Jcoopacr2000
Enthusiast
The alpine head unit in my ACR needs replacing. Would like to go to XM or Sirrus head with new amp and speakers all around.Any suggestions? Brand names? Installation tips? Horror stories? Pictures appreciated. 
ALPINE FRIED replacement suggestions
- Thread starter Jcoopacr2000
- Start date
Joseph Dell
Enthusiast
if you want a direct replacement, i have the stocker in a box out here. can ship tomorrow. but if you wanted an excuse to replace it, you got that now!
Jcoopacr2000
Enthusiast
You are right, just wondering what else will work. Stock unit has always sounded crappy.
And it is indeed the head unit that makes the whole system sound bad - I didn't realize how bad until I replaced the Alpine head unit in mine with a Pioneer AVIC-N1 (Navigation/CD/MP-3/DVD/etc), and the sound out of the otherwise stock system was improved by double, at least (hard to quantify, but I feel no need to replace any other part of the stock system at this point). The AVIC-N1 has been replaced by the N2, and I have no experience nor know anything about the N2, though.
However, be warned that if you replace the head unit with anything other than the stock unit, you get to go through the fun exercise of making a converter from the stock unit's DIN speaker connector. I opted to try to not do any destructive cutting of the stock wiring, so I spent some amount of time cannibalizing an Alpine amp extension cable to make it into a DIN-to-RCA converter.
However, be warned that if you replace the head unit with anything other than the stock unit, you get to go through the fun exercise of making a converter from the stock unit's DIN speaker connector. I opted to try to not do any destructive cutting of the stock wiring, so I spent some amount of time cannibalizing an Alpine amp extension cable to make it into a DIN-to-RCA converter.
Knight Viper
Viper Owner
AVIC-N3 out now 
Awesome unit check it out!
Awesome unit check it out!DrDJ
Enthusiast
That AVIC-N3 unit is unbelievable. Definitely my next Viper mod once I sell my only car with a decent stereo. Will it play video off an Ipod?
DrDJ
DrDJ
DanAuito
Enthusiast
By head unit I take it you're referring to the receiver itself?
VIPER BAZ UK
Enthusiast
I went after market Alpine to stay with stock power lead and made a converter to go from din to RCA....No mods to car
DrDJ
Enthusiast
I have a picture of the unit in my gallery if anyone wants to post it.
DrDJ
DrDJ
Knight Viper
Viper Owner
Couldn't get it to download. anyone know the problem? It worked ok with another pic. 
[image]http://gallery.viperclub.org/data/500/8075AVICN3.jpeg[/image]
[image]http://gallery.viperclub.org/data/500/8075AVICN3.jpeg[/image]
VIPER BAZ UK
Enthusiast
Tried as well but no luck...All others worked fine ..
DanAuito
Enthusiast
Copied and pasted into the browser and the chick looks GOOD! Why would anyone want a DVD player in a Viper. I'm keeping my eyes on the road!
DrDJ
Enthusiast
Doesn't the chick come with the unit?
DrDJ
DrDJ
Well, there are reasons - my girlfriend watched DVD's when we drove three days each way to/from VOI8, for example. However, it was not a reason I bought the unit - my sole requirement was a CD/MP3 player with navigation; the DVD player was part of it. But, don't for a moment don't think there's no reason to have a DVD player - around 60 hours of driving with a happy passenger is worthwhile.
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