Best CD/MP3 car stereo for under $200?

[nan0bug]

I'm looking to put a stereo in my car since I started delivering pizzas again, and the factory stereo of course sucks. I've chosen the speakers but I was wondering if anyone has any reccomendations for the head unit? I'd like to stay under $200, im not looking to win any competitions, just put a little bump in the trunk and lose my portable mp3 player + tape attachment.

edit: I should mention that I'm looking for something well built that wont skip. I know the sound quality isn't going to be as good as a $200+ reciever, and I'm not really concerned about that. It will still be a big step up from the factory unit and tape hiss.

 

[Aves]

You can get a Kenwood KDC-MP225 for $170 with the mounting kit, wiring harness, etc. and a free Sirius tuner which is usually $150 from Crutchfield.

 

[MustISO]

I was looking at the same range for a HU with MP3 support. Crutchfield has about 8 or so around $170-$200 that will fit my car. The ones I've been leaning toward are the JVC Arsenal KD-AR400, Panasonic MXE CQ-C3400U and Pioneer DEH-P4600MP.

 

[Aharami]

hey get this (Pioneer 7600)

a bit more expensive than what you are looking for, but can be had for very close from here

i would buy this too. but im holding out till this hits the stores

 

[nan0bug]

Originally posted by: aves2k
You can get a Kenwood KDC-MP225 for $170 with the mounting kit, wiring harness, etc. and a free Sirius tuner which is usually $150 from Crutchfield.

Yeah, I saw that, it looks like a nice reciever. The extras wouldn't get used (stupid taurus bubble dash needs a $60 mounting kit) but the reciever looks nice. Do you have this reciever? I'm mainly worried about cd skipping, the reciever in my old car skipped like crazy.

 

[Aves]

Originally posted by: Aharami
hey get this (Pioneer 7600)

a bit more expensive than what you are looking for, but can be had for very close from here

i would buy this too. but im holding out till this hits the stores

I have the 7600 myself. It was $260 shipped with install kit (after coupons) from Crutchfield. As much as I like that full color OEL on the 8600 I was just wasn't willing to pay that much for it.

 

[nan0bug]

Originally posted by: Aharami
hey get this (Pioneer 7600)

a bit more expensive than what you are looking for, but can be had for very close from here

i would buy this too. but im holding out till this hits the stores

ooh, now that is nice. Its a little over what I'm looking to spend but that might just be worth going a little over for. Thanks for the tip

 

[nan0bug]

Originally posted by: aves2k

Originally posted by: Aharami
hey get this (Pioneer 7600)

a bit more expensive than what you are looking for, but can be had for very close from here

i would buy this too. but im holding out till this hits the stores

I have the 7600 myself. It was $260 shipped with install kit (after coupons) from Crutchfield. As much as I like that full color OEL on the 8600 I was just wasn't willing to pay that much for it.

What are your experiences with it as far as how well the unit is built and cd skipping? Are the controls easy to use or unnecessarily complex?

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: nan0bug

Originally posted by: aves2k

Originally posted by: Aharami
hey get this (Pioneer 7600)

a bit more expensive than what you are looking for, but can be had for very close from here

i would buy this too. but im holding out till this hits the stores

I have the 7600 myself. It was $260 shipped with install kit (after coupons) from Crutchfield. As much as I like that full color OEL on the 8600 I was just wasn't willing to pay that much for it.

What are your experiences with it as far as how well the unit is built and cd skipping? Are the controls easy to use or unnecessarily complex?

i currently have the 7300 (non mp3 version) had it in 2 cars so far (an acura legend and now in a GTI). sound is exceptional and has a lot of features that
you would like. for ~$250 shipped, its a damn good headunit

edit: i didnt answer any of your questions. the7300 is pretty similar to the 7600 so i think i can be of some help. controls are really easy (much easier than my cousin's kenwood and friend's panasonic). and i believe the units have built in anti-skip as i just got new race suspension on my car and i havent heard it skip any yet with the bumpier ride now

 

[Aves]

Originally posted by: nan0bug
What are your experiences with it as far as how well the unit is built and cd skipping? Are the controls easy to use or unnecessarily complex?

I'm installing it on Tuesday, it just came last week. If it's anything like my Pioneer 5500MP then it will be great and easy to use.


Just FYI


If you get the Kenwood, Sirius tuner, Sirius anntena, wiring harness and that mounting kit it will be $265 shipped.

You can use a $20 referral code to get it down to $245 and then depending on whether or not you have Visa or Mastercard you can get the whole package for $225-$235 shipped. Something to think about if you're at all interested in satellite radio.

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: aves2k

Originally posted by: Aharami
hey get this (Pioneer 7600)

a bit more expensive than what you are looking for, but can be had for very close from here

i would buy this too. but im holding out till this hits the stores

I have the 7600 myself. It was $260 shipped with install kit (after coupons) from Crutchfield. As much as I like that full color OEL on the 8600 I was just wasn't willing to pay that much for it.

the 8600 has some things i want other than just the color OEL display (such as 13 band equalizer, DSP, autoEQ, time correction/listening position selector, etc)

also the display is just soooooooo puurty :beer:

 

[MikeMike]

best bang for buck would be used trust me its worth it.

but the reccomended ones are good,

MIKE

 

[Yzzim]

I just sold a Pioneer DEH-P7500MP on Ebay for $195 shipped. Great HU, just didn't need it anymore. Happy with my stock cd player :Q:Q:Q

 

[Aves]

Originally posted by: Yzzim
Happy with my stock cd player :Q:Q:Q

LIES!

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: aves2k

Originally posted by: Yzzim
Happy with my stock cd player :Q:Q:Q

LIES!

well if i had a mazda 3 i'd be happy with mine... not to say that yzzim has a mazda 3, but that cd player is sweet!

 

[Mallow]

I'd go w/ the kenwood... they are awesome.

 

[nan0bug]

Thanks, you guys have been a great help.