New head unit

Hi all
Just become the proud owner of a '98 300tdi Discovery Safari
This model seems to have a good sound system, but the head unit is a bit dated, and I want to be able to use my ipod rather than the cassette, oh and the cd changer is not working, which suits me as all my music is on the ipod anyway
There are tweeters in the a pillars, door speakers, and rear speakers in the pocket
When looking for a replacement head unit, what should I be looking for in terms of spec to make best use of the kit installed?
An example of what is on offer would be:

Powerful amplifier 4 x 50 watt output and 1 Pre-out with Subwoofer level control, or
Powerful amplifier - 4 x 50 watt output and 2 Pre-Outs with subwoofer control

I'm not really up on my stereo lingo, though once I have the correct head, I stand a decent chance of fitting it

Any help much appreciated, and yes I did loads of searches, and learned loads, about alot of things, but this bit still eludes me
Nige

You won't be able to run the speakers in the back door pocket as they require a power source although if you do a search( i think it was possibly discool who did a writeup on it) you can make a lead to then run it off the pre outs of a new stereo. Also don't forget to get one that either has a line in or better still one that will allow you to control your iPod remotely.

Thats a great start smarty, i will search on discool.... thanks

Tallbiker said:

Thats a great start smarty, i will search on discool.... thanks

Click to expand...

Here you go mate, it was discool that had posted it. My memory isn't as bad as i thought lol.

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f8/disco-1-speakers-108772-3.html

Fab thanks pal, tell me was redhand having a bad day?
It sounds like I need to buy a unit with a pre-out (whatever that is) so I can use it with the patch lead I make up?
Another thought, the wonderful array of stereo buttons on the dash will of course no longer work, not that I necessarily feel the need for them, any interesting uses people put them to do we know?

Hi tallbiker, you will need one pre-amplified output (pre-out) to power the boot door "sub" loudspeaker an additional pre-out is ok if you are ever to upgrade the other loudspeakers and power them via a seperate power amplifer, but the head unit is well specked with 50 watts ber channel thats 200 watts max in theory.

You will also require the ipod input and some head units give you full control of the ipod ie. what u see on the ipod screen is repeated on the head unit screen also required is an input for the dash controls to still function, that will be via a seperate interface lead if you still wish to use them, mine never did what they we surposed to do.

Then there's a few goodies like Bluetooth, USB and SD inputs.

Loads of ICE sites on the www this is two of them.
Car Audio Centre - The UK's Number 1 Supplier of Quality Car Audio Equipment - CarAudioCentre.co.uk
Nexxia Audio Solutions - Audio&category=Car Audio Radios

Hi discool, thanks so much, that is exactly what I was after, looks like I can go for something with a single pre-out (thanks for defining what that is)
Looking around the vehicle it appear to have 2 tweeters, 2 front door speakers and 2 rear pillar speakers, plus the boot door sub
Will 4 x 50w be ok then, as I have 6 speakers? (ignoring the sub as that is dealt with by the pre-out) Do the tweeters just connect to the same wires as the front door speakers?
Thanks again
Nige

I don't know how but yes the tweeters are connected up the front speakers and 4 x 50w is great as their feed wires are not at the ISO connection.
As it's all matched ISO connections now the only mods requiring patch leads will be the 'sub amp' and the steering controls but some head units don't have the input for steering control so thats something to check if you wish to keep this facility.

excellent thanks discool. Not fussed 'bout the steering controls, think I can reach the head unit at a stretch