Replacement for a 1990 Radio

[dmm_au]

Hi All,

I have a 1990 MX5 with the original cassette deck, and headrest speakers.
Cassette deck isn't working and who has those now anyhow.
I don't know what the specs of the original radio are, but for my enjoyment, with the headrest speakers, the sound quality is adequate.
I don't think I need amps, sub woofers etc, and don't want to change out the current working speakers.

I'd like to do an upgrade;

I'd like some compatability with my iphone/ipod for music, preferably where I can change tracks legally.
AM/FM radio
Is DAB radio something I should consider?
Don't really care about CDs, but if that's part of the package fine.
Something with a iphone dock would be great, especially if it also let me use the phone??

I am concerned about having a new radio stolen, as I sometime leave the top down whilst making quick trips into shops etc.
I'm not precious about the MX5, and I don't want to start fretting about an expensive piece of audio equipment.
I'm not exactly dissatisfied with my stock radio performance, but I'm getting a little tired of drive time radio, and it is getting old an temperamental.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

I have removed the console before, but as I'm time poor, I'd probably prefer to get something professional installed in Melbourne.

[NitroDann]

JVC KDR-526?

Cheap, legal iPod iPhone connectivity. able to upgrade to bluetooth.

Doesnt look nice enough to draw unwanted attention

Dann

[rpost77]

I recently replaced my 1991 radio with a Clarion CX609A.

It is a double din unit.

Has bluetooth for phone (although I don't use this - I use a Blueant Supertooth 3 unit clipped to the sunvisor).

Has a USB connector in the rear - I connected an iPod cable to this and ran it under the centre console into armrest box - connect my iPod or iPhone to this and can select tracks etc. via the radio controls.

Can set the colours of the display - have set mine to match the original green of the original radio and speedo.

I don't have headrest speakers but you can connect to the Clarion if you want (has the requisite wires on the supplied connector).

I like the unit as it is all black and blends in quite nicely to the dash - looks like a stock radio (have had a couple of people comment that they thought it looked stock) - doesn't stand out with lots of bling so less likely to attract unwanted attention.

Sound quality is excellent (lots of options to monkey with settings (equaliser, bass boost etc.)) if needed.

Buttons and controls nice and large and easy to use (I was looking for something that was simple to change stations etc. without having to look at the radio and this fit the bill).

To install mine I purchased the correct connectors to plug straight into the existing harness connectors - the connector that comes with the unit has bare wires at the other end and I just inserted these into the correct positions on the new connectors and plugged into the existing harness - I recommend you use this approach for any radio you get rather than hacking the harness to pieces - makes changing later to another (possibly different configuration) radio easier and less issues likely getting it to work.

The other thing to look out for is that the existing fascia isn't a true 2 din size (a weird 2 1/2 ish size) so you may have to replace with a true 2 din version or cobble together some filler bits to fills the gaps left over (even if you do 1 din you will need to do similar).

[dmm_au]

Two excellent suggestions.
Thanks for the reminder about the 2 1/2 din space. The installer I spoke with knew about that.
I had been thinking I needed a shelf in the dash for the iphone, but running a USB cable into the centre console would work well.

I suppose some sort of dock near the radio, that would let me use google maps to navigate (hands free of course) would be better.
Anyone done something like an iphone dock?

[aviper4u]

that clarion non bling unit sounds nice.

also i know that with a phone if it's in a holder you can touch menus etc and its legit, though with a mp3 player/iPod is the same or can you just use without a holder ??

good luck with install

[TooBald]

I've got a similar issue and am going for a Sony DSX-S300BXT (http://www.sony.com.au/product/dsx-s300btx) as it hides the iPhone\iPod inside the unit (stops it sliding about). Ryda stock them for $348. Normally I'd avoid Sony but the reviews look good...

[powerpp]

Hey there. I just did this change last week on a 90 Miata. Got a single din JVC for I think $150 from JB hifi. Came with a bonus bluetooth kit.

It can play anything and everything. Plays music from your phone via blue tooth. Doubles as hands free and it can also control an Ipod. I think it was a KD-R526.

[NitroDann]

JVC KDR-526?

Cheap, legal iPod iPhone connectivity. able to upgrade to bluetooth.

Doesnt look nice enough to draw unwanted attention

Dann

Great minds think alike.

$158 at JB until sunday, Including the bluetooth adaptor. Normally 199, plus 99 for the bluetooth adaptor.

The unit is a kdr526, but if you want the full kit with everything for 158, ask for a bpt52.



Dann