What HU instead of Harmony??

taffyduck · 7th April 2008, 10:35

Hi all.

I'd like to change my Harmony HU to somthing else that'll play CD's. The thing is I haven't a Scooby as to what make will work with the steering controls and the CD changer in the glove compartment.

The cars a 1999 model with the old conections so I'd have to by an adapter.

But has anyone done this with an old Harmony HU with the Alpine CD Changer? and if so what make of radio can I buy so that it'll all still work?

Thanks

Paul

Phil260 · 8th April 2008, 07:41

If you have an Alpine CD changer that says "A1 NET" on it, then why not buy an Alpine head unit to go with it. They are excellent quality. The steering wheel controls will work but you need an adaptor for those too.
You could also use Alpine 1750 component speakers in the front and 1725s in the rear. Quite cheap from ebay.

Cheers

Phil

Per Ardua · 8th April 2008, 08:40

I've just ordered an Alpine HU and I have a CD changer in the boot that works with my current Symphony HU.

I was expecting the CD Changer to become redundant - are you saying that it might be possible to use the CD changer still?

biggles · 8th April 2008, 09:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Per Ardua

I've just ordered an Alpine HU and I have a CD changer in the boot that works with my current Symphony HU.

I was expecting the CD Changer to become redundant - are you saying that it might be possible to use the CD changer still?

If your changer is OEM for the Symphony it will be using i-bus for control whereas (aftermarket) Alpine HU:s have AI-net so that is unlikely.

However, if it is an aftermarket Alpine changer then it should have an AI-net to K-bus interface. Then you might be able to use it by removing the adapter and modifying the wiring loom.

Per Ardua · 8th April 2008, 09:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by biggles

Then you might be able to use it by removing the adapter and modifying the wiring loom.

I'll file that under 'too difficult' then! :lol:

The whole idea is to have a huge library of music on the ipod thus removing the need for the CD Changer. I'll keep the changer fitted though as I intend to take the new HU with me if I ever sell the ZT-T or use it as a bargaining piece (and keep the symphony in the loft).

nisfo · 10th April 2008, 06:10

We are curently selling DVD head units with USB & SD slots for £40 (staff sale). They only have a 3.5@ screen but IIRC you can connect an external screen.

I have until Tuesday to place my order.

It's a 1st come 1st served basis, so if anyone would like one, let me know.

7th April 2008, 10:35	#1
taffyduck Avid contributor Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bielefeld Posts: 118 Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 9 Posts	What HU instead of Harmony?? Hi all. I'd like to change my Harmony HU to somthing else that'll play CD's. The thing is I haven't a Scooby as to what make will work with the steering controls and the CD changer in the glove compartment. The cars a 1999 model with the old conections so I'd have to by an adapter. But has anyone done this with an old Harmony HU with the Alpine CD Changer? and if so what make of radio can I buy so that it'll all still work? Thanks Paul

8th April 2008, 07:41	#2
Phil260 Loves to post MG ZT 260 Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 263 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	If you have an Alpine CD changer that says "A1 NET" on it, then why not buy an Alpine head unit to go with it. They are excellent quality. The steering wheel controls will work but you need an adaptor for those too. You could also use Alpine 1750 component speakers in the front and 1725s in the rear. Quite cheap from ebay. Cheers Phil

8th April 2008, 08:40	#3
Per Ardua Loves to post ZT-T 190+ Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sipping fine port in a drawing room in Sleaford, Lincs. Posts: 373 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I've just ordered an Alpine HU and I have a CD changer in the boot that works with my current Symphony HU. I was expecting the CD Changer to become redundant - are you saying that it might be possible to use the CD changer still?

10th April 2008, 06:10	#6
nisfo Gets stuck in 75 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - Posts: 868 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	We are curently selling DVD head units with USB & SD slots for £40 (staff sale). They only have a 3.5@ screen but IIRC you can connect an external screen. I have until Tuesday to place my order. It's a 1st come 1st served basis, so if anyone would like one, let me know.