Thread: Upgrade In car entertainment

Yes... But buyer beware!

I have a pioneer system in my Subaru that looks similar, but it's Pioneer. It does GPS, DVD, CD, SD, USB, Bluetooth, MP3, WMA, ipod, reverse camera, multiple screen outputs, video input, multi sub outputs, split sound (front/rear sound) capability... blah, blah. Essentially the ducks guts.

It's a pefect all in one unit for the audiophile who likes to connect to the ipod, while making phonecalls and navigating with the GPS. It's good for passengers watching a DVD on a long trip too.

Now, back to these units. They are cheap for a reason. The software they use is crap and prone to crashing. You really get what you pay for with these systems.

I'd be sticking to Pioneer, Alpine, Kenwood and Eclipse.

The single din with the atom pcu looks ok from a quick glance. I'd stay away from the p3 version.

Check out mp3car.com for some more indepth carputer info.

The unit runs on Linux which i guess is more stable !

They look okay but from memory there is another thread on these complaining as Sully indicated that the software is generally crap.

I have been looking at these units (not all singing all dancing but practical) that are a bit like an in dash ipod (some with & some without without the memory built in) where they don't have a disc drive but play anything from a USB thumb drive, SD memory card or you can plug in your mp3 player. Some even have the LCD screen and DVD playback ability. No skipping off road, still have around 50W x 4 channel and all the other functionality of a typical in dash CD player including Bluetooth connectivity for phone or data streaming. They are advertised on ebay, unfortunately shipping is from Hong Kong (in most cases) although if the recommendations are anything to go by most appear to be reliable shippers.

In Dash SD USB MP3 Car Stereo Audio Radio Player 3882 (eBay item 170577734786 end time 10-Mar-11 20:58:27 AEDST) : Cars, Bikes, Boats

Anyone looked further into this type of unit, I'm keen for any feedback?

Cheers,

Peter.

Clarion also do a quality unit, with perhaps one of the better interfaces I have seen so far....

But my current preference is for the latest offering from VMS with on AND off road navigation.

Originally Posted by FISHGUTS

In Dash SD USB MP3 Car Stereo Audio Radio Player 3882 (eBay item 170577734786 end time 10-Mar-11 20:58:27 AEDST) : Cars, Bikes, Boats

Anyone looked further into this type of unit, I'm keen for any feedback?

Cheers,

Peter.

Hey Peter. I wouldn't touch that unit with a 10 foot pole, but then, that's me.
These units that come from Hong Kong are absolute garbage. Sound quality is poor compared to bigger brand names and internal components are very, very cheap and poor quality again.
You'd be better off going to JB Hi-Fi, or the equivilent and purchasing a cheapo head unit from them. Even then that cheapo unit will be far better than the one in the link provided.

I've been installing stereo systems in every car that I've owned and friends cars since I started driving around 16 years ago. I've had experience with cheap systems and top of the range systems. In every instance of installing a cheaper system either in my car, or someone else's car, they have failed to deliver and they have always been replaced relatively quickly with an upgrade.
These days I won't touch any other head unit apart from Pioneer and Alpine.

Just as an example, to compare with the link you've provided... A Pioneer head unit will set you back just under $140. Not a bad price for quality!

Pioneer CD/MP3 Head Unit - CD Tuners - JB Hi-Fi - Smashing Prices!

There are others in stock, such as JVC, Kenwood e.t.c. that are cheaper than the above and will do exactly the same as (if not more) the Hong Kong linked head unit.

Hi Sully,

The crap fact was a "gimme" I guess, was just impressed with the absence of the CD/DVD drive that invariably skips and once they start they tend to keep getting worse.
I have my eye on a unit with LCD screen, CD/DVD, Bluetooth, USB & SD/MMC memory Card slots to 8 gig, camera ready and all the other usual stuff. Pricing is quite good at $250.
Just have to convince the kids its an ideal b/day pressie.

Cheers,

Peter.

Hi All,

As can be seen from previous posts I am keen to explore the non CD/DVD playing head units and have discovered some outlets that do sell them in WA. I would guess that these outlets would also sell in each state as the wholesaler has offices in all states. It would appear that there is a progression in this direction whereby digital memory is a far more stable platform than CD/DVD scanning equipment. The units I have looked at can take up to 8gig on an SD memory card, 8 gig on a USB memory stick and all have a plug for mp3 players if you don't use USB. Some also have Bluetooth and are camera ready. Have not looked into GPS capability but I would think it's not too far away. Over here they retail out of Alberts Hi Fi, Auto1 and AutoPro stores. There are a few Aussie online outlets too. AudioXtra is the wholesaler who specialise is Blaupunkt and Axis. The units I'm looking at are Axis, has anyone experienced this brand?

Cheers,

Peter.