Car CD/MP3 head unit recommendations

[GagHalfrunt]

My head unit gave up the ghost and needs to be replaced. The speakers are fine and don't need to be replaced. I'm not an audiophile or headbanger who's going to be playing the thing at window-rattling volumes. I just need a decent head unit that's got average power, AM/FM/CD/MP3CD, good sound quality and excellent reliability on burned MP3 discs.

There are tons of units that meet my needs that are under $150, so let's use that as the price point and assume any model will fit my dash. I'll do the install myself, but will need an install kit and a wiring harness. Some models I've been looking at:

Blaupunkt Monte Carlo - $125 delivered with the install kit and harness.

Sony CDX-S2210 - About $115 delivered with the kit and harness.

Alpine CDE-9843 - About $135 with the gear

There are also nice looking and nice sounding units from Kenwood, JVC, Panasonic, Clarion, Pioneer, Sanyo and just about everyone else on the planet that meet my needs and price. Anyone have any substantive info about which brands are better than others, which should be avoided, which are more reliable with burned CDs, sound better or anything else that might make one worth buying among so many similar models?

Thanks

 

[cHeeZeFacTory]

I've heard good things about the Blaupunkt. My friend has the Sony, only complaint he has is that the ID info from the mp3 cd's don't scroll.

 

[LikeLinus]

I love Apline. They have some of the best head units out on the market.

 

[nakedfrog]

I paid $145 shipped from Etronics for the Clarion DXZ555MP. I'm really happy with it, and use cheaper CD-Rs for my mp3 CDs.

 

[Nikamichi]

Originally posted by: LikeLinus
I love Apline. They have some of the best head units out on the market.

Agreed.

I have the Alpine CDE-9828 and it has not dissapointed me at all.

 

[LeadMagnet]

Alpine - I like the 9847 model, BB had it for $179 installed a few weeks back

 

[Kaido]

I almost got the Alpine CDE-9843 you listed, but ended up going with the Aiwa CDC-X444. It plays burned CDs, but not MP3s. The major advantage for me is that it has auxiliary input on the front face rather than on the rear by the preamp outputs. I'm installing it in my fiancee's leased car and I don't want to have to drill anything, so this was the best option for me. Also, it gives like 23 watts as opposed to the Alpine's 16 watts, and also has 4.5 stars on Crutchfield.

 

[Fireball77]

I have one from Aiwa ($125) and have had no problems with it. Very good sound and options. I think for my next one, i am getting the Pioneer, it is arouns $150, and will match my 66 Mustang better.

 

[Slvrtg277]

Another vote for Alpine here. I have been using one for years and have loved every minute of listening.

Without looking it up, I think the model I have is CDA-9814.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Alpine looks teh coolest.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I'm happy w/ my JVC.

 

[radioouman]

I wouldn't buy a Blaupunkt without a Digiceiver FM tuner.
Digiceiver is awesome, but I never used any of their analog tuners.

 

[Shawn]

Get a Pioneer. But if you must go with those choices then get the Alpine.

 

[b0mbrman]

I'm a fan of Clarion and Eclipse myself...

 

[mrchan]

Between those three, alpine hands down, without a doubt. Sony is crapola. Blaupunkt is okay, but the SQ with alpine will be MUCH better.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

By popular demand, bought the Alpine. Sounds great, looks great, works great. Playing 4 year old MP3 discs without a hitch.