Originally Posted by BlackCrossFire6spd
Choosing your radio is going to depend on what you want ot get out of it. If you just want more features and are going to keep everything else stock, then get an inexpensive radio that will alow you to add the features on. Alpine has many models starting around $200 for the radio, then add the options you want. If you are planning on improving speakers and adding amps, you want a better quality radio. This makes a big difference. I have an Alpine CDA9887 with the external Imprint sound manager, bluetooth, and ipod connected to 2 audison amps driving MB Quart speakers and subs. This system sounds amazing, and everything but the radio looks factory. If you want something silver to match, look at Alpines Marine radios, such as the
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...odel=iDA-X100M This will look perfect in the dash, and gives you all the options you need. As for not having a CD player, once you get everything on your iPod, you don't need a CD player. I haven't used mine.
With the Alpine Marine radios pictured, ALL of your problems are solved. Your welcome.
I stopped by my area Alpine Dealer, The Driver's Side on Rte 1 in Wrentham, and asked them about the Alpine Marine Radio as a replacement for my stock radio. I told them I was concerned about matching the silver color on my dash so that the upgraded radio would look good in place as if it was always there. He told me the latest releases were due in May and he should have one in stock soon. He took the removeable face plate off an Alpine he had in stock and compared it to the size of my stock radio and it seemed to match perfectly. I know I'm a little behind the times but I do not own a MP-3 player or Ipod. I do have an extensive collection of CD's though, so I do want a CD player. He showed me the CD player behind the face plate which I thought was different. I also asked about XM Satellite Radio capabilities and he told me that's a separate attachment to the radio but it would be hidden from view and controlled right through the panel on the Alpine Radio. Then there's the issue of where to place the satellite antenna.
What do you think? Has anyone else converted to XM or Sirius? If so, where did you locate the antenna?
Bob