How stupid would a aftermarket head unit look?

[rogm]

I have the basic stereo, and I am planing to upgrade most of the components, however I think the head unit is also a week point. I been looking at some made in china replacements but I haven't found anyone using it to give a fair review.

My last option would be to add a nice single din head( dont need want double) unit with all the upgrades including DSP capability. I drive around 170 miles per day and good sounding music is a must.

So after this long post; how bad will a after market single din head unit look??

thanks.

[kkrikkett]

Not good at all.

[rogm]

Originally Posted by kkrikkett

Not good at all.

LOl! thanks for the input!

[nato-main-man-5am]

Originally Posted by kkrikkett

Not good at all.

Agreed.

*and*

The head unit is not really the weak link. Add an amp (with DSP) and upgrade the speakers. Use the head unit like a line level source.

[Dackelone]

FYI... don't forget you have to keep the stock radio(plug'd into the car's CAN BUS) IF you want BMW to perform any software (SW) updates in the future.

[rogm]

Originally Posted by Nathan_h

Agreed.

*and*

The head unit is not really the weak link. Add an amp (with DSP) and upgrade the speakers. Use the head unit like a line level source.

Yes, I will upgrade the rest, but I not really feeling paying BMW $700 for an ipod hook up

Originally Posted by Dackelone

FYI... don't forget you have to keep the stock radio(plug'd into the car's CAN BUS) IF you want BMW to perform any software (SW) updates in the future.

I hear that, my plan was to just install it in the trunk or, install it back before any service.

[nato-main-man-5am]

Originally Posted by rogm

Yes, I will upgrade the rest, but I not really feeling paying BMW $700 for an ipod hook up.

Yeah that's annoying. There is likely an aftermarket solution that would help that, that doesn't involve replacing the head unit. The jbl ms8 comes to mind, but it's just one solution.

[SPB PELICAN]

I personally like the way the factory head unit looks, it matches the rest of the interior and its flows well with the whole console. An aftermarket head unit would look out of place imo

[rogm]

Originally Posted by SPB PELICAN

I personally like the way the factory head unit looks, it matches the rest of the interior and its flows well with the whole console. An aftermarket head unit would look out of place imo

Yeah I like it better, but driving as much I do, I am really looking for more music options...

[MPBK]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

FYI... don't forget you have to keep the stock radio(plug'd into the car's CAN BUS) IF you want BMW to perform any software (SW) updates in the future.

Not only that... in my 2012 model, a lot of the settings are done via that unit's display.

[Sinister Crayon]

Originally Posted by rogm

Yeah I like it better, but driving as much I do, I am really looking for more music options...

So if you're looking for input options as well as integrated options, then probably your best bet is going to be a Dynavin head unit (got this from the other Dynavin thread in this very forum). Looks like a pretty slick solution that'll get you the features of an aftermarket head unit without making your dash look "ghetto". And let's be honest here; a single DIN unit anywhere in the 1'ers dash is going to look just like that.

Now as for the quality, there are a few good sets of products. I agree with others though; from a plain output perspective the stock head unit isn't a weak spot. If you're looking for quality, then it's got it once you upgrade the other components. I've had good luck on friend's E9x's with Bavarian SoundWerks setups, but I warn you they're not cheap. Still, as I mentioned above the only weak point on the stock head unit is probably inputs, but worst case doesn't your car have an AUX in?

All of this is the reason I went ahead and loaded up my car with the iDrive, all the options and HK. I didn't want to be regretting going cheaper on the sound system later and spending a fortune upgrading it all. I have had no regrets, either; I rather like the stock setup.

[rogm]

Originally Posted by Sinister Crayon

So if you're looking for input options as well as integrated options, then probably your best bet is going to be a Dynavin head unit (got this from the other Dynavin thread in this very forum). Looks like a pretty slick solution that'll get you the features of an aftermarket head unit without making your dash look "ghetto". And let's be honest here; a single DIN unit anywhere in the 1'ers dash is going to look just like that.

