I don't see the value there. If money is no object then maybe but it doesn't even have navigation. I think that Alpine (and I have owned a few) is like Porsche. They make a great product and the nickle and dime you for every thing and they charge you for it. That takes nothing away from the product or those that choose to go that way. I like to think about value and trying to get the most I can for my money. If for instance I needed a car to get me just from point a to b and that reliable with no fuss I would be hard pressed to do better then a corolla or maybe that kia rondo neither is going to be the performance, or whatever beast but....you get what you pay for.

I will go on the record here that I am seriously considering the Clarion model. It is value priced. Needs nothing to control either an IPOD or a Thumbdrive. Has the ability to have BOTH Sat programs. It is only lacking HD as fair as I am concerned. One thing I REALLY like about it is it uses the xm mini tuner / passport system with a home dock. That cuts my subscription costs ALOT.

My dream system would keep all of the above and add HD radio and DVD playback but realistically I wouldn't use either of those features much with the sat and IPOD so...

 

tfrazee-
did you get those components installed? If so, how about some pics, and feedback. It would be appreciated. Considering the same set up you mentioned.

 

I agree with this. I'm looking into a head unit right now as well and am definitely looking for a touchscreen. Don't go cheap or down the road you will regret it.



Do you attend Clemson now? Junior in Mechanical Engineering here. If so I'm sure I've seen your truck around campus somewhere.

 

I've had the Clarion DUZ385SAT head unit for a couple of months now and really like it: great sound compared to the stock HU, although it can take a spell to get used to the controls.

I'm now looking for help wiring the Clarion to an Infinity Basslink self-powered subwoofer. The Clarion has 4 RCA outputs (fr/fl + rr/rl) and the Basslink has 4 matching RCA inputs. However, while the Basslink manual recommends connecting all 4 RCA ins/outs between both units, I spoke to a Crutchfield advisor today who told me to only connect the 2 rear RCAs.

I installed the Clarion HU and door speakers, but I've never put a powered sub in a vehicle before.

Which is the right way to install this sub? Or, what are the options?

 

A few weeks ago I removed a bass link out of a trade-in VW bug for a dealership and installed it in the sales guy's Contour. I also called Infinity because it was confusing to me after reading the instructions. All that was needed to be done was connect the two rear RCAs and it fired right up.

 

Appreciate the input, KC. I called Crutchfield again today and spoke to another "advisor" - he explained the connections as follows:

If you connect just the rears on both units, the head unit fader will vary the sub level with the rear door speakers.
If you connect all 4 ins/outs, the sub output will not change if you fade the front/rear door speakers, but you can vary the sub level with the wired remote included with the Basslink.

Anyway, I'm going to run 2 pairs of RCA cables from the Clarion to the back, and see which way works best.

Thx.