any recommendation on mp3 car stereo?

[andylawcc]

I was checking out crutchfield and found the cheapest one is around $150. I remember my friend got his AIWA from costco for about 100 bucks.
all I need is MP3 playback capability, I don't need much sound quality with my stock speakers, heck, the face plate can look as plain as possible too (so thief won't bother with it)

 

[NickE]

Try the Panasonic CQ C3300N, nice player that does MP3 and WMA.

 

[isasir]

Why not spend some extra money and get new speakers? In most cases, anything is better than stock. As for an mp3 player, I like Pioneers. I'm going to install one iin another car this weekend that's a Kenwood, but I don't know how good it is.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: isasir
Why not spend some extra money and get new speakers?

nah, I am quite casual with sound quality, since my car gets quite noisy on freeway speed and drowns out the sound anyways. Beside, after my car got broken into, i just want a cheap receiver.

 

[andylawcc]

bump....!

 

[CTrain]

Best buy has a Sony MP3 unit thats on sale this week for $99. Usually cost $169.
I had one similar to that and it was OK until it was stolen.

I then bought a Panansonic 1300 from Cardomain for $125 and it was a great purchase.
They include a harnness and a an adapter fpr FREE. These 2 items will cost you $30-40 at the store.

I did the installation myself abd its really easy. I wouldn't never pay ~$50 for instalation again...its a rip-off.

From experience of the 2, the Panasonic is definately better.
First, it plays WMA file as well as MP3.
Second, it read the disc better....I had dics that ths Sony would not read the the Pana would.

Third, I didn't even realize this afterward but the Pana is much better if you ever want to add an AMP(you probably won't but I didn't either at first).
The Pana has 2 sets of pre-amp outputs so you can easily connect a 4 channel AMP as oppose to getting adapter. Also the pre-amp outputs are rated at 2.5 volts as oppose to the Sony 2.0(higher voltage, better signal to your AMP.

The Pana 1300 is the best MP3 unit for under $150.

 

[MikeMike]

look at crutchfield for specs etc... and then drop $100 off of their prices and go to froogle and search for whatever you want and that should about be the cost.

MIKE

 

[NutBucket]

Eclipse 3414. $200.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1
look at crutchfield for specs etc... and then drop $100 off of their prices and go to froogle and search for whatever you want and that should about be the cost.

MIKE

Originally posted by: CTrain
The Pana 1300 is the best MP3 unit for under $150.

thanks you two
never knew there was a froogle.com

 

[Dr. Detroit]

JVC JVC JVC

Love these head-units!

Give Blaupunkt a shot too.

Not a big fan of Alpine, Kenwood, Sony as I don't like their layouts.


I'm a big fan of ebay pricing as well. Crutchfield is overpriced but if you plan on installing yourself and your a first timer they will walk you thorugh the install.

 

[CTrain]

If you're planning to install it yourself, the 1300 at Domain is a great deal with the kit and harness.
The 3300 is $25 more and I don't see any extra feature to warrant the extra cost.