So I'm upgrading my stereo on my Street Glide. Still open to suggestions but I've kind of narrowed it down to either Sony DSX-S200X or Alpine iDA-X100M receivers. Here's kind of my pros and cons:

Sony DSX-S200X:

Pros:
-Cost ($129)
-Tune Tray for iPod/iPhone no cables to run
-Availability (and cost) for if it craps out (can buy 3 of them for the price of the Alpine)

Cons:
-Not Marine Grade (minor issue)
-iPod has to be disconnected at stops (to prevent theft)
-Kinda ugly (not a HUGE fan of the display, but I can deal with it)

Alpine iDA-X100M

Pros:
-Cable to run iPod into saddlebag (secure at stops)
-Marine Grade (minor factor)

Cons:
-Price ($400, almost 3x as much)

I am planning on a Biketronics kit. I like the looks of the Hawg-Wired kits more, but I want the AVC that Biketronics offers.

For those that have the Sony, have you experienced any negative issues with the deck (iPod/iPhone overheating in small compartment, iPod not connecting correctly, etc)? For those running the Alpine, did the Biketronics Universal kit work for you?

I like the Alpine unit a lot, but I just don't know if I like it 3x more than the Sony. My biggest questions come with issues of the Tune Tray. I don't want it to overheat my iPhone or fry it out. Other than that, both decks meet my needs of what I want them to do.

Any and all opinions welcomed. Thanks.

 

I went with the Alpine. Yea its a little more expensive but wanted the piece of mind on the marine grade. Plus a little easier to see and manipulate than the Sony. I know people with the Sony and they have had no issues with it and really like it. I have a few pics on my profile if you want to take a look at it installed. By the way I used the Hawg Wire kit with mine.

 

No brainer Alpine.

 

NO contest, Alpine >>>>>>> Sony.

 

You can shop around and get a better deal on the Alpine!
Which by the way is my choice, and the only choice between the two.
My $0.02

aka Bob

 

Sony has a marine grade deck

 

Yeah, but it has less features and a poor display.

Ok, you guys made up my mind....Alpine it is. Dammit, and I was trying to talk myself into being frugal.....

For those with the Alpine iDA; is there a "face screw" that makes the face not detachable? I know this sounds stupid and counter-intuitive, but I really don't worry about somebody stealing my deck in a parking lot, but a teenage punk could steal the face just to p!ss me off. I know, simple solution is to take face off, got it; but I'm so sick of unplugging my iPod, disconnecting the AUX line, putting it in a saddlebag, locking it up....just to run into a gas station to get some chew. I know, trivial, but I'd like to just park and go, or get on and go.

 

Unfortunately no it doesn't

 

I would pick alpine over sony. I had that model and the sound of it was terrible. I eventually settled on the Kenwood 948HD radio. If you must have the alpine they sell a model that has everything u need for xm radio. If not check out kenwood the features are great and the sound is amazing.

 

I have had the older Sony marine with the I-pod on the cable in the saddlebag going on 4 years now, no issues whatsoever, has gotten water spray on it but I do have the Biketronics cover too. And the face can be screwed on. Not sure about others Sony included, but this one the display is good and bright for daylight, some others, not so much. I will look at others after this one takes a dump. FWIW.