Hey guys,

I've been seeing a lot of off brand head units since I've been on my search for a single din DVD/GPS for my R53.

I'm looking at this one specifically:
http://www.xtrons.com/doce/productdetail.aspx?pid=59

Any of you have experience with these brands:

XTRONS
Eonon
yfteshop.com

I know what you pay for is what you get.. so I don't expect that much. But it does fit my budget so I would just like some opinions. Thanks

 

I know allot of people that have bought Dual head units and have been happy with them, but try online retailers like Sonic Electronix or Crutchfiels and look for open box or clearance items to save money, gets close to the price of the offbrand.
I just picked up a very nice Alpine cde-103bt that was an open box for only $139 delivered. Came with all the box/papers and you would never have known it wasn't a new unopened box.

 

Being that the stock Boost unit is actually made by Alpine, I just can't see rolling the dice with a no-name replacement...but that's just me...

 

Saying the boost unit is made by Alpine is like saying that VW is made by AUDI
The boost unit is ok but almost anything aftermarket is going to be better, you are replacing a head unit at least 4-5 years old, which means it was designed and possibly even built as much as 7-9 years ago.
There are many Mini owners on some of the other boards that have off brand units like Dual and they've all said its better than the factory boost radio. Improved FM reception, etc.

 

I don't neccesarily disagree, but I still think some Fisher-Price-looking no-name head unit would do the reasonably tasteful MINI interior a disservice. (Incidently, the same goes for the vast majority of big-name units as well, IMO, with their goofy ghetto-looking graphics, gaudy blue lighting, and steal-me-bling...)

 

I've installed a few of the Dual nav units. For the price they aren't too bad at all.