MK2.5 Head Unit Issue

[Toaster Pilot]

The OEM head unit in my newly acquired 2003 MX5 is a bit odd - radio reception is pretty much non existant although it does sometimes decide it wants to work, the LCD screen sometimes works perfectly and sometimes goes completely blank when playing a CD and the unit sometimes just doesn't work at all.

Before I pull it out and dump it, anyone got any idea what's up with it? Don't really want to put a single din head unit in cause I think it'll look a bit daft.

[MX-5 Lazza]

The stock unit sounds pretty crap anyway.

[Toaster Pilot]

Can't really notice with the roof down

[MX-5 Lazza]

And that's one of the problems with it. Not enough power - I can hear mine even with the loud exhaust & supercharger

[MegaMinion]

What have you got in yours Lazza?

[MX-5 Lazza]

A Kenwood single DIN unit that also plays iPod or USB. I can't remember the last time I used a CD in the car. My other car doesn't even have a CD player, just USB & SD!
I also have a 300w amp - and old old Phillips DAP300. I said old twice to emphasise just how old it is. Probably 25 years old, maybe more. Still works well and the MX5 is a poor environment for qualify music anyway.
Speakers are a pair of 8" JBLs that are 2ohm so make the most of the amp And give very healthy volume levels. The stock Mk2.5 door tweeters are still being used but are faded right down and are only to lift the sound a little.

It does sound pretty good but to be fair, the Pioneer unit in my Mini with no amp and stock speakers sounds better and seems to be louder. That's the advantage of having a solid roof.