Alpine Radio Update | FerrariChat

Alpine Radio Update

Discussion in '348/355' started by Robb, Jan 29, 2015.

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  1. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    #1 Robb, Jan 29, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I had this modern alpine unit put in to replace a really old unit (also from alpine circa 2002.) I have the radio delete plate but for now will keep the alpine with green lights, in for roadtrips. It matches the interior green gauge lights perfectly.

    I haven't listened to the radio though the last 600 miles... Or more.

    But if you are thinking about replacing your radio, I like the clean look of this one. It doesn't remind me of Star Trek, annoy me with crazy graphics, and is black not silver. It has satellite radio and HD. I use my iPhone to play music, but with the car, the radio really doesn't get much use.

    Robb
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  2. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    #2 Robb, Jan 29, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  3. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    I haven't figured out how to make the main large display green but that would be the best.

    Robb
     
  4. vracer

    vracer Formula 3

    Jun 23, 2014
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    Sorry Robb, it looks horrible. With the money and time you're spending to make your car absolutely original, you only have 2(.5) choices: #1 Delete plate; #2 Orig. Sony; or the .5 choice that I made: A 360 radio. (It looks right, even if it isn't.) But it sure looks better than the wanna be jukebox that was in the car when I bought it.
     
  5. Fast mustang

    Fast mustang Karting

    Nov 15, 2014
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    Ron
    The kenwoods are nice you can change the display and button colors to what ever color your car has and even custom color to make it exact match
     
  6. 0.0.1.99

    0.0.1.99 Formula Junior

    Jan 14, 2012
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    Ken
    If I went aftermarket, I would also go for a uncluttered Alpine but opt for a mechless unit (no cd) with or without Sat radio. I also have a 430 radio which I may install short-term.

    Another head-unit I find interesting is the Parrot Asteroid line of Android stereos. They discontinued a single-DIN unit which was the first app-style in-dash unit I have ever seen, getting to market ahead of Apple CarPlay which will probably be everywhere in 3-5 years.

    More than likely though, I will go radio delete but with a small amp in the front right factory cd changer location connected to a bluetooth receiver to receive tunes from Apple or Android (either Pandora or music resident on my phone).

    If I found a solution to display engine and overall vehicle health parameters onto a DIN-sized display, I might be interested in doing that in the stock radio location. But the O/S would have to be skinnable for color (to Rob's point above) and content (maybe a Ferrari startup logo).

    That is a project that is still a few years down the road for me.
     
  7. tres55

    tres55 F1 Rookie
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  8. INTMD8

    INTMD8 F1 Veteran
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    Jun 10, 2007
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    Robb, why did you replace the old Alpine? I like the look of the vintage ones myself. Seems period correct and like you mentioned lights up green so I will probably leave the one in my car.
     
  9. gobble

    gobble Formula 3
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    Jan 29, 2010
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    I did a bunch of searching and Nakamichi makes head units that appear to match nicely. The Alpine is a little shiny for my taste where the Nakamachi has a dull stock look.
     
  10. driveitdaily

    driveitdaily Formula 3

    Jul 20, 2013
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    Right on ! When i bought my car it had the original crap sony and two crap door speakers. Not for me , i like the engine sound too , but sometimes you need tunes. I found the top of the line late 90's , maybe 2000's alpine ?. New enough to accept a sat input but with period correct looks and then went with what would have been period correct high end stuff . A/D/S ph15 amps and A/D/S speakers and subs and all the associated a/d/s crossovers and components , the whole integrated system, the way a/d/s intended it. It looks right (although most is hidden) and the sound of that old school stuff is pure , clean and unrivaled by today's crap .
     
  11. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    #11 Robb, Jan 29, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Lol.

    The '95's actually came with no radio in the U.S. - hence my original radio delete plate. The Sony unit started for '96.

    That radio or the 360 unit that started in late '99 f355's as well do look good.

    There was a radio provided in Europe shown in the '94 and '95 brochures that looks good.

    I have never seen one for sale in the states...

    The older alpine unit from 2002 was gray and silver which looked totally out of place in the cabin especially with all the black...

    Our '97 GTS has a newer radio that screams Star Trek... So we will be looking for a Sony OEM radio for that car soon.

    See the attached photo from the european '94 cars and even the '95 U.S. brochure. But none were ever delivered with that unit... Looks great though. :) Maybe I'll find one in my search.

