Single-DIN.. Nothing nice anymore?

[Chucklehead]

I'm going to be looking for a single DIN head unit over the next 12 months or so. On my wish list would be:

Screen good enough to clearly navigate ipod/dab, and ideally with album art. 3.5" TFT perhaps?
Made for iPod or Android
DAB
Quality handsfree with ext mic
Recognised / trusted brand
CD/Mechless is less of a concern

I struggle to find anywhere that lists what the new and exciting 2018 headunits are, or really anything that has been developed over the last 4 years! I'd imagine that this is because most manufacturers are shifting away from single-DIN..

[aquarianone]

I went with the Pioneer Deh-80prs as it covered most of those bases...

Lots of connectivity options and audio control, great if you're looking to add or upgrade with an Amp and better speakers...otherwise probably overkill for average use.

Connects to my Android phone and streams Deezer and Iplayer radio via bluetooth without any hassle and the call quality is pretty decent with the little mic supplied.

Not sure what else is new that's Single Din and doesn't have lots of flashing lights etc...the older stuff just looks better

[EJH]

I had this dilemma a couple of years ago and went for an Alpine CDE-178BT and a KTP-445. No DAB but covers many of the bases and sounds relatively decent.

[Chucklehead]

clearly technology isnt moving at the same pace it was when i first started installing them!

I've got a single-din minidisc changer in the loft if anyone is interested?

[SebringMan]

Chucklehead said:

I'm going to be looking for a single DIN head unit over the next 12 months or so. On my wish list would be:

Screen good enough to clearly navigate ipod/dab, and ideally with album art. 3.5" TFT perhaps?
Made for iPod or Android
DAB
Quality handsfree with ext mic
Recognised / trusted brand
CD/Mechless is less of a concern

I struggle to find anywhere that lists what the new and exciting 2018 headunits are, or really anything that has been developed over the last 4 years! I'd imagine that this is because most manufacturers are shifting away from single-DIN..

As said the Pioneer DEH-P80PRS is about the best you can do. It's a fabulous HU for the money and super flexible should you want to upgrade your Hi-fi at a later date.

I like EJH have the Alpine CDE-178BT. That's a decent HU as well! The iPod control is fine on that! A cheaper version of that is Alpine's new UDE-98BT. It's mechless and has a more basic display however. It's crossovers strangely are way more flexible, as flexible as the P80PRS I'd say; but the ones on the 178BT would be more than sufficient for most people out there.

[vx220]

Beauty of the DEH80PRS is the independent LR EQ, I found that very useful.

MrsVX has just treated me to a DEX-P99RS, so there is a lightly used DEH80PRS for sale in the Talk Stuff and MR2ROC classifieds...

DEXP99RS is a huge leap ahead in EQ, and a subtle improvement in TA, but DEH80PRS is still a brilliant unit

Edited by vx220 on Friday 23 February 14:20

[aquarianone]

Really liked the look of the P99 but it's just soooo expensive, let us know how you get on with it!

[vx220]

Chuffed with it, was very happy with the 80PRS to be fair, but P99RS is a bit more solid and 31 band LR EQ is nice to have without grabbing a laptop for a full on DSP

[Chucklehead]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[SebringMan]

aquarianone said:

Really liked the look of the P99 but it's just soooo expensive, let us know how you get on with it!

It's a competition grade headunit ; Alpine's offering are the F1 status items which of course come at quite a price even for the old stuff. To be fair they don't seem to ever get cheap either! I debated about getting one for years. My problem? McIntosh items ; man they are pricey! Awesome, but very expensive.

A P80DRS on TS? I might have to pop over, and sell what I thought would be a keeper of a headunit. An Alpine 9887R with the option BT400 bluetooth box for those wondering.

Time alignment is brilliant isn't it? It's a massive cheat but a good one.

[dino_jr]

Hi, don't want to make another similar thread, but I too am after a single DIN DAB radio, but one that looks old / "bland", for a 1980 911.

This one looks OK and has matching orange illumination,
https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/273030494480?chn=ps&a...

Are there other options?

[EJH]

The Alpine CDE-178BT that I have is in a 1988 911. Microphone on the steering column and KTP-445 behind the passenger footwell trim.

It doesn't look perfect but, for me, it's the right balance of functionality, not looking jarring and being decent value for what it offers.

[aquarianone]

You could try and search out something like a Becker unit..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Becker-Mexico-Pro-CD-Ra...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Porche-CDR23-car-cd-rad...