Ooh baby

pat · Post by **pat** » Mon Feb 24, 2003 1:32 pm

Yuck, that screams 'less than CD quality' to me.

Alex LS · Post by **Alex LS** » Mon Feb 24, 2003 1:35 pm

Why? You actually plug it straight in the back of your HU, into the aerial socket. You'll only get crap quality if your FM tuner's really crap. Since MP3s are less than CD quality to start with, you shouldn't notice much difference.

pat · Post by **pat** » Mon Feb 24, 2003 1:39 pm

Again... it's the whole non-neatness of it all. Can't really explain it because what you say is logically correct and a perfectly good solution. It's just not... 'All-in-one' enough. I just want one display with one set of buttons kinda thing. Call me fussy!

pat · Post by **pat** » Mon Feb 24, 2003 1:57 pm

Oh - just to add to the whole USB thing Erm - This was the article that swayed it completely, not the other one - just couldn't find this one before.

Alex LS · Post by **Alex LS** » Mon Feb 24, 2003 1:59 pm

Options I can think of:

1. Get the Sony (or similar HU).

Pros:
All in one. No extra unit and its wiring needed.
May have in-car recording capability
Cons:
If you want more storage, you'll probably need to replace the HU or get an add-on anyway.
Expensive to change HU

2. Get a Kenwood HU & the Music Keg (or similar combo)
Pros:
Cartridge can be swapped so not limited to fixed capacity. Kenwood, for instance, has optional 20GB as well as 10GB standard.
Track details still shown on HU display
Cons:
Extra wiring
Might be tied to one manufacturer for replacement component
Might be tied to one manufacturer to show track details

3. Get a MP3 CD changer
Pros:
Can take up to 10 CDs - normal or MP3 (7GB)
Cons:
Extra wiring
May be tied to one manufacturer to show track details
Still need to burn and arrange CDs

4. Get the Dension
Pros:
80GB!
Can be used as spare HDD on your PC
Can be used in your home Hi-Fi
Cons:
Seperate display/controls

5. Get a MP3 CD HU
Pros:
Cheaper than the in-built-HDD option
No extra wiring
Cons:
Only 700MB max - may still want changer or external HDD option

There are more pros & cons for each option, but I can't be bothered sitting here thinking of them all

pat · Post by **pat** » Mon Feb 24, 2003 2:10 pm

Thanks Alex - Yeah that's pretty much how it came into my head too.

I would have gone for the Kenwood MusicKeg but everywhere is saying it's not released until June/July - and I can't wait that long. The Sony hard drive jobby (MEX-1HD) would have been so perfect if I didn't have to re-burn my cd collection to standard audio cds before ripping them (that's about 200 cds then... fun job).

It's just about storage and integration... the mp3 changer/sony mp3 HU (CDX-MP70) - is fine obviously reading ID3 tags from all 7 drives.

Believe me I sat up all night because this thing took hold of me and I couldn't believe there wasn't more 'all-in-one' choice going on in the market.

Now I need caffeine

Alex LS · Post by **Alex LS** » Mon Feb 24, 2003 4:41 pm

Actually, the Dension comes in 3 options - OEM, Aftermarket and Universal.

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/shop/ac ... n_592.html

The OEM one I guess is unsuitable for the Clarion RD3.

The Aftermarket one interfaces with Alpine (MBUS), Blaupunkt (A08 changer support), Grundig and Sony (Unilink). This includes full control from HU.

The Universal one uses the aux port.

Looks like they do a DIN-size in-dash one now as well.

http://www.dension.com/

Alex LS · Post by **Alex LS** » Tue Feb 25, 2003 8:12 pm

In addition to getting the 80GB HDD for Â£400, you can get an empty unit for Â£300 and fit your own HDD to it. I'm seriously considering this now - I've got a 60GB HDD lying around

Checked the measurements earlier. The main unit will fit in the glovebox. It can be hung from the top by removing a bit from the documents holder. The satellite display looks like it will fit in the ashtray recess.

kmarei · Post by **kmarei** » Tue Feb 25, 2003 11:38 pm

there is one more option
www.phatnoise.com
it's basically the kenwoog music keg (which is made by phatnoise) but with a sony or alpine interface
so you can hook it up to any sony head unit
$800 but not in stock now
i am dying for that one
with 20gb cartridge (basically a laptop hard drive in a case)
which you can plug into a docking bay at home (usb)

Mr_AWOL · Post by **Mr_AWOL** » Tue Feb 25, 2003 11:58 pm

Well I haven't had it done yet, but I've yet to find something that will 'adapt' to the dash readout. Anyone know differently?

Cant find the blokes card now, which has hacked me right off, but when i was at the '02 motor show, i spoke to a bloke from a company called IMS (who was on the sony stand) who said that one adaptor box could link the 206 to a sony head unit with the following benefits:
1. Allows you to retain the head up display unit
2. Automatic adaptor for the steering remote stalk
3. Sorts out the permanent/ignition power supply reversal for you

Unfortunately, the guy at Canterbury Car Radio said saturday that he didnt know what i was talking about, and whe i asked halfords (yeah i know, i should have known better) the tosser there just kept bleating on about how i could get a DVD screen to fill the space (last time i ask anyone at halfords ANYTHING)!

Alex LS · Post by **Alex LS** » Sun Mar 09, 2003 7:58 pm

I'm seriously considering this now - I've got a 60GB HDD lying around

Now gone further than just considering it. Piccies in the usual place.