    Robb


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  12. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula Junior
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    If you are looking for period correct looks there are a number of Porsche units from Becker from the same era that would look good. They went to Becker in 1997 and share the same units in the early 2000's with the 360. The CDR 220 is a decent head unit and always have a selection available on EBay. Of course you would want to have someone change the name on the front. :)
     
  13. tf308

    tf308 Formula 3

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    A radio is so easy to change.

    I find it funny that there seems to be an opinion here that you want to drive and "look at your stereo" instead of being able to enjoy it.

    An up to date head unit has so many more features you can enjoy. Blue tooth, hands free phone, and pandora.

    If you really think you need a concours stereo....just change it back. I put updated units in nearly ever car I have and the difference is amazing.
     
  14. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    +1 Tim.

    I would like to find the '94-'95 radio to have available in the box, but I picked up the radio delete plate since that is how the car was actually delivered from the factory.

    It's great to have options. And I do like Bluetooth. Only an hour or less to swap back to another configuration.

    Robb


     
  15. Badabing!

    Badabing! Formula Junior

    Mar 30, 2014
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    Becker units also came in some 355s. According to FNA my car came with a Becker BE4372 which also came in some 360s.

    I'm kind of glad, because of all the options out there, I think that one looks best in the F355.

    I was able to get one from a member here, it's awaiting installation.

    There are others for sale like this one.

    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/ferrari-parts-collectibles/474166-oem-becker-radio-360-a.html

    You can also send it to Becker auto sound in NJ and have them add an aux input or iPod cable for $100
     
  16. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    The Becker unit was only available in '99 F355's.

    So I'm sticking with my multiple options:

    1. OEM Radio Blank Plate
    2. Searching for an OEM radio from '94-'95 shown in the brochure -euro market only
    3. Using modern Alpine unit...

    I don't see a need for putting in the Becker, or any other radio used in different models. :)

    Robb
     
  17. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula Junior
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    Yep, that is the exact one in my 996tt, a CDR 220 except it doesn't have "Ferrari" on the front. :)
     
  18. KM1959

    KM1959 Formula Junior

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    Although not cheap, but less than a major, I am considering the Pioneer DEXP99RS. It just looks like it belongs in a high end car
     
  19. tf308

    tf308 Formula 3

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    Why do nearly all of your replies say...."it just LOOKS...."

    Souldn't they say ...."it sounds...or functions?"

    New BT will send tunes and Waze warnings through the stereo.

    You guys are making Ferrari ownership the ultimate vanity.

    Next you will be saying...."Does my 355 make me look Fat?"

    They only came from the factory with skinny F1 male models. Do each of you fit that category too?
     
  20. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    The funny thing is that the stereos on these cars - especially OEM without adding a bunch of boom-boxes and filling up your trunk with amps and bass speakers...

    Are nothing to get excited about. Especially with an engine even at low rpm's.

    The sound is not bad but other than long road trips - the radio is not that useful anyway.

    We definitely bought our F355's because they are beautiful on the outside and clean in the inside cabin. :)

    So nothing wrong with finding the year correct unit - especially if it's included with a gorgeous brunette in the second seat.

    Robb
     
  21. Badabing!

    Badabing! Formula Junior

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    My car is a 97 model year built in 1996. An FNA representative did some research and was able to tell me with specificity that the car came from the factory with the Becker unit. He was also able to tell that it did not come with the CD changer.

    He also referred to the Sony unit as an "option".
     
  22. judd10

    judd10 Formula Junior
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    #22 judd10, Jan 31, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I had the factory Sony in my '99, but them upgraded to the Becker Cascade BE6112 and absolutely love it! Noticeably better sound even with the existing speakers... Bluetooth, iPod connector and navigation... and I think it matches the car well.
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  23. Badabing!

    Badabing! Formula Junior

    Mar 30, 2014
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    First time I've seen that. I think that looks great and is IMHO the best looking option for a more modern unit.
     
  24. drbob101

    drbob101 F1 Rookie
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    That looks great. Where did you get it from and how much?

    Thank you
     
  25. jimmym

    jimmym Formula 3

    Sep 30, 2008
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    Does anyone know if a factory cd player can be hooked up to all OEM radios?

    When did Ferrari start offering cd players as an option?
     

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