It seems like Alpine is the brand of choice for head units. I has some major issues with an Alpine head unit in the past. The unit would work a few weeks then would start acting up where the display would be blank but the unit would power on or if the display was visible it look to be a cross between russian and korean text. Alpine replaced the unit under warranty 4 times. When the unit failed the 5th time it was finally out of warranty and got replaced. So my views on Alpine are tainted and I swore I would never own another of their products.

So I bought a new 08 Mazda Mx-5 Miata a little less than a month ago and the stock system has got to go. Since space is a major issue I've gotten some feedback on other product like Amps, Front stage and Subs first but now its time to get started with the build and I think the head unit is the place to start.

In avoiding Alpine a good high quality head unit is tough to find. I like the features on the MP68 Hamburg from Blaupunkt. What is the word on the blaupunt in terms of quality as well as its ability/ease of tuning to the cars cabin. Oh my Miata is a powered hard top convertible so I dont have all the issues that most rag tops have.

http://www.blaupunkt.com/US/7648012310_main.asp

Pioneer, Eclipse, or Alpine are the 3 choices if you ask me.

I prefer Eclipse and Pioneer Premier.

Why those brands? No one seems to be carrying the Eclipse these days and they say they have dropped them because of being overpriced and that the quality over the last few years has slipped. Obviously dealers do tend to bash the brands they don't carry but I have heard that from more then a few people. Whats the downside on the Blaupunkt?

It seems like Alpine is the brand of choice for head units. I has some major issues with an Alpine head unit in the past. The unit would work a few weeks then would start acting up where the display would be blank but the unit would power on or if the display was visible it look to be a cross between russian and korean text. Alpine replaced the unit under warranty 4 times. When the unit failed the 5th time it was finally out of warranty and got replaced. So my views on Alpine are tainted and I swore I would never own another of their products.

That's weird. I've had my Alpine CDA-9883 for almost a year now and I haven't had a single problem with it.

Edited August 29, 200817 yr by chad

Try and check the website for Eclipse dealers in your area.

Not sure if they are overpriced but I do like mine

Why those brands? No one seems to be carrying the Eclipse these days and they say they have dropped them because of being overpriced and that the quality over the last few years has slipped. Obviously dealers do tend to bash the brands they don't carry but I have heard that from more then a few people. Whats the downside on the Blaupunkt?

If you are asking me, my answer is that one of different units over the years, and Eclipse have always been solid for me. And I drifted away from Pioneer for a while after the end of the P1R, but since have ventured back with the PRS-880.