I'm not exactly sure where to put this, but I am looking for a reasonably priced car stereo. I don't want an amp or speakers. I want a CD PLayer with a tuner that has a 1/8" input so I can run a cable from the headphone out of my iPod to the unit. Is there such a unit? Thanks in advance and sorry if this is the wrong forum...but I didn't see one for car audio. My budget is no more that $400. I have a 1994 Nissan Sentra if that will help. Or somebody could give me a link to a website where I can look myself. Thanks.
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Recommend me a car stereo...
- Thread starter Lyquist
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calebb
[H]F Junkie
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I have this head unit in my truck:
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=CDA-9856
The MSRP is $230 (but that would usually include installation at a place like Car Toys). I negotiated the price down to $170 since I was going to be installing it myself. Either way, you're under your budget by quite a bit.
This CD player rocks - you can burn MP3's onto your CD (for the days you forget your iPod) and you can get a cable ($25) that connects your iPod to the rear of the deck (I have it running behind the dash, under the carpet and up between the driver/passenger seat).
This is better than other options since the Alpine actually communicates with the iPod directly (and you get the cool Alpine logo on your iPod while it's connected). Anyway, you use the deck to control your iPod, not your iPod. You can browse through playlists, by artist, etc - the same as you can on your iPod.
4V preouts (sub) 2V (mains). I'm using some older Orion amps (Class A/B ftw) to power MB Quart speakers (front) & a JL 12W6 @ 3ohms (sub) that sits behind the drivers seat.
The whole setup was pretty cheap since I bought the amps at pawn shops, sub on craigslsit and the deck new at cartoys. Maybe $550 or so.
The only bad thing about this deck is the interface is HORRIBLE. The "OK" or "Confirm" button changes depending on context. There are FOUR possible "OK" buttons, but you do get the hang of it pretty quick - it just took me a couple days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxScxOaAuzY
There's a Car forum in General Mayhem
(see the announcements section - $5 per year, $15 for life)
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=CDA-9856
The MSRP is $230 (but that would usually include installation at a place like Car Toys). I negotiated the price down to $170 since I was going to be installing it myself. Either way, you're under your budget by quite a bit.
This CD player rocks - you can burn MP3's onto your CD (for the days you forget your iPod) and you can get a cable ($25) that connects your iPod to the rear of the deck (I have it running behind the dash, under the carpet and up between the driver/passenger seat).
This is better than other options since the Alpine actually communicates with the iPod directly (and you get the cool Alpine logo on your iPod while it's connected). Anyway, you use the deck to control your iPod, not your iPod. You can browse through playlists, by artist, etc - the same as you can on your iPod.
4V preouts (sub) 2V (mains). I'm using some older Orion amps (Class A/B ftw) to power MB Quart speakers (front) & a JL 12W6 @ 3ohms (sub) that sits behind the drivers seat.
The whole setup was pretty cheap since I bought the amps at pawn shops, sub on craigslsit and the deck new at cartoys. Maybe $550 or so.
The only bad thing about this deck is the interface is HORRIBLE. The "OK" or "Confirm" button changes depending on context. There are FOUR possible "OK" buttons, but you do get the hang of it pretty quick - it just took me a couple days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxScxOaAuzY
There's a Car forum in General Mayhem
(see the announcements section - $5 per year, $15 for life)If you want a head unit that can perfectly mimic the iPod controls (and I mean perfectly, the command wheel on the new Pioneers works exactly like the iPods click wheel, only it's not a "touch" based system), then any of the new Pioneer Premier models 590 and above will be perfect for you.
The 590IB (which I have) let's you control the iPod perfectly, very little (if any?) lag. The 690UB is the exact same as the 590, but it adds USB support, so you can plug in any portable USB HDD and it will play the music on it. The 790BT has all the features of the previous two, but it adds bluetooth support so you can use your car stereo to talk on your cell phone. I didn't need the USB or BT, so I just went with the 590 and saved my money.
If you do go with any of these, I suggest you buy them from http://millionbuy.com
I get most of my stuff through them if possible because they are pretty cheap ($175 for the 590IB which is a GREAT deal, the 690UB is only $220).
The 590IB (which I have) let's you control the iPod perfectly, very little (if any?) lag. The 690UB is the exact same as the 590, but it adds USB support, so you can plug in any portable USB HDD and it will play the music on it. The 790BT has all the features of the previous two, but it adds bluetooth support so you can use your car stereo to talk on your cell phone. I didn't need the USB or BT, so I just went with the 590 and saved my money.
If you do go with any of these, I suggest you buy them from http://millionbuy.com
I get most of my stuff through them if possible because they are pretty cheap ($175 for the 590IB which is a GREAT deal, the 690UB is only $220).
Crutchfield.com will allow you to enter your car, and then select a head-unit from there.
This man speaks wisdom.
If nothing else, give Crutchfield a call. You'll end up talking to some dude in Virginia in about two minutes that has personal hands-on expereince with what they sell and can help you decide exactly what you need. Their free installation accessories, tech support, and installation assistance are priceless; one of the best retailers I have ever purchased from.
EDIT: If you want to be able to actually control your iPod with the unit you buy, going with Alpine is a must. All the other manufacturers' interfaces (Sony, etc.) are terrible when it comes to iPod integration. I once spent the entire 15 minute drive to work trying to find a song through a Sony unit only to get to it about the time I pulled into my work parking lot. I put the Sony back in the box and returned it when I got home that night. Alpine simply is the best when it comes to iPod control and all the others are too slow and clunky to even bother with.
If you just need an AUX input to connect a mini-plug to from your iPod then you will be fine with just about anything out there. Most units now have some kind of AUX input standard and you shouldn't have to pay more than $140 for a basic CD-playing unit with this feature.
RESTfulADI
2[H]4U
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2005
- Messages
- 2,218
get a used Eclipse head unit imo, there are some great car audio forums where u can find quality used equipment, such as Elitecaraudio.com.