Hey all

Purchased a 2003 Verada the other day.

I was a fan of my old 2000 Magna, that had my deck, and a space under it which I could put wallet/phone etc. The 'Rada has a bigger unit (can't remember the terminology).

Is there any WORTH in a larger unit or is it just to look cool and take up space? Are the alcove spacer things available?


Also, I'm trying to work out the type/quality of the speakers I have - I think it's a 6 or 8 speaker system I have, and was wondering if people think it would be ideal, or at least cope, with a better head unit.

Cheers!

http://murrin.net/images/verada/C.jpg

Isn't it because that's a CD stacker?

I wouldn't mind a CD stacker. I have a double din DVD player in mine at the moment :)

Not so much concerned with what I currently have except for the space it takes up!

Are the double din ones just bigger head units or do they have more functionality, like (As you mentioned) a stacker?

That's a double DIN unit. The CD stacker takes up all that room, but you can get better functionality with a more modern single DIN unit that plays MP3 tracks, as long as you burn your own compilations.

My current deck in my old car had an iPod connector which I had in the glove compartment, that was my "stacker".

Would prefer a single DIN unit - and then something to fill in the space underneath it! I just don't know if those things are available.

AUX in is another option in addition to MP3/WMA etc, preferably one where you can control the iPod from the head unit.
I don't know if the bin under the single DIN unit is a separate bit though.

I imagine the speakers would be quite good as they are, unless one or more is heat damaged or distorting. They are after all 8 years old. If they sound good with the current unit, leave them as they are.

Pioneer seems to make good units with plenty of boost and compensation settings for lack of speaker bass/treble.

Yeah that's what I do now, the iPod cable and the iPod just sit in there and I don't touch them - control it from the deck itself. I believe it's Pioneer.

Actually no, it's Alpine.

I think this is the current one I have, though I'm keeping it my old car for the girlfriend (too much hassle!)

http://alpine.com.au/images/products/cde_102.png

If you buy a single DIN unit, you can purchase "Fascia Plates" from Jb Hifi, Autobarn and anywhere else that sells car audio. They are about 30 bucks and are made to fit the car, and have a compartment below the stereo. They are about a 2-3day wait if you buy from autobarn/jb, coz they order them in. (I'm currently waiting for mine)

put a single din cd player in then go to a wreckers the single din pocket from another magna.

Actually no, it's Alpine.
http://alpine.com.au/images/products/cde_102.png

Nice!

You need a universal pocket, I work at JB they are bout $25 I've got a few in stock, I recently install one in my magna!

If you put in a non-standard deck - is there any way the steering wheel controls can still function?

You can yes, normally though you need the alpine converter for it. No idea how to do it.

And no you DONT need a universal one. Seriously, go to a wreckers and get a pocket, ive had 3 different alpine H/U's in my car

Universal ones are fine, they are what stinger list for that era of car, saves hunting around for a second hand one..can get steering wheel control looms too, few diff options available on this too ...depending on the deck you get of course!

But see, one from a wreckers would be about $5

If you put in a non-standard deck - is there any way the steering wheel controls can still function?

Yes but it is a bit of a stuff around.

You will need something that is Known as a PAC/CAT converter these will convert the signal from the Alpine Head unit into a language the Verada steering wheel controls can understand.

Wouldn't bother with the steering wheel controls. Dad just had one installed in his F6X with a new Alpine headunit. I hate it, and even dad doesn't really like it. The problem is that when you press down on the volume buttons, nothing happens. You need to hold it down for a bit, and then it adjusts the volume too quickly to get any accurate adjustment out of it. It's not like the factory controls where you can simply press it down once/multiple times to get the exact volume you want.

As already said, if you want a single DIN unit, grab a second-hand pocket from another Magna. Any wrecker should sell them eg Mits-fix.


Is there any WORTH in a larger unit or is it just to look cool and take up space? Are the alcove spacer things available?

Also, I'm trying to work out the type/quality of the speakers I have - I think it's a 6 or 8 speaker system I have, and was wondering if people think it would be ideal, or at least cope, with a better head unit.
I'd only really go double-DIN if you wanted a unit with a large touch screen. For a regular CD headunit, single DIN is the way to go. And your current speakers will cope fine with a new headunit, and should sound a little better too.

Cheers.

Ended up getting a new Alpine deck from Autobarn at Gilles Plains in SA. It's being installed today along with a pocket which cost another $20.. but saves me taking time off to get to a wreckers (plus it's all installed at once).

Looking forward to trying it out tonight. I almost went a Pioneer Double DIN touch screen (was $699) but honestly, I listen to so much AM radio it would be pointless :)

I got the Alpine CDE-103EBT (http://alpine.com.au/showItem.php?item_id=43) which is basically the same as the picture I posted above, except it has Bluetooth.
I like the idea of having the iPod cable in the back, through to the glove compartment - most other brands only have the front connector these days.

I'll forget the steering wheel controls I think! Waste of money.