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Car Forum / Driving, Maintenance, Tuning / Driving / March 2008sorta OT: car stereos
Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? I need to get something for the Ugly Truck as it only has the factory AM/FM radio in it, no cassette or CD player at all. I'm thinking I probably want the following: AM/FM (of course) CD player front mini phono jack for iPod/whatever maybe HD radio? it looks like from crutchfield.com, the only units available that have all those features are JVC, although if I don't include HD radio as a requirement there are lots of options. Do the newer JVCs have a fairly robust CD player, that is it won't skip on rough roads? I remember back in the day the last time I was shopping for car stereos (many years ago) there were some that advertised special anti-skip features, but I don't see that anymore, does that mean pretty much all new units will work well even in a rough riding vehicle? Anything else I should be looking for in a unit? Any specific recommendations? the 10+ year old Alpine in the 944 is still kickin' so I have a good opinion of those; last stereo I bought before that was a Blaupunkt two shaft (really!) unit that I put in my '84 GTI, so it's been a few years since I've taken a serious look at in-car entertainment :) thanks nate  Signaturereplace "roosters" with "cox" to reply. http://members.cox.net/njnagel > Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? I need to get something for > the Ugly Truck as it only has the factory AM/FM radio in it, no cassette [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > front mini phono jack for iPod/whatever > maybe HD radio? You could get those and MP3/WMA capability (allowing you to play a CD filled with mp3 files). Here are a few links I found. I can't really recommend any one over another since I don't have any of them. http://electronics.pricegrabber.com/in-dash-cd-mp3-players/p/159/ http://www.compuplus.com/i-JVC-KD-HDR1-In-Dash-CDMP3-Player-1008882~.html?sid=tp l9wts8qvrbe7e >> Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? I need to get something for >> the Ugly Truck as it only has the factory AM/FM radio in it, no [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > http://electronics.pricegrabber.com/in-dash-cd-mp3-players/p/159/ > http://www.compuplus.com/i-JVC-KD-HDR1-In-Dash-CDMP3-Player-1008882~.html?sid=tp l9wts8qvrbe7e According to Crutchfield, the ones that actually fit are all JVC, although I'm having a hard time choosing as there's no clear winner. I may just go ahead and order this one: http://mobile.jvc.com/Aproduct.jsp?modelId=MODL028296&pathId=142&page=1 despite the fact that they don't have any FM signal sensitivity ratings on there yet. The one good thing about my situation is that Ford saw fit to use a standard DIN chassis for their radios although I guess there is a depth issue as some of the options presented were marked "doesn't fit." I don't currently have an antenna as it snapped off in the car wash (when I bought it it had some little plastic Scooby Doo van clamped to it and I never bothered to cut it off, guess I shoulda done that before the car wash mangled my stuff...) I should probably get a power antenna for it so that doesn't happen again... The appeal of the HD radio for me is that I'm an NPR junkie (despite my leaning somewhat conservatively politically, they still seem to me to be more intelligent than most other mainstream news sources) and NPR seems to be the primary early adopter of this technology. nate Signaturereplace "roosters" with "cox" to reply. http://members.cox.net/njnagel >Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? I need to get something for >the Ugly Truck as it only has the factory AM/FM radio in it, no cassette [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >CD player >front mini phono jack for iPod/whatever Better still, full iPod integration! >maybe HD radio? That's not even worth thinking about. HD Radio is the last gasp of a dying industry, a desperate attempt to compete with Satellite Radio. HDR is simply the same old shity content wrapped up in a shiny new wrapper. Don't go out of your way to get it. >Anything else I should be looking for in a unit? What about: Nav system? Integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone? Signature"Dave's not here, man!" - Tommy Chong >Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? I need to get something for >the Ugly Truck as it only has the factory AM/FM radio in it, no cassette [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >front mini phono jack for iPod/whatever >maybe HD radio? I haven't gotten around to it yet, but I am going to get one of those stereos with the port for a USB memory stick. No more CD changers for me. Tired of them breaking down. >Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? I need to get something for >the Ugly Truck as it only has the factory AM/FM radio in it, no cassette >or CD player at