Need car stereo advice

[isasir]

My sister's factory 6-CD Changer for her '95 Civic isn't working anymore, so I figure I'll get her something new for Christmas.

Now my dilemma is as follows - should I get another CD Changer to replace this one? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I'd have to get a changer that'd work with the Honda stereo system that's already installed. These changers seem to sell for about $299ish. :Q But all the wiring is already there, so installing this should be a piece of cake.

I was also looking at perhaps just getting her a single in-dash CD/MP3 player. This would come out to be cheaper than a changer (Perhaps $199 for CD/MP3), but it doesn't take advantage of the wiring already there for the changer. I'd probably attempt to install the stereo myself (never did it before, but hell, I can build my own computer, so I can't be that hard...).

I guess a third option is a portable CD/MP3 player, and one of those car adapters. I'm not sure if I want to do that option tho'.

Is there another alternative?

Thanks.

 

[Gunbuster]

1: Aiwa sucks
2: sub $300 MP3 decks are garbage
3: Aiwa sucks

I would get an Ipod with an adapter

 

[JOSEPHLB]

Like the previous post said.. "Aiwa Sucks"
My girlfriend's Jensen sucks alot of @$$ too

I like and have Kenwood.. Very good value and performance for the money

 

[Spac3d]

Pioneer and JVC (I have used both quite a bit) are pretty good decks and they can be had for well under $300. You can get the JVC KDSH707 for under $250 .... it is pretty solid. Ive been using it for 6 months and I am incredibly happy with it. I have also found that the layout of controls are very easy, a big plus considering I am the one who is usually changing the songs while driving.

Also, STAY AWAY FROM SONY.

Spac3d

 

[isasir]

Thanks for the advice guys. However, I'm more interested in whether I should buy a new CD/MP3 player, or get the CD Changer, or something portable+adapter.

 

[deerslayer]

As others have said:

1. Aiwa sucks bad
2. Jensen sucks really bad
3. Sony isn't for audiophiles or people that like skip free music
4. Cheap MP3 decks = junk

I don't really know much about CD changers, so I cant help you on that one. I have an Alpine MP3 deck and i've been very happy with it. I tried the portable mp3/cd player route before, and it sucks.

I'd probably attempt to install the stereo myself (never did it before, but hell, I can build my own computer, so I can't be that hard...).

You'd be suprised at the things that can go wrong when you install a stereo Just be patient and take your time and make sure you have everything you need (wiring etc.).

Good luck.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: Gunbuster
1: Aiwa sucks
2: sub $300 MP3 decks are garbage
3: Aiwa sucks

I would get an Ipod with an adapter

Yeah....Aiwa is manufactured by Sony. Therefore they suck for Car Audio. (no offense to the Sony peeps, but thems the breaks!)

I suggest possibly checking a local car audio place and seeing what deals you can get on quality brands. Kenwood and Clarion make good car audio stuff...

 

[deerslayer]

Yeah....Aiwa is manufactured by Sony. Therefore they suck for Car Audio. (no offense to the Sony peeps, but thems the breaks!)

I didn't know that! :Q Makes things much clearer now

 

[BowlingNut]

if you're gonna buy a cd/mp3 receiver here's the place to go:
Pioneer DEH-P7400MP at IkeSound.Com
look under pioneer, then go find the 7400mp under cd receivers, normally you can get one of these for about 300 bucks, this place has got 'em for 230. high quality, incredibly hot price.

 

[JOSEPHLB]

Also.. if you buy from Crutchfield, they'll include everything you need to "plug n play" your system into your existing car.

I bought my Kenwood KDC-519 and love it. It looks good, it performs good.. lots and lots of features..

Free installation instructions
Free Custom Kit
Free Wiring Harness
Free Life-Time Technical Support

Some cars require installation in-dash kits.. and some do not. I recommend Crutchfield.... You might find a better deal on price elsewhere.. but, when I order all of my audio hardware from Crutchfield.. I have peace of mind that I'll have all required hardware, kits, wiring, etc when I get all my goods..

 

[BowlingNut]

i recommend against crutchfield. they overcharge way too much. just buy it cheap and then use some of the difference you saved to get a professional install. unless you do installs regularly i HIGHLY recommend getting a professional install as it is not always as easy as many people make it seem. i've done many installs over the years, and i still think twice about operating on my own car.

 

[KevinH]

Originally posted by: Gunbuster
1: Aiwa sucks
2: sub $300 MP3 decks are garbage
3: Aiwa sucks

I would get an Ipod with an adapter

Sub $300 mp3 decks suck? WTF are you talking about? Go on any car audio forum and ask about the Alpine 7894. Whatever you do, do NOT buy from a local shop. Mark up on car audio is ~ 100% and more if they can get away with it. Do some research on some audio forums and order online. Believe me when I sugges not buying from a local shop.

 

[isasir]

Bump.

 

[Doodoo]

You can also get a cd changer that plays through the radio. Should be cheaper than a stock cd changer that connects through the factory wiring.

 

[PhaZe]

good point kevin,

My local Car Toys is a complete rip off, they have the same prices as crutchfield, although I do have to admit crutchfield is really useful when picking out car equipment.

You might want to use nextag.com also, its like a pricewatch for car equipment. In almost all my searches, etronics.com always comes up with one of the lowest prices, almost like a newegg site for car audio equip.

I was also looking at the pioneer 7400, does anyone have any experience with them?

 

[KevinH]

Yeah, I messed with the 7400 and it was on my radar til Alpine came out with their MP3 line. I used the Pioneer 9300 which was the non-mp3 version of the 9400 (last year's model basically). To be honest, I wasn't happy with Pioneer. I found that I was adjusting the unit on a song by song basis to make it feel right. The Alpine is simple and straightforward and I like that a lot more. In addition, the display on the Pioneer's...though it might be a conversation topic was pretty lame after a week or so (the Spectrum Analyzer was awful...not as bad as the Clarion's hx-d10 but not as good as the one's Kenwood's high end units put out). Anyhow, don't get me wrong, I was nitpicking at that point as the 7300 and up HU's from Pioneer are great..they just weren't my cup of tea.

If you're buying new...Etronics is a GREAT vendor.

 

[Oscar1613]

i'm also looking for a good $2-300 MP3-cd player... can anyone else give any more RL experiences with any of these players?

if i cant find a decent one, i'll just have to get a good tape deck to use with my portable mp3-cd player+tape adapter...

 

[KevinH]

Oscar - Check your PM's.

 

[Shockwave]

Pioneer
Clarion
JVC

I personally would do a Nak for a bit more money. But, no MP3 with Nak's. Flip side? One of the best decks out there. Period. (Except for the load mechanisms but hey, ya cant win them all)