I have decided to bite the bullet and get a Japanese market head unit. I can't find anything else domestically that I like. My choice is between:

Pioneer FH-P900MD
http://www.pioneer.co.jp/carrozzeria.../2d/fh-p009md/

Alpine MDA-W988J
http://www.alpine.co.jp/alpine/audio...mda-w988j.html

I think technically they are very similar in config. The Pioneer is much cheaper, but I am not sure if I like how it looks in the car (click the "4" in the above link)

Does anyone out there have either of these units and can post a pic of it installed please? Or if they think there is a significant difference that would warrant the $300 difference between the two - chime in.

 

I too thought these 2 head units looked awesome; especially the new Pioneer ,however when I found out neither have amber display I opted not to go that route. According to Melting-Pot.com there is a new Panasonic HU which will have the color capability of the Sony MX7700 so you can match color with rest of gauges/dash display. They haven't posted a pix of it yet but said it would be on their website shortly.

 

Be aware that the Japanese units that you are looking at use a different FM frequency than we use here in the US. You will not receive any stations above about 95kHz, as this is where the Japanese FM band ends.

 

I am selling my brand new Alpine MDA-W988J on Ebay if you are interested.

Click here for ebay auction

Melting Pot can't get these anymore, as Alpine Japan has pulled them from the market.

 

I am Bias, but I would have to say Alpine. Just signup for satelite radio and you dont need no stinking FM...

 

i think this will fit nicely

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-RWXdMqs...0&I=113DDX8017

 

I wonder if that Kenwood Unit would fit in the space for the factory nav...interesting.