The Retro Sound Model 2 is all I have located so far. I'm not convinced its appearance is suitable for the Jag, and reviewers seem to agree that its sound isn't great.

I really do not want a flashy LCD screen.

Another option would be a non-bluetooth unit that has a USB port for my iPhone.

Regardless, I'd be happy to hear about your good Jaguar-aftermarket-stereo experiences.

 

I went ahead with Pioneer that has multiple backlight options and it seems to look fine in the dash.

 

You have any pictures of the unit installed?

 

The JVC EXAD KD-AVX77 has a sleek, black, completely buttonless-knobless face that might suit you. The face is a touchscreen, which I would guess could be set to be black any time you dont need to utilize it. You can see it here:
JVC EXAD KD-AVX77 Media Player - DVD/CD/AM-FM/LCD Monitor - Newegg.com

 

double post - Mods, please delete.

Thanks!

 

None of the above. Look at Nakamichi for an understated, OEM appearance.

:: Nakamichi ::

For extra credit, choose one with green illumination. If you want a bit of flash, snag one of Alpine's retro/vintage series (with classic square buttons and green illumination).

Blaupunkt should have a couple of suitable units as well, but I haven't looked at their stuff in a while.

[edit] if you've changed the interior illumination to blue LEDs, do yourself a favor and snag a McIntosh head unit.

 

YES, the Nakamichi CD500 etc have just the look I was hoping for. Unfortunately, it looks like only their cheaper models (eg. NA350iBTR) have bluetooth and USB-in, but they don't look good. Hmmm.

 

I've never seen an aftermarket newer unit that really fits the xjs interior. I don't care for the newer faces with all of the graphics and large knob.
I went with the JVC KD AVX77. It has a touch screen face, Bluetooth with streaming iPod, usb port and aux input accessed from behind so you can run cables to center armrest. Every possible feature. Proximity sensor for controls, screen saver image capture from DVD.
I made a slide show dvd of jaguar logos and captured it for screen saver so when th controls fade out, it looks like the new XJ screen saver. Really stunning!!
Even sounds great with factory speakers.

 

 

Had to retweet that.

 

Thanks philhef, I looked up the KD-AVX77, it's got it all and looks nice.

 

I have just become aware of the Parrot mki9000. I shall use one on the original radio/cassette deck and kill this thread.

 

I'll be watching this thread closely as the radio in my XJR just conked out (I've lost count of how many I've replaced) and my supply of good used spares is exhausted (I thought I had one good one left, damn!). Looks like it's time to finally throw in the towel on Jaguar/Alpine radios.

Like some of you I really want to avoid the radios with Tokyo-at-night graphics.

I'm not a audio connoisseur or techno-guy. My XJR has the premium sound system and I think it sounds just great....but by modern standards is probably considered sub-par. Appropriate looks, longevity, and ease-of-use are important to me.

(I have all Harmon-Kardon equipment for home entertainment. Some of it over 20 years old. No bells, whistles, graphics, or flashing lights. Still sounds good to my ears, and seems to last forever)

Looks like the search is on...and after spending just a few minutes I can see that I have lots of sifting-through ahead of me. Grrrrr. I'm really NOT looking forward to this.

Cheers
DD

 

Sorry in advance for going off on a tangent but you just brought back a flood of memories.

Years and years ago ....60s-70s....my Dad had "MacIntosh" amplifiers.... when it was still called "Hi-Fi" by some :-).

Gawd, how he loved (and was proud of) his "Hi-Fi" set-ups. Thorens turntables, Bozak speakers, Ampex reel-to-reel tape, etc.

Back to your regular prgramming....thanks for letting me stroll down memory lane for a couple minutes.

Cheers
DD

 

Been on the same boat for while too. Always end up deciding to stay with the original alpine. Almost bought a flip out deck because it looked like the most fitting, but I did not want to deal with the flip out mechanism.

Right now if I can find a receiver deck geared only for digital media, meaning only a radio and the capability to link with the I phone, ill take it as long as it looks right. Navigation, and everything else I need is already on the phone itself

 

Actually I won't use a Parrot because music from my iPhone won't go through the head unit--the Parrot just connects to the speakers, playing music even with the car stereo turned off.

Therefore an iSimple TranzIt might be the way to go--the only visible part is the USB cable to the iPhone (could hide that under an ashtray). So it charges the phone and plays music from the phone through the car stereo without loss of control over bass/treble etc.

 

This is what I have custom fitted with extra BT module. This looks great , like the today's version of the factory Alpine from 94. The car was then upgraded to match with led lighting and has BT audi on streaming , phone and USB socket in arm rest for iPod etc inc charging

http://tinyurl.com/b6ncpwe

 

This is what I have stashed away for my Mark2, since double din will not fit into XJS.

 

Very posh. It wouldn't look out of place in a Roller.

 

Is that an iSimple device? How do you like the sound quality?

BTW good job on the LEDs.