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What should i look for in a car stereo?
DoctorArch
CurmudgeonRegistered User regular
CurmudgeonRegistered User regular
Nothing fancy, I am looking for an in-dash car stereo and I really have no idea where to start. Essentially, I want something decent (if possible) between $100-$200 dollars, that can play CD's/MP3 discs, and has at the bare minimum an aux port (to hook up my iPhone) or possibly a USB port.
I don't care about HD radio, because I hardly listen to the radio anyway, and where I am going for grad school wouldn't even have it available. Plus, it's not like I reckon I could hear the difference on my current set of speakers anyways.
Thanks for the help.
I don't care about HD radio, because I hardly listen to the radio anyway, and where I am going for grad school wouldn't even have it available. Plus, it's not like I reckon I could hear the difference on my current set of speakers anyways.
Thanks for the help.
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I have a slightly different version of this. Simple, elegant, plays all your musical needs (CD, MP3, USB, Aux)
If you're not going to get any sort of amp/sub and speakers put in, this should do you fine.
edit: at least look at the specs, you may even be able to find something like it for a better price
I would also recommend alpine as a brand, my purely anecdotal evidence has shown that these head units last a long time, and are easy to use.
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=CDE-102
Origin ID: Discgolfer27
Untappd ID: Discgolfer1981
All things being equal, This one.
I have the older model and like it quite a bit. I'm running it through an amp, so I can't speak to the built in amp functions, but it has been a solid stereo. Ipod stuff is cool, but honestly I've been running USB sticks w/ mp3s on them a lot more.
Currently an aftermarket Panasonic that the previous owner had installed. From a cursory look at the stereo, it looks like I would have to remove the dash, which is not something I care to do (brand new used car, plus I've removed a dash before on a different car and it was not a good experience).
As for the car, it's going into a 2003 Hyndai Elantra.
You should be able to re-use the existing wire harness that's in there. The wires are typically colour-coded and can just be electrical taped together.
Solely on anecdotal evidence, I'd suggest not having BB do your installation. They have the same high-quality, competent, qualified people in their car audio installation department as they have in computer sales.
Fantastic point about BB, and I'll check out the faceplate tomorrow.
Any opinions about Cartoys installation?
Never even heard of them (I'm in Canada, so...). I replaced my stock stereo with a mid-grade Sony deck (not really recommending it. Doesn't have the functions you're after) in about an hour. I ordered the parts through www.crutchfield.com and they sent a really handy instructional booklet about how to easily take the dash apart. I've had it apart a couple times since and it worked really well. It's a very straightforward procedure and I'm sure you could do it.
The current car stereo has a tendency to shut down completely (no display, no lights, nothing) for a few seconds, and then comes back up any time between 5 to 20 seconds (sometimes minutes) later. Is this probably a problem with the stereo and/or it's wiring, or indicative of a deeper problem? There are no other electrical problems that I have observed (when the stereo goes out, all other lights currently on in the car remain on).
Thanks for that crutchfield link, I will definitely be looking into them.
It's been a while since I've installed a car stereo, but from what I remember, harnesses are set up specifically to a certain brand, Panasonic, Pioneer, etc.
As far as stereos go, you really can't go wrong. As long as you get a CD player which also has an AUX in for your iPod or whatever else you use you are pretty golden. I've had the same Pioneer CD player for the past ten years which has been in three different cars and still works like a dream. Only reason I still have it is because I spent $400.00 on it my Senior year in high school :P
- There is a USB connection on the back with a cable and a connector you can put in the glove box. An USB stick coming out of the dash is often in the way so the glove box solution is much nicer.
- There is Bluetooth support. That will give you hands free mobile which is nice plus with some phones you can stream music from that also.
They are not uncommon.
As to how they work all I can say is the JVC unit that I put in my car seems happy with both USB sticks and low-power hard discs. No more messing around with CD's and there is like a mountain of music to choose from. Only complaint I can make is that the thing won't play lossless files.
Next time I buy a car stereo I'll look for one without a CD-player
look for something that allows for mp3/wav/aac play from CDs (or even DVDs) if you like burning music... if you prefer USB sticks, then get USB support... otherwise an AUX port will let you connect whatever external source you want... if you're an iPod person, you can get iPod input/control so that you can control the iPod from your stereo (but this seems to be iffy, as apple tends to change their interfaces around a bit)
if this is your 1st time installing a stereo, get a knowledgeable friend to help you OR buy from Crutchfield.com... you'll spend a bit more, but they're absolutely excellent about customer support (they'll send you directions for your specific car, and then spend hours on the phone with you if needed)
CUZ THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE MIDDLE AND IT'S GIVING ME A RASH
Crutchfield is a great place to buy a car stereo from. The directions they send you alone are worth it and make it so that anybody can install one of these. They are very specific to your exact model of car and make it really easy. I'm not sure that you really will spend more by buying from them, either. I've never directly compared their prices, but I've bought a few things from them and have always been very happy with the price, quality and service you get.
You should take a look at this unit. It plays CDs/MP3s and it has both a front aux and USB port. Also, since it is the same brand as what you have now, you might be able to use the same wiring harness as the current stereo, which would make installation even easier. It is at the low end of your price range, so you could afford to upgrade your speakers as well. If you still have the stock ones in there, you'll notice a huge improvement in sound even with a cheaper pair of new speakers.
We are in a thread that by definition calls for anecdotal experience, your input is appreciated.
The front USB hookup on that deck appeals to me in a way I didn't know a car stereo could. Oooohhh, tingly.
It might be nice to carry around a USB stick with 1000 songs or so and just leave it in the car, plugging it in when I want to listen to music without bothering with hooking up my phone.