Now as for the quality, there are a few good sets of products. I agree with others though; from a plain output perspective the stock head unit isn't a weak spot. If you're looking for quality, then it's got it once you upgrade the other components. I've had good luck on friend's E9x's with Bavarian SoundWerks setups, but I warn you they're not cheap. Still, as I mentioned above the only weak point on the stock head unit is probably inputs, but worst case doesn't your car have an AUX in?

All of this is the reason I went ahead and loaded up my car with the iDrive, all the options and HK. I didn't want to be regretting going cheaper on the sound system later and spending a fortune upgrading it all. I have had no regrets, either; I rather like the stock setup.

Thank you, I didnt not purchase the car new, so audio options were not an option, I do however have the 3.5mm input which saves the day most of the time, i have been looking at dynavin, and its more likely the option I will choose. I have not heard DSW speakers.

[wkndracr]

I did a single Din head unit while keeping the stock one in place. maybe its not the most integrated look, but I like it, and it is well worth it. I used a line output converter on the factory head unit to the aux in on my Pioneer to keep the HD radio tuner and OEM bluetooth in use. I did have to cut out some plastic inside the dash to make room, but once that is done there is plenty of room back there. I was even able to run the usb input on the Pioneer to the factory location in the center console so I can use the pocket under the armrest BMW gives you for my iPod.



Another option is to go with an Audison BitOne (msrp $1000) or Bit Ten (MSRP $500). Both give you very powerful DSP processing incliding EQ and time alignment, adjustable via PC with the BitOne giving you more presets and inputs/outputs, as well as including the remote mounted controller.

[rogm]

So does your pioneer powers the speaker? that a very interesting set up!

[wkndracr]

Actually, that particular receiver has no internal amp, but if it did it could easily be wired to the existing speakers. I have an old Soundstream Reference 5 channel amp in the trunk that powers 8" Morel woofers under the seat, 4" Morel components in the doors, and a JL 10" sub in the trunk. My system has no rear speakers. They're not needed in my opinion, they just throw off the imaging and soundstaging.

[Alpine328i]

+1 on the Dynavin. They are some of the best bang for your buck.

[rogm]

Yeah, I will prob go with dynavin, I just waiting on someone else to order one!

[Simon_135i]

Dynavin, me like

[VP Electricity]

Originally Posted by rogm

I have the basic stereo, and I am planing to upgrade most of the components, however I think the head unit is also a week point. I been looking at some made in china replacements but I haven't found anyone using it to give a fair review.
.

Sonically, I don't think you're going to get any better performance with most aftermarket HUs than you will with the stock head unit and a correcting processor.

If there are features you want, cool, but if you're telling yourself it's for SQ purposes, you better be looking at some very high-end and costly head units.

[rogm]

Originally Posted by VP Electricity

Sonically, I don't think you're going to get any better performance with most aftermarket HUs than you will with the stock head unit and a correcting processor.

If there are features you want, cool, but if you're telling yourself it's for SQ purposes, you better be looking at some very high-end and costly head units.

Yes, I cant wait to get my kit from you !!
I am mostly looking for connectivity, ipod, BT and all that good stuff.
Right now I am running my ipod with the 3.5mm input , it ok, i just like the wire hanging every where.

[rogm]

Originally Posted by Simon_135i

Dynavin, me like

Come on Simon, order already so you can give us a review.

[flinchy]

i saw on babybmw, an 9887 installed. looked pretty mint with the right colour selected (orangered of course)

Originally Posted by wkndracr

I did a single Din head unit while keeping the stock one in place. maybe its not the most integrated look, but I like it, and it is well worth it. I used a line output converter on the factory head unit to the aux in on my Pioneer to keep the HD radio tuner and OEM bluetooth in use. I did have to cut out some plastic inside the dash to make room, but once that is done there is plenty of room back there. I was even able to run the usb input on the Pioneer to the factory location in the center console so I can use the pocket under the armrest BMW gives you for my iPod.



Another option is to go with an Audison BitOne (msrp $1000) or Bit Ten (MSRP $500). Both give you very powerful DSP processing incliding EQ and time alignment, adjustable via PC with the BitOne giving you more presets and inputs/outputs, as well as including the remote mounted controller.

was that a custom install?