Just wondering if anyone can recommend a good HU, I have fitted good front comps running from a 250w amp and intend to amp a good set of back speakers/amp and possibly fit a small sub/amp. The HU needs to have 3 outputs for the amps.

I was looking at one of these Pioneer DEH-P88RS as they have dropped in price recently but it's probably over kill with the set up I'm going to end up with?

Alpine, anything Alpine. Failing that.... Alpine

Ok will go with Alpine, Just one more question though...the blue wire from the HU switches the amp on, how do you run this single wire to other amps. Can you split it via a chok block?

I would have thought so. It is after all just a feed to trip a relay/power switch in the amp and draws very little power.

No doubt a true ICE expert will be along to confirm or otherwise.

Can split or loop it to the second amp no problem.

Thanks Barney/Bockers.

bit more help needed...can someone point me towards the stereo connector photo? I found it once and need to change a cable to use another cheap Kenwood while waiting for the funds to buy a new Alpine.

Erm yes, thats the one. I was searching under stereo cable etc. I also looked in the faq's but missed it. Stereo now working, thanks.

Shifty, I have the Pioneer DEH-88PRS with the reference amplifier in the boot & reference speakers front, rear & tweeters. I've got the iPod adapter unit & the DAB unit fitted too. Finally I fitted a Parrot to finish it all off. I use it all with my iPhone & the sound is excellent. I'm a bit of an audiophile, I have an AVI hi-fi at home with expensive B&W speakers so I feel able to comment on a good sound. (personal taste accepted).

The biggest issue by FAR is that with a Blueflame exhaust & dump valve throbbing away.....all the low frequencies are drowned out. To balance this I have a sub, but to be honest it has to be turned very high to counter act all the tuning mods. With the car stationary the sound is very accurate, defined & the tweeters really do shine out. It's not a system for impressing the McDonalds crew though.

You're welcome to have a listen if you fancy. I'm in the Midlands.

Chris

I read your ice install post some months back Chris and always wanted a similar setup. I have seen your HU going for as little as £230 as they have brought out a version 2.
I've installed type r alpines in the front and now have infinity kappa 6x9 in the back but for some reason (possibly earthing) my bottom of the line Kenwood went into protect mode on Saturday...
I intend to re wire the whole stereo setup at the end of the month so hope that sorts it out.
Thanks for the offer to have a listen to your system, If I can find some spare time I will pm you to try and organise.

ok getting closer to buying the hu and am down to two...Alpine 9887r and the Pioneer deh88. Both produce great sq but the alpine requires imprinting to get the sound perfect. I dont want to spend the extra £150 for the imprinting kit and wondered if anyone knew if these kits could be used on multiple hu's?

HiFi's for your house! Listen to the engine!

You'll also need the calibration kit which costs about £35 to £45.

The calibration kit consists of a small mic, long USB cable and an installation CD. Mic plugs into the IMPRINT processor. USB connects processor to your PC.
Software only works on XP, doesn't like Vista.

Once the program has taken loads of measurements with mic in different locations, it asks what kind of curve you would like setting up in the processor. Think I picked the wrong one for my tastes as most music sounds very anemic. Could also be that calibration was less than perfect since I was left with a flat battery!
With Multi-EQ on, you cannot adjust time delays, crossover settings or EQ parameters. Only sub volume, treble & bass. I'll give my setup another go at some point but might resort to good old fashioned DIY adjustment.

Btw, Alpine Type R's up front sound awesome. Had that setup in my last coupe. Currently have Infinity Kappa 6.1's in and don't think they are as good.

What head unit have you got Barney?

It was a tough choice between the 9887R and the iDA-X100. I went for the latter, hoping that the iPod interface would be better to use. Never used the 9887R so can't compare. What I can say is that it's borderline dangerous scrolling through hundreds of albums whilst driving!

The other thing you should be aware of is that it's a tight squeeze with the processor & bluetooth box behind the head unit.

Personally I would go for the Alpine 9882RI head unit. Has the same internals as most of the models previously mentioned, and is just raw basic good sound quality without any of these sound collaboration gimmicks.

I consider Alpine as one of the best head units but they are expensive. Am currently having Pioneer DEH-P65BT. Its a full bluetooth unit and great sound. you can also have the display and knob lights to match the rest of your console. (ie amber, red)

Cheers all for the responses.
Decided to go with the Pioneer 88, has all the imprinting s/w built in and by all accounts is the best sounding.

Well it's in and by god it's stunning to look at and sounds the muts nuts!!!
Managed to get the version 2 (Pioneer DED-P88RSII) FOR £228 PLUS £10 Delivery from http://www.caraudiogiant.com
Now have to find somewhere quiet for the auto EQ to work and being on the flight path for Heathrow that could be challenging...