I hear ya...but that's why I said "mid-fi".

 

...Just recieved the CDA-105 head unit and mounting kit. Classy looking piece! Still waiting for the Power Pack amp...

 

Does anybody here have Alpine's Imprint setup? Is it worth getting? I'd kinda like some help deciding if I should spring for this too, sooner rather than later, since it does need to be plugged into the back of the radio...and I only want to tear my interior apart one if I can possibly help it...

 

Here's my setup...

 

Wow, that's pretty cool!

 

Any updates? Any pictures? How about anything you learned from the install? I'm planning to go with this model also.

 

I changed out the OEM head unit in my 2002 MCS with a Kenwood Excelon 994 unit and new front door speakers. I added a SIRIUS satellite radio and an iPOD connector in the glovebox. I didn't want to lose the functionality of the steering wheel controls so I added a module and had those programmed. It was weird for a while since the installer didn't program the buttons in the same configuration as OEM but the center button on the leftside of the steering wheel now has a function - a 20 dB reduction for turning down the volume when you go through a drive-thru teller, fast food drive-up window. I didn't go for a pre-amp, sub-woofer or replace the 6x9's in the back. I'll probably do that after I've recovered from the shock of this first upgrade...

BTW, I didn't want to go with SIRIUS satellite since I have two other cars with XM. The retail outlet said, "no problem - they'll package them all together..." Not true. I had to buy a separate SIRIUS subscription, pay a year up front and while I like satellite radio, I would have been much happier had there been an XM radio plug in available on the Kenwood rather than the SIRIUS...

Last, but not least, I added a bluetooth microphone. The Kenwood had it built in and it is really nice to have my Droid X stuck in its car dock on the face of the speedometer for the GPS capability.

 

That or the Integral Audio box. You can order it included with a sub and amp, and it sits flat in the boot behind the rear seats. I'll post pictures of that and my head unit when I get home from work...

 

Anyone looking at this from oxygen audio? I am thinking bout it.

Thoughts?

 

Please do... I'm curious. I'm also considering Crutchfield's "Sound Ordinance" slimline powered sub...

 

Never seen that one before, looks clean though. Wonder how easy it is to get to the battery if you need to after installation. Let us know!

 

Thought I'd chime in here. The Model 1100S subwoofer system is designed to be removed in about 30 seconds - just a matter of turning two large ***** and unplugging the banana plugs.

The versions for the R50/2/3 will be available very shortly.

 

For the purpose of my goals and budget-level the price of this system makes it a non-starter for me. It seems like you can't beat the stealth-aspect of it though, for a MINI-specific plug-and-play sub!

 

Sorry I've been slow in my reply, but this time I'm serious. When I get home from school in an hour I WILL POST PICS!

 

Jensen VM8013HD and Integral Audio Sub box. First picture is the head unit in normal operation, second is what is behind the front part, revealing the very handy SD card slot. This unit also has an iPod controller, can be used with satellite radio, plays DVDs (on screen, or sent to an external screen, can play mp3 CDs as well as normal ones, has a USB port, and a line in jack. Oh and did I mention HD radio?

 

details on the sub install? cost? time to complete? nice install. My system definitely needs more power and a sub!

 

It probably took me a total of 5 or 6 hours, but I was working on it on and off, so it took me all day really. As for the cost, it was 180 bucks, but that was because my friend needed to get it out of his garage.

 

I'll repeat what's already been said; it comes right out with the turn of a couple of screws.

 

Nice. My Sound Ordinance slimline powered sub is now on it's way from Crutch... The reasons I finally decided on this one was, first and foremost, great reviews. Also, it fits my non-overly ambitious goals and budget, it's small and easily removable, shouldn't draw too much amperage, and doesn't require any permanent hacking/modification to the car (in the interest of resaleability).

 

I just purchased this unit from crutchfield. For the most part I bought it because of the option to change the color. I just wish the plastic on the trim and faceplate were not glossy.

 

Finally got mine in.

 

hands down I think alpine has the best finish of any aftermarket HU. Doesnt look cheesie

 

Agreed. Even though the illumination doesn't quite match the stock color (red/blue, as opposed to stock orange), it still does not detract from the dash's appearance; the unit does look "correct" in the car.

 

I would agree that the Alpine finish more closely matches the OEM head unit but having installed the Kenwood myself, it's pretty close in the color department and the features of the radio are super.

 

The best match by far would have been my Nacamichi CD400 that I have stored away. But, the fact that it doesn't support satellite radio or bluetooth inputs (it does have an aux-input, but I'm not a big fan of plug-n-play units and dangling wires) brought me to the Alpine.