My head unit in my car just died and I'm looking for a new head unit with a front aux in. Any ideas? I'm looking to spend no more than $150 (my car's pretty old, will probably replace in 3-4 years)

-LTB

Look at aiwa head units, they are cheap and have front aux-ins. They arent that great compared to kenwood / alpine recievers, but they still work, and will do as good a job as your stock headunit did

Make sure to go to epinions.com or bizrate.com to find the best price as well. You can save at least 50 dollars off the local price depending on how much the unit is.

Taskman

Aiwa CDC-X437.

I just installed this, got it from crutchfield for $120 shipped. It retails at $169. I like the look of it, not too flashy like some aftermarket HUs that i've seen. Though it's not as powerful as some, it is still way better than a stock headunit. In my opinion also better than Blaupunkt (my previous model).

$20 off crutchfield:
http://www.google.com/search?client=...rd+crutchfield

You don't have to use a mastercard to pay

http://www.us.aiwa.com/default.asp?p...oduct&prod=406

Forget about front aux inputs...it's a pretty ugly solution even if you move your ipod in and out of your car a lot.

The first problem is that you'll have a 1 inch long object sticking out of your receiver with a mess of wires running in front of your console.

I suggest you go for for a rear RCA aux input solution and simply get a RCA to 1/8 inch plug extension adapter that you can run under your cars trimming whereever you like and out of the way. It'll be a lot cleaner install.

Another thing, why limit yourself to AIWA receivers with front AUX in? There are a lot better sounding receivers with AUX in that will suit you much better in terms of quality, durability, functionality, and sound.

I have an AIWA head unit, and was planning on using the front AUX input to run my iPod. Has anyone done this?? What will I need?? I am going to buy the Belkin auto charger w/audio, and need to know how exactly that will hook up to my speakers. Decided on using the AUX port when I read about how bad the FM transmitters were.

Help?!?!

P.S.--plugging it into the cd changer rca in the back of the unit is not an option, I have a changer plugged in. So through the front is the only way I will go! Thanks

I also have an AIWA head unit and have had no problems using it (as a matter of fact, I think it sounds great!). Anyway, if you already have the Belkin, all you need to get to complete the hookup is a cable w/ stereo mini-plugs on each end. Run one from the audio out on the Belkin, and the other to the aux in on the head unit. Turn the AIWA to aux mode, and you're all set.

I bought my cable w/ 2 mini plugs at Radio Shack for under $10- I don't remember exactly how much it was.

You rock!! Thanks so much. That's kinda what I figured, just wanted someone to confirm it!
One more thing, do you run the plug from the audio out on the Belkin TO the AUX port? (Sorry, I be dumb)

link to the cable

yeah, you plug one end of the cable to the Belkin's line out, and the other end into the Aux in on the AIWA. just plug in the Belkin into the cigarette lighter outlet, and you're all set!

Quote: Originally posted by JediCowgirl
P.S.--plugging it into the cd changer rca in the back of the unit is not an option, I have a changer plugged in. So through the front is the only way I will go! Thanks

Forgive me if this seems a daft question, but why would you still want to use the CD changer (max no. of discs, what, 20?) when you have a 10gb iPod with the equivalent of 200 CD's on it?

Basically I am not going through the headache of un-installing the disc-changer. (I'm in AZ, and it's a million degrees out!) Just want to leave it in the car for when I sell it. But I totally see your point. I just don't want to do it! (I'm lazy)

I have a nice setup I did in my car with an Aiwa headunit and the Belkin autokit. When I get a chance i'll take a picture and put the description along with it.