Best stock-looking aftermarket headunit?

[Mr. Maboomba]

I have a '98 328is. I have an Alpine CDA-9815 with integrated XM right now but I'd like to swap it out for something simpler and more stock in appearance. Something from Nakamichi would be great but I don't think any of them are satellite radio-compatible.

So... what do you recommend that (1) uses nearly the same plastics and backlighting as OEM, (2) is XM Radio-compatible, (3) plays CDs, (4) produces good sound, (5) costs less than $400 new or used.

Thanks.

[el.duderino]

I like the look of the Naks and they have an aux in you can use for sat, but they break a lot.

The Blau units no longer have the right lighting. If I had one of these, I would buy a Sony 930 and set the backlight to Red.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...specifications

Upon further review, I think the 730 is better looking.

[bboyvek]

mcintosh!!

[slocar]

I love my Clarion DXZ645MP; no longer made, but I think it matches very well.



Oh yeah, color can be adjusted (and it adjusts color on everything, buttons included), so I have it matching the stock amber perfectly.

[AngryWhopper]

Originally Posted by bboyvek

mcintosh!!

I agree 1 million percent

[rogan]

Am i the only one who thinks that McIntosh looks hideous? Although it might blend quite well with the heater controls in the e36

[bboyvek]

Originally Posted by rogan

Am i the only one who thinks that McIntosh looks hideous? Although it might blend quite well with the heater controls in the e36

yes your alone on your first statement, and yes it looks pretty bad ass on an e36.... i need to score one by the way

[Tbone325]

I also have a Clarion dxz645p whatever the number is and its awesome. The orange matches up perfectly.

[AngryWhopper]

Originally Posted by rogan

Am i the only one who thinks that McIntosh looks hideous? Although it might blend quite well with the heater controls in the e36

When I first saw it, i felt the same way. Its now my favorite aftermarket indash stereo.

[IamCatman]

Originally Posted by rogan

Am i the only one who thinks that McIntosh looks hideous?

Yes

To the OP ...the "BEST" stock looking HU is the Nakamichi TP1200. After than the second best would be the Nak CD700II.

>^..^<

[slocar]

Originally Posted by rogan

Am i the only one who thinks that McIntosh looks hideous? Although it might blend quite well with the heater controls in the e36

I agree. It looks like something out of the 80s.

[rogan]

Yeah, the 80s

YouTube

YouTube

[Hawknthasky]

Originally Posted by slocar

I agree. It looks like something out of the 80s.

+1. It really looks like it would be more at home in a Mercedes W124.

[antik]

I don't mind my CDA-9885: the black body is certainly inoffensive - it matches well in a black interior. The unit is set to backlight red: I rarely notice the fact that the buttons are blue and because of it. The display text is white on black: no trouble there - it's benign.

It's certainly not as clean as the Naks or BMW's CD models but it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb the way so many aftermarket units do and it supports all the desired accessories.

[el.duderino]

Originally Posted by rogan

Am i the only one who thinks that McIntosh looks hideous? Although it might blend quite well with the heater controls in the e36

Yes, the industrial design of a Mac HU is hideous.

[Hawknthasky]

Here's my current setup. It's the bestest blending head unit that fits in my wallet.

[AngryWhopper]

^ Umm thats a good unit and all, but doesn't even come remotely close to blending in with your dash :

[Hawknthasky]

I suppose you have a point, so let me rephrase my description. It's the closest matching MECHLESS unit I could afford. I'm not interested in tape or CD units.

[JDMrecovery]

Originally Posted by bboyvek

mcintosh!!

Really? Less than 400 new or used? I'll take 4 then.

[318isam]

Originally Posted by bboyvek

mcintosh!!

if your gonna put that piece in your bmw,you might as well throw in a chain link steering wheel and some hydraulics to go with it!

[HellRot Roundel]

Hmm a chain link steering wheel you say... hello christmas list.

But seriously, the McIntosh HU looks amazing to me. I really want one.

[atxlonghorn]

That Denon head unit that 12v powdercoated looks pretty sick.

[IamCatman]

Originally Posted by Hawknthasky

Here's my current setup. It's the bestest blending head unit that fits in my wallet.

That screams "STEAL ME"...fortunately my audio selections are not limited by budget issues.

I'm not interested in tape or CD units.

And I'm only interested in SQ ...and that doesn't include an Ipud.

>^..^<