I've got a budget of 200, would like mp3/cd, usb, aux in, 2 rca outs + 1 sub out, graphic eq, high pass and low pass filters, pref red blue display to match dash! this one caught my eye http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/p...ts_id/4980.html

any other suggestions? would like something from either blaupunkt, kenwood or alpine, cant quite stretch to a becker or nakamichi! oh and i dont want anything too flashy looking, i prefer more understated looking headunits that are logical to use!

bump!anyone?

bump!anyone?

I think the problem is that there is so much out there, and its changing so quickly, that its difficult to keep up with whats the best etc.

£200 is a decent budget and should get you what you want, but here are my opinions on manufacturers that you choose:

kenwood-decent sound quality, but the build seems a bit iffy, so they don't seem to last long.

Blaupunkt-Good build, but the SQ seems bland especially when amplified. Good VFM though

Alpine-best all rounder, excellent sound, decent build, bit more expensive though, generally though not sure which one would tick all of your boxes.

I run an Alpine 7998r(don't think its still manufactured). This would tick all of your boxes apart from the aux in and the red blue display.

i'd got for an alpine unit! i run one and it fits your description but its an older model!

I have an alpine too cant fault it really

alpine, but avoid car audio security

alpine, but avoid car audio security

Surprised you would say that.

I've known the owner of CAS for years, even before he set up his first branch and the back of a shop in Tottenham CT road. He used to work for a company called RS Audio, that went bust. He also hepled me with 1 or 2 warranty issues on sets that were bought from RS which he didn't need to do.

WHen I used to concentrate on installations more than I do now, I reckon I spent up to a grand a month with them, and never had any issues. In fact they were very helpful.

Maybe they just became too big?

I bought my Alpine unit from Car Audio Security last year, no problems :-)

i bought a cheapo blaupunkt headunit from them, had no probs! so kennys arent what they used to be? my old kenny 7080 mask was top, lasted 6 years, mind you it did spend a year in some twocers garage after it was stolen! so 5years really. it still sort of works, only prob being it turn the volume up to full whack on its own!

not doubting the owner, u spoken to some of the staff at thier new place, complete and utter twats.

but i suppose i am judging the company on the basis of one idiot who works there.

any other online companies worth using?

I ordered a fortunes worth of stuff from CAS and they treated me like shite. made it sound like everything was in stock and it took 10 weeks to finally get everything. the staff couldn't give a toss and I had to keep ringing them to get all the bits sent out. asked to speak to the manager who could give a shit that they had my money but didn't have the stock and couldn't give me a date that it would be in. kept saying they were the biggest kenwood dealer in the uk so if they didn't have it no one would, idiot. I used them as i had bought from them 3 years ago (when they just had the tottenham court road shop) and they were great. now they are big they have forgotten the most important thing, customer service

I'd also recommend www.digitalsounddirect.com

...Used to get stuff from them quite often, never had any problems. Prices and customer service always been good too. Though I used to get it instore as its not too far from me!

how about this company?

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/kenwood-kd...41f10e1c3acc6b4

Pretty sure you get CP discount with car audio direct!

I've used Car Audio Direct 3 times now and every time I am more and more impressed with the level of service and price. They do some great deals every so often.

I ordered a set of speakers from them Tues at 1pm. They were del. Weds mornin at 8.30am. They are very quick. They usually take a working day or two.

And yes there is a CP discount!!!!! Free delivery!!!!! Bonus!

As for H/U, I'm no expert but Becker and Nak seem to be the firm favourites. I have just started reading a site called Talkaudio.co.uk and I know there are a few guys on this forum that uses that forum also. They know thier stuff. The classifieds on that forum seem really competitive and some bargains can be found. They may be second hand units but a bargin none the less....

HTH!

Bolly