I have an oustanding Alpine am/fm cd/xm radio w/xm receiver.
I have a 2007 EX Coupe w/OEM radio w/o xm receiver.
Im thinking of installing the Alpine 1. To get back my xm reception which I miss so much, and 2. to prepare for a later installation of a dvd/xm DDIN radio.
Input, should I do it or just say face and keep the OEM?
Kind of a silly question for the forum, but Im bored at work today, and its been a while since I have posted.

Switch out or no switch out? You be the judge! Thanks

 

Ill give you my honest opinion i dont think aftermarket single dins look good in our cars. Only thing that looks good is the factory radio/navi or an aftermarket double din that doesnt sit too far back in the kit.

 

I agree, the single DIN probably wont look too good for now, but my goal would be to get the dash ready for a dvd/xm later, that being to install the Alpine now and get the xm back up and running, I probably wont be able to afford a double din dvd radio in my lifetime. This is about as close to double DIN dvd/nav/xm as I can get to be honest. Practicality is really my goal, not show quality, Im too old for that now! (47 ).

 

Just so you know, the stock units on our cars (or EX, Si at least) are made by Clarion, which I consider to be better than Alpine. Alpine is a good company though.

 

Very interesting! Didnt know that. But it will cost me over 500.00 to add xm to my car! I already have the xm receiver the radio, xm adapter and just need the install kit and stuff. I know what you mean though, the OEM radio(s) look better by far than a single DIN radio. but its what one can afford! Dang it, it all comes down the that nasty word "CASH"!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Demonis &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just so you know, the stock units on our cars (or EX, Si at least) are made by Clarion, which I consider to be better than Alpine. Alpine is a good company though.</TD></TR></TABLE>


Mines made my alpine

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Sarge! Carry On! &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">But it will cost me over 500.00 to add xm to my car! I already have the xm receiver the radio, xm adapter and just need the install kit and stuff.</TD></TR></TABLE>


http://www.hondaautomotivepart...82%29
http://www.hondaautomotivepart...82%29
http://www.hondaautomotivepart...82%29

Not sure which parts you actually need, but everything for xm in the above links only comes up to $292.03. If it's something you can do yourself, I say the price isn't too bad. Labor would really drive the price up.

Edit:
Aren't the speakers in the Si alpine?

 

$226.80 from College Hills Honda in kit form:

Part# 08A15-3J1-000
Price includes base kit, antenna, and attachment kit


http://www.collegehillshonda.c...s.htm

chiggin is right though, labor would cost you.. so if you had someone do it (especially the dealership)... sure I guess you're probably getting close to $500

here's the install instructions in PDF format

http://www.collegehillshonda.c...o.pdf

 

it seems like your trying to convince yourself to install the Alpine. Just do what you what...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Demonis &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just so you know, the stock units on our cars (or EX, Si at least) are made by Clarion, which I consider to be better than Alpine. Alpine is a good company though.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You're dumb, comparing a factory underpowered radio, to an aftermarket radio. The fact that Clarion makes the radio, has no relevance on whether it's better than the alpine unit.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dorifto_83 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
You're dumb, comparing a factory underpowered radio, to an aftermarket radio. The fact that Clarion makes the radio, has no relevance on whether it's better than the alpine unit. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Clarion makes better QUALITY units than Alpine, Alpine still makes very good stuff. I never said the stock unit would be more powerful or anything of the sort. All I am saying is from my experience, Clarion TYPICALLY has better QUALITY units over Alpine.

Just because its an OEM unit doesn't mean Honda manufactured it. If I'm not mistaken our seats were partially, or assisted in design by Recaro.

 

You are right! I have been talking myself into the Alpine since I already have it and the xm receiver. But after I purchase the install kit, wire kit and the kit to operate the steering wheel buttons, it wouldnt be too far away from 226.00!
Thank you all for your input. As always it goes into my thoughts. That is why sometimes its good to get opinions from many others. Now I will put my xm receiver and my sportscaster xm receiver on ebay! HooAhh!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Demonis &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Clarion makes better QUALITY units than Alpine, Alpine still makes very good stuff. I never said the stock unit would be more powerful or anything of the sort. All I am saying is from my experience, Clarion TYPICALLY has better QUALITY units over Alpine.

Just because its an OEM unit doesn't mean Honda manufactured it. If I'm not mistaken our seats were partially, or assisted in design by Recaro.</TD></TR></TABLE>

This is a matter of opinion. I disagree with this statement. That aside the install of factory XM looks like a PITA!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by I:_Drive &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

This is a matter of opinion. I disagree with this statement. That aside the install of factory XM looks like a PITA!</TD></TR></TABLE>

True, but apparently Honda agrees or they wouldn't have made that choice. Hm?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Demonis &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Clarion makes better QUALITY units than Alpine, Alpine still makes very good stuff. I never said the stock unit would be more powerful or anything of the sort. All I am saying is from my experience, Clarion TYPICALLY has better QUALITY units over Alpine.

Just because its an OEM unit doesn't mean Honda manufactured it. If I'm not mistaken our seats were partially, or assisted in design by Recaro.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Clarion making better headunits is your personal opinion, and like I stated previously, has no relevance on whether or not alpine is better.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Demonis &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

True, but apparently Honda agrees or they wouldn't have made that choice. Hm?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Honda adds accesories and labor to add profit add on sales, if they didn't offer it, you would buy it elsewhere. Doesn't mean they added because it's better.

 

my neighbors old bmw had a factory alpine unit.... whats your point?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by I:_Drive &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">my neighbors old bmw had a factory alpine unit.... whats your point?</TD></TR></TABLE>

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by I:_Drive &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">whats your point?</TD></TR></TABLE>
exactly

 

WOW! Looks like I hit a nerve for some! Sorry!

I have determined that I am going to go ahead and install my present Alpine unit and xm receiver. Later I will switch out the Alpine DIN for a new Alpine Double DIN unit, time and cash flow will determine time factor!!!!!! I like the OEM unit, however I dont like the sportcaster separate xm radio under the dash. I am not one for stuff hanging under the dash and not looking tidy!

 

You can't compare Clarion to Alpine, they are very similar products and depend on personal preference to make the decision for you, let say you compare a base model Clarion sub to an Alpine Type-X... or vice-versa, you can't do it, just because they mass produced OEM radios doesn't mean anything, wether it's a BMW with Alpine or a Si with Clarion, its all good, but nothing comparable to what you can do with an aftermarket system.

Just figured I would throw in my .02$

WTYM.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Demonis &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

True, but apparently Honda agrees or they wouldn't have made that choice. Hm?</TD></TR></TABLE>


edit

but anyways alpine &gt; clarion

 

I had a 2006 model Alpine in my old car and that **** just sucked ***. I mean it worked as a beginner's deck but it had no EQ or anything like that. Thats the year that Alpine's headunits went to ****...speaking from experience here.

I have a Pioneer and the options are great for the price.

I have a single din in the Si and don't think it looks bad. I knew i was gonna change out the stock deck before i even bought the car.