Just wondering if anyone with a Evo IX with SSL could recommend a good mp3 deck for the money. Also, did it help with sound quality any? I am not looking to upgrade speakers or the sub, at least not for awhile.

Thanks guys

 

Well, I don't have a IX, but I like Alpine and Pioneer decks.

 

you are an EXTREMELY lucky man, because as an SSL owner, there is a HUGE dearth of information regarding changing things around with the sound system on these boards.

So this is what you need to do, and this what I got:

1. Pruchase following deck with MP3 and ipod controls:
CDA-9856 which features the Ipod Full Speed technology, allowing you to see the playlists you are scrolling through AND the songs, something none of the others feature. It's $199.99. If you have extra $$$, you can buy the 9857 which has a better display and you can see the artist AND track name on the screen name, since the 9856 requires you to scroll through it, but it wasn't worth the extra $150 for me.



2. Purchase the MITAH Mitsu Infinity sound system adapter (i got mine on ebay, just type in MITAH and mitsubishi, it'll come up) for $18.99 plus shipping.

3. I had free installation from Bestbuy, but the dude let me watch them do it so I can at least see what's going on back there, and walk them through it in case they TRY to start splitting wires.

It's VERY straight forward. You pull off the HVAC controls.
You pry the front cover off, revealing the HVAC panel and CD unit. There are two screws, unscrew them to get the CD unit out.

THIS is where that MITAH is awesome, you just UNPLUG the stock amp connector and plug it into the MITAH adapter. That'll leave you with 4 RCA plugs to plug into the back of the Alpine head unit.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: THE HEAD UNIT YOU PURCHASE WILL HAVE TO HAVE 4 RCA FEMALE PLUGS. I had to return the first unit I got because it only had two. PITA to say the least.

Plug in the power thing, the Ipod control thing and run that to your glovebox as I pictured above. You'll also have to run a Mitsu harness as well, but best buy took care of that for me, it's a question of putting the RIGHT color in the right slot.

The antennae is grounded, so you don't need another ground for the unit. I think that's it for the back. Make sure all the RCA plugs work fine, as in test out the front and rear fade, left and right fade to see all the controls match up. If they don't, take them out and try it again.

4. Screw head unit in, remember to take the STOCK brakets out and screw them into the Alpine head unit so it'll mount properly.

Enjoy your new found freedom! The ipod feature is amazingly simple, and the sound quality is about 100X better! The stock amp is plenty, because once it's paired up to the amp in the head unit, the vocal separation is uncanny: highs are coming from the a-pillar, mids from the door speakers, and the bass from the back. It enhances the system multifold.

Hope this helps, PM with questions.

 

I put a Pioneer head unit w/ MP3 & AAC playback in my '05 SSL. If you want to keep you factory speakers, sub, and amplifier you need to get an adapter- Metra makes it pn# 70-7003. It's like $18-$25. You plug it right in and go.

 

not an evo, but I have a Dual deck that comes with the MP3 hookup for 100 bones from best buy. Great deck for a bill since it comes with the hookup. I have it installed in my truck

 

any pic of the adapter??

 

I had been looking at the 9856 as well.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-YMoX1FW...p&I=500CDA9856

Will probably drop one in my car in the near future along with the Sirius Satellite Radio tuner.

 

shivaswrath, you need a hearty pat on the back for your time and effort posting that information, which is invaluable to me. I say thank you, even if no one else takes the time to do so.

 

eclipse all the way

 

^^^^DEFINATELY^^^^. Go grab an older 2005 Eclipse 8495 and the ipod adapter. IMO, Eclipse does a better job of sound recreation than Alpine. If you want a new deck, my favorite is the CD-5000...tons of equalization capabilities, the GPS shot, and eQ i-serv are some really cool toys on it.

 

i was told that with a new head unit u cant use the factory sub? is there any truth to this?

 

I just wanted to add:

I have an alpine iPod interface and I don't like it. I give it a 5/10. The quality of the headunit is ok I guess, but whoever thought "I'm going to reset the shuffle setting on the iPod every time it's connected" needs to be dragged out into the street and beaten.

I'm going to get rid of it soon. I guess if you don't use shuffle on your iPod it's not as bad...

 

+1

 

I have a kenwood with the Sirius Receiver built into the unit and mp3. Made in Japan too. Not like alpine thats made in china.

 

This is my set up. Alpine 9855 and Ipod connector.