Could This Be The Unit For Me?

Alpine UTE 73BT

Screenshot taken by Hanne from Crutchfields

I like this digital media receiver because of these following reasons:

  • It is single din instead of double din (which allows for a storage space for my phone and house keys)
  • It doesn’t have capacitive touch, which I prefer because the buttons can become unresponsive, activate from accidental or ghost touches, may have sensitivity issues, and ~worst of all~ leaves fingerprints on the piano black glossy surface
  • The buttons are small, but I a multi-use steering wheel which features all the buttons I regularly use
  • There is an option to charge a phone though the USB port
  • It has high ratings and the reviews feature a lot of positive feedback, especially mentioning the bass which is something I am looking for
  • It is relatively cheap (in terms of upgrading) at just under $150.00:
A screenshot of a computer screen that shows an imagine of an Alpine UTE-73BT Digital Media Receiver. Imagine shows the item is in stock and offers features such as variable colour illumination, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music streaming, and Pandora playback with iPhone and Android. In green text below prior information shows that it fits into my VW. On the right-hand side of the picture shows 4.5 stars out of 5, 1065 reviews, free shipping, $149.00 Canadian for the item and a red box around the words 'Add to cart.'
Screenshot taken by Hanne from Crutchfields
  • It has been installed in a VW MK4 before so I feel confident to try the upgrade in my own vehicle:

Video from YouTube by San Diego VDub Life

Above is a video that shows the installation process of the Alpine UTE 73BT into the radio of a Volkswagen MK4. The demonstration is executed on a Golf, however the Jetta shares the same stock audio system as the Golf, so there should not be any unknown factors with the differing models.

Complete Installation Parts

Crutchfield recommended the following items to complete the installation:

  • PAC RP4-VW11 Wiring Interface + $151.37
  • Metra 40-EU55 Antenna Adapter + $22.30
  • Scosche VW2317AB Dash Kit + $22.30
A screenshot of a computer screen that shows an imagine of an Alpine UTE-73BT Digital Media Receiver. Imagine shows the item is in stock and 4.5 stars out of 5, 1065 reviews. It shows the price has been reduced from $219.00 by $70.00 to $149.00. On the right-hand side of the picture shows the price $149.00 Canadian for the item and a box around the words "For your 2006 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan without amp under driver's seat" The bottom of the screenshot shows, 'YOUR INSTALLATION ITEMS' where there is a PAC RP4-VS11 Wiring Interface, quantity 1, for $151.37 reduced from $189.99. A Metra 40EU55 Antenna Adapter, quantity 1, for $22.39 reduced from $27.99. And a Scoche VW2317AB Dash Kit, quantity 1, for $22.39 reduced from $27.99.
Screenshot taken by Hanne from Crutchfields

As you can imagine, this will increasing the costs of upgrading my stereo system. In my experience with doing my own upgrades, and even some maintenance tasks, unexpected costs and unaccounted hours compile onto the project quickly.

And the Price Climbs…

These additional tools have been recommended to aid me in the removal of my old, stock head unit:

Screenshot of three items from Crutchfields: On top of the photo there is an imagine of blue Bojo Trimp Panel Tools with a description reading 'Set of 3 pry tools - helps remove interior and exterior door panels.' The item has 4.6 stars out of 5, with 2,786 reviews for $16.99 and has a red box around the white words: Add to cart. In the middle of the photo there is an imagine of a pink box with Posi-Products Car Stereo Wiring Harness Connectors with a description reading '16 Posi-Twist wiring connectors: makes it easy to splice your new car stereo's wiring to the vehicle harness.' The item has 5 stars out of 5, with 3,675 reviews for $11.99 and has a red box around the white words: Add to cart. On the bottom of the photo there is an imagine of a black with red pair of S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool with a description reading 'Cuts and strips 12-to 22-gauge wire.' The item has 4.6 stars out of 5, with 341 reviews for $39.99 and has a red box around the white words: Add to cart.
Screenshot taken by Hanne from Crutchfields

Before taxes and shipping, we’re sitting at $413.94, which is just for the stereo system. I’m starting to doubt if we’ll be able to install a new radio, speakers, amplifier, subwoofer, and tweeters for under $1,000.00…