Alpine or Stock Radio? HELP NEEDED

[liv2snobrd]

Hey fellas, I'm new here, just singed up. I've been looking at the forums trying to come up with answers for my "problem," but decided to finnally just join and post a thread.I'm trying to decide whether or not to buy a new head unit. The main point is that I want to use an ipod with the stereo. I think it is possible to hook an ipod up to my stock stereo, but I'm not sure. I have a 03 vibe with the moons and tunes package, but no navigation or multiple cd changer, just the stock radio.I've been looking at this head unit. http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-e...-9873My question is should I go with a new head unit, or stay with my stock radio? I really don't know much about systems, but I heard that the stock one has a built in 200w amp or something. Will the sound quality drop if I change headunits?I could really use the information and knowledge. I appreciate it. Thanks.

[joatmon]

seems like getting an aftermarket head unit is the easiest way to connect an external player in a Vibe, unless you want to try an FM transmitter, which some people like, other don't. Since you have the Moon&Tunes, you have an external amplifier, it's the box under the front passenger seat. If you go with an aftermarket head unit, you may need to get a level converter to keep from overdriving the amp.Quote, originally posted by liv2snobrd »Hey fellas, I'm new here, just singed up. I've been looking at the forums trying to come up with answers for my "problem," but decided to finally just join and post a thread.well, it's about time you signed up welcome to genvibe

[jwalcik]

I've had experience with both methods, using an iPod with a stock (non-Vibe) radio, and going the Alpine route. I've got the Alpine setup in my Vibe now, and I love it. The controls are nice, but not perfect with the aftermarket setup. For my money though, being able to leave the iPod tucked away in the glove box and manage everything with the dial on the radio was the way to go. Advantages to the Alpine setup (I can't speak to any other aftermarket solutions):-unified volume control-*some* controls (skipping songs, turning mix on and off) readily available without taking my eyes off the road-no multi-cable (charger + audio cable) tangle in the cabinThe single volume control was a huge thing for me. Using the headphone jack and then having to tweak the volume when the music started either blaring or muted was always a hassle. Also, being able to hit one button and shuffle through ID3 information at a red light is a really nice alternative to having to fish the iPod out from where ever you'd stashed it (cup holder, below shifter storage, etc).

[slvrvibes]

I also went with an after market alpine radio for two reasons, for my ipod connection and for the XM. I like that I can tuck away my ipod from site (in the storage compartment under the gear shift) and just manage everything from my alpine. I haven't had any problems in year and 1/2 I've had the alpine and love it.BTW, welcome aboard.

[liv2snobrd]

Sounds good, thanks guys for the help. I really appreciate it. So I think I am going to buy that alpine head unit, it sounds like the way to go. Now I have to figure out where to buy it, maybe Crutchfield, they seem like a good dealer.

[jwalcik]

I've done plenty of business with Crutchfield. I really dig the fact that if you buy a head unit that's more than $120 or so, they'll throw in everything else you need for the install free of charge.

[Jahntassa]

Yeah, Crutchfield is definitely dependable. I've never had a problem ordering with them.

[Sublimewind]

Hi all,I'm new here to... just to get that outta the way... I understand the iPOD conectivity issue and you WOULD be better off going aftermarket for the conectivity... I personaly am going to be doing a aftermarket HU with a USB port and adding an external HD... can you say 40-250Gigs of music..!!! (depending on what i get for support from say Kenwood)Many other audio mods will be in the works as well... I haven't even recieved the car yet and i'm already planning...