Replacing an OEM single DIN head unit. Do I need a CD?

[MrB.]

I’ve recently bought an Alfa GT and it comes with a single DIN cd/tuner shaped to the console. No AUX input though which is a bind for me, so I’ve decided to change it. I’ve ordered a panel that will allow a new head unit to be fitted, but I came across some very simple (and cheap) head units that allow AUX inputs but no CD player. Has anyone fitted these? Any good?

I’m mostly Spotify now, but want to try and retain as much of the OEM look as I can, and this was a Blaupunkt unit.

Suggestions?

[ninepoint2]

probably better and cheaper going for one of these

http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=29...

or

this

http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=13...

plus this (but would be more of a faff than the first option above)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KON1JIA/ref...

[MrB.]

ninepoint2 said:

probably better and cheaper going for one of these

http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=29...

or

this

http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=13...

plus this (but would be more of a faff than the first option above)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KON1JIA/ref...

Those first 2 options look good. Thanks for this.

[TEKNOPUG]

Get an FM transmitter for less than £20. Bluetooth, hands free calling, Aux in, USB, micro card plus high speed USB charging etc.

[MrB.]

TEKNOPUG said:

Get an FM transmitter for less than £20. Bluetooth, hands free calling, Aux in, USB, micro card plus high speed USB charging etc.

I have one of those but it’s pretty poor to be honest. I’d like something with a more reliable connection.

[devnull]

MrB. said:

TEKNOPUG said:

Get an FM transmitter for less than £20. Bluetooth, hands free calling, Aux in, USB, micro card plus high speed USB charging etc.

I have one of those but it’s pretty poor to be honest. I’d like something with a more reliable connection.

Yup. FM transmitters sound ste.

[gmaz]

I had one of the xcarlink devices in my previous car for an iPod & bluetooth interface and it worked well enough, but you need to be switched to the interface for it to handle phone calls properly. E.g. if you are listing to FM radio and your mobile rings you have to switch your audio to the Xcarlink adaptor before you can accept the call.

[whatmoretyres]

You can plug a cable into the cd changer part of that head unit which you could then add on a Bluetooth receiver - probably the easiest and most oem solution. Will also keep your steering wheel controls

[MrB.]

Had a quick trip to the local Halfords today and nearly bought a JVC unit that does it all. I’ve even bought the relevant trim panel to fit an aftermarket unit into the Alfa. For £60, I get CD/tuner, aux, usb, Bluetooth audio and phone (albeit without an external mic). Then the sales chap (helpfully) told me that the Bose units might need different adaptors to work properly, so I’ve left it at the moment. I’ve also got a mate sniffing around he car considering buying it from me, so I’ll stick with my FM transmitter until I know what I’m doing with it.

Thanks for all the help though.

[griffin dai]

Couple years old now but this was a good one if you don’t need the CD player

https://www.adamrayner.net/kenwood-kmm-257u-single...