine CDE-9870 http://www.crutchfield.com/S-IdcQqKb...0&I=500CDE9870

PS I am just looking for a Headunit that can play music louder, clearer and a liitle bit more base. Also play MP3s.

 

Those are all good choices in your price range. If iPod connectivity is important to you, go with one of the Alpine models (Eclipse iPod integration sucks IMO).

 

Well I shopped around and got myself the Alpine CDA-9883 for $153 Shipped. I think I will be happy with my choice and anyhow I will post my review after install.

Do you think I will need to buy an adapter for this headunit?

 

definetly go with alpine thats all i use

 

Yes, you'll need the METRA wiring adaptor so you can plug in the head unit to the existing wiring in the car.

If you have an SSL with the Infinity stereo, you'll need the MITAH adaptor in addition to the METRA adaptor.

Do a search on here and you'll find links for the MITAH adaptor so you can order it. Or, I have one that I could sell you.

The METRA adaptor can be found at just about any local Circuit City or Best Buy.

 

Just to make sure, I got 03 Evo with the regular stereo (no ssl). So I need to buy the Metra Adaptor and I am good to go? Do you have one for sale?

 

Yep, just the Metra adaptor. I don't have one for sale...it's in my car.

Just go to Circuit City or Best Buy and tell them you need the wiring adaptor to install your stereo in your Evo. They should have it in-stock. Will cost $10-15.

 

Alpine All Day.

 

Best Buy it's $20. If you want the fast install, you can go to circuit city, I think they still have the "smart" harnesses. YOu'll have to get the mitsubishi and alpine harnesses. They all connect together, Alpine--> Mitsubishi harness-->car. No crimping/soldering involved. With those, it shouldn't take you more than 10min if you have a regular stereo.

 

Alpine.....

 

i love my alpine unit, it was like $300 though