all. I'm thinking I probably want the following: If you are going to keep the truck, then its definitely time for an upgrade.... ;) >AM/FM (of course) Not that big of a necessity to me, though they all come with it. I haven't listened to terrestrial radio in the car in years.... >CD player Definite plus, though I've had good luck with outboard CD changers in both the Pauruses. Only one has failed and that was due to an accident.... >front mini phono jack for iPod/whatever Up to you. Personally, I have no compelling use for it. >maybe HD radio? Don't bother. Go for Satellite Radio instead. >it looks like from crutchfield.com, the only units available that have >all those features are JVC, although if I don't include HD radio as a [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >see that anymore, does that mean pretty much all new units will work >well even in a rough riding vehicle? I've hit RR tracks at 60 and the outboard CD changerr didn't skip. (I *think* they use a 10 second buffer to cover skipping inaddition to some heavy duty suspensions). Of course, YMMV... >Anything else I should be looking for in a unit? Any specific >recommendations? the 10+ year old Alpine in the 944 is still kickin' so >I have a good opinion of those; last stereo I bought before that was a >Blaupunkt two shaft (really!) unit that I put in my '84 GTI, so it's >been a few years since I've taken a serious look at in-car entertainment :) I've generally liked Sony's equipment. Kenwood and Pioneer are decent products also, IMO. No experience with Alpine or Blaupunkt, so I can't comment there. Also, don't forget that the speakers are what you actually listen to (as in what transmitts sound to ears). Don't buy high end (or even mid to low end) equipment and then skimp on the speakers.... -- Speeders & Drunk Drivers Are MURDERERS admits to driving its beater with faulty brakes: "Hey stupid - I've tried to fix it and i can't. The cable adjusting nuts are rusted solid." --Laura Bush - Vehicular Homicide (a.k.a. Laura Bush murdered her boyfriend, Pride of America, aunt millie and Judy Dairya, among others. See: http://tinyurl.com/ahphj), 6 Apr 2005 11:05:54 -0700 Ref: or9851dpb7a4s8fduf7bf83gab02t9u...@4ax.com Ref: http://tinyurl.com/8exv3 > Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? 1. Volume "knob", that "turns". 2. Aux input. 3. Makes no sense to hook a good unit to shitty speakers. ----- - gpsman > Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? I need to get something for > the Ugly Truck as it only has the factory AM/FM radio in it, no cassette [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > Blaupunkt two shaft (really!) unit that I put in my '84 GTI, so it's > been a few years since I've taken a serious look at in-car entertainment :) I have found Crutchfield to be conservative on what "fits" and what doesn't. If you can pull the current one and physically measure it, then that's the best way to find what fits, other than the opening size. I agree completely on Alpine. One that'll take iPod input and/or USB is nice. Agree with gpstard on two counts - volume knob that turns, and decent speakers. The button +/- volume thingy sucks a.s. I put a Clarion unit in the Oelbrenner (diesel Mercedes), and the vibration doesn't give it any hassle. I have a H/K Traffic Pro in the S6, and it doesn't have any problem with the stiff suspension and low-sidewall rubber. Expand past Crutchfield a bit. I love those guys for their customer service, but their selection is not the best. BTW, search the car audio forums that are everywhere, and you'll get an idea of what is "great" and what is "good enough", in addition to what is "crap". E.P. > > Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? I need to get something for > > the Ugly Truck as it only has the factory AM/FM radio in it, no cassette [quoted text clipped - 41 lines] > > E.P. OK, thanks to all that have replied so far... really I'm just looking to spend less than $200 and get "decent" sound, for a very liberal interpretation of "decent." This is my pickup truck, which I go out of my way to *avoid* driving because a) trucks aren't fun and b) it sucks gas. I just want to have the option of listening to stuff other than FM radio because at some point in the vague future I will have to drive back to visit my grandma and i want to get my grandpa's old drill press and other assorted machine tools before she sells them at a yard sale, and listening to broadcast (especially near Breezewood, where your options are country or bible-thumping) for the whole trip might drive me suicidal. Buying a head unit good enough to actually expend the 5 minutes to pull it when the truck finally goes to the Big Parking Lot in the Sky would be a bonus, but not necessary. nate > > > Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? I need to get something for > > > the Ugly Truck as it only has the factory AM/FM radio in it, no cassette [quoted text clipped - 57 lines] > pull it when the truck finally