Not really into car audio but...

[RallyDRock]

I got this headunit and it started the ball rolling. My first plan was to be able to play burnt cds, then it went to mp3s, and i was like how about XM ooh and iPOD and...

Its the CDA-9835 with biolite display (plain B+W no flashy crap)
I like it, with 26w RMS per channel it is pretty sweet but then i went out and picked up a multi channel amp to power the 6.5" type-r components for the front doors and the 6x8 infinity kappas which i just found out dont fit the magnet is too big!!

Took me only 30 min to solder all the connections and get it running. The manual is like a novel, too many features! How about delay to compensate for the distance from your ear to the speaker, or 512 different colors for the buttons to perfectly match the cruiser's dash lights, i love this thing, oooh and a remote i feel so special, hey not that kind of special.

[bigdogdad]

Looks good. I have an Alpine also and have to agree about the manual, lots of functions to read about, just too big. I keep the manual in the car with me. When at a light or stuck in traffic I pull it out re-read various operations. I forget easily
[:I][8D] Very nice unit and mine has been trouble free (2 yrs)

[GTCruiser2003]

Nice HU. For the rear speakers, make a spacer out of mdf to make them fit.

[RallyDRock]

thanks GT ill have to give it a whirl, hope the cover will still fit on.

[RobGT]

I just got that head unit with a 40gb iPod and the interface. It rocks!!!
My brother also just got the same one.
It sounds SOOOO good!
Good luck!

BTW - Green 198 matches the gauges perfectly!!

Edit:
Oh - and browsing to the middle of the alphabet on the iPod takes fooorrreeveeerrrrr!

[CHROMEDCRUISER]

RallyD, how much did the head unit set you back? Does it have RCA plugins for a sub? What about a separate control for sub volume? Will the display light up about like the original head unit does? Lots more questions if you don't mind answering.

[RallyDRock]

i got mine for $375 including shipping and insurance off ebay. it is one of alpine's top consumer electronics models. Sure they make the F#1 Status Processor unit but $2500 is a bit much for me.

i am using green 215 (kinda blue/green)but ill definitely take a look at 198. maybe GT is a little different?
The four buttons change color. the display is always black/white.
it has 3 sets of rca's front,rear,sub. there is separate sub control that is easily accessed and you can tur it on/off as well as change the phase 180 degrees. if you are using an external amp for regular speakers you can turn off the internal amp to save power and improve quality. it has a cooling fan built in to the unit. right now with the factory speakers the moderate listening level has more response. the music sounds fuller, and crisper, sound i never thought the stock speakers could produce.
Oh an the dash kit is from Metra and was purchased at Circuit City for $14