goes to the Big Parking Lot in the Sky > would be a bonus, but not necessary. The Clarion I bought for my daily-driver M-B diesel will fit the bill perfectly, then. MXP-765, or some such. I can't remember, and I can't walk out to the parking lot ot find out - my Traffic Pro is sitting out there right now. ;) E.P. > > > > Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? I need to get something for > > > > the Ugly Truck as it only has the factory AM/FM radio in it, no cassette [quoted text clipped - 68 lines] > > - Show quoted text - Years ago I had a nice Blaupunct that "fell off" a MB. Knowing the customer who got it for me, that's a likely source. It fit nicely under the dash - no troublesome installation. >>>>> Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? I need to get something for >>>>> the Ugly Truck as it only has the factory AM/FM radio in it, no cassette [quoted text clipped - 61 lines] > customer who got it for me, that's a likely source. > It fit nicely under the dash - no troublesome installation. I got a Blaupunkt from Crutchfield on clearance and though I haven't used the CD player much, the few times I've used it it has held up to the Jeep's rough ride without skipping. The iPod interface (sold separately) is my preferred music connection; it treats the iPod like a CD changer. Decent speakers really make a huge difference. I couldn't believe the difference when I switched from the stock paper speakers (one of which had been soaked a few times and was badly deformed) to some Pioneer speakers. I can hear the stereo at freeway speeds now, even with the top and doors off. Crutchfield's selection and price may not be the very best, but the "extras" they include (wiring and dash adapters, vehicle specific directions) and the excellent customer service make whatever you buy there well worth the price IMO. Signature~/Garth |"I believe that it is better to tell the truth than a lie. Almgren | I believe it is better to be free than to be a slave. ******* | And I believe it is better to know than to be ignorant." --H.L. Mencken (1880-1956) > >>>>> Anyone have any opinions on a car stereo? I need to get something for > >>>>> the Ugly Truck as it only has the factory AM/FM radio in it, no cassette [quoted text clipped - 86 lines] > > - Show quoted text - My remark about the MB was a somewhat obtuse hint at looking for a good one out of a newish high-level car at a junkyard, or whatever they are called now. The damp speakers make me wonder if it's worth the effort. >>> Years ago I had a nice Blaupunct that "fell off" a MB. Knowing the >>> customer who got it for me, that's a likely source. [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > a good one out of a newish high-level car at a junkyard, or whatever > they are called now. Good idea. Around here the junkyards pull anything valuable (drivetrain, radio if it's in good shape) during their intake process. Problem with that is that even IF they're gentle in removing the radio chassis, their universal tool for disconnecting the wires is a wire cutter. :( > The damp speakers make me wonder if it's worth the effort. To me it was. When I bought the speakers, I was doing so with water resistance in mind. Poly cones with rubberized surrounds. Signature~/Garth |"I believe that it is better to tell the truth than a lie. Almgren | I believe it is better to be free than to be a slave. ******* | And I believe it is better to know than to be ignorant." --H.L. Mencken (1880-1956) > >>> Years ago I had a nice Blaupunct that "fell off" a MB. Knowing the > >>> customer who got it for me, that's a likely source. [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > To me it was. When I bought the speakers, I was doing so with water > resistance in mind. Poly cones with rubberized surrounds. The last time I checked a junkyard for stereos I was so disgusted at the prices they were asking ($100+) I couldn't see buying from them when aftermarket is so inexpensive. Only reason I could see to go that route would be if I were restoring a car and simply had to have the factory radio. nate >The last time I checked a junkyard for stereos I was so disgusted at >the prices they were asking ($100+) I couldn't see buying from them >when aftermarket is so inexpensive. Only reason I could see to go >that route would be if I were restoring a car and simply had to have >the factory radio. Other than some U-pull places (where the radios they leave in the cars aren't worth much anyway) the stereo prices at junkyards is simply absurd. My experience was with asking prices much more than $100, more like $200 and that was over a decade ago. > >>> Years ago I had a nice Blaupunct that "fell off" a MB. Knowing the > >>> customer who got it for me, that's a likely source. [quoted text clipped - 37 lines] > > - Show quoted text - Make friends with them and tell them that you'll pull it within x days of them calling you that one is there. |
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