HD Car Radio with Ipod Hookup for under $200

[timswim78]

I am looking for something to replace the in-dash CD changer in my 2002 Ford Escape, because the radio receiver sucks and because I cannot directly plug my iPod into it.

So, I have been looking for CD players that have HD radio built in and the ability to add an iPod connection.

I found this one for $200 on Crutchfield. Free shipping, wiring harness, trim kit, etc.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-xy0n06kSHR...dView.asp?search=kd%2Dhdr1&i=257KDHDR1

I can get the iPod connection kit (which allows you to control the iPod through the head unit) on Amamzon.com for about $30.

Any opinions on this or other models?

 

[timswim78]

Any ideas?

 

[SoulAssassin]

Prices on Crutchfield suck, I always use them for researching but never buy there. You can get it below for $134, granted that doesn't include the harness/face plate but you can buy 'em at a local show for less than $66. Sorry I don't have any other head units to offer.

http://www.bargainunlimited.com/servlet/Detail?no=222

 

[RbSX]

Crutchfield sucks, see if you can buy used, thats always a huge bonus.

 

[timswim78]

Originally posted by: RyanSengara
Crutchfield sucks, see if you can buy used, thats always a huge bonus.

What's so bad about them?

They are about $20 higher than other places, but they include a harness and faceplate.

Is their Customer Service bad, or something like that?

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: timswim78

Originally posted by: RyanSengara
Crutchfield sucks, see if you can buy used, thats always a huge bonus.

What's so bad about them?

They are about $20 higher than other places, but they include a harness and faceplate.

Is their Customer Service bad, or something like that?

no, they just have a rep for being mega overpriced.

 

[SoulAssassin]

Originally posted by: timswim78

Originally posted by: RyanSengara
Crutchfield sucks, see if you can buy used, thats always a huge bonus.

What's so bad about them?

They are about $20 higher than other places, but they include a harness and faceplate.

Is their Customer Service bad, or something like that?

More than $20 overpriced, $66 in this case. I bought a head unit in January that was on their site for $300 and I got it for $180 elsewhere so there's a $120 difference, it cost me $55 to get it installed so even if I got their install kit and did it myself I still saved $65 plus an afternoon of free time. (HD tuner wasn't included hence the reason I didn't repond to OP about it)

 

[vi edit]

Can somebody explain HD Radio to me? Just how much of a sound improvement is it over regular radio, and how many stations are broadcasting it?

 

[SoulAssassin]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HD_Radio

There are websites that list what stations broadcast in HD, google it. I know in the Philadelphia area where I'm at every station I listen to supposedly broadcasts in HD. Chances are if you live near a major metropolitan area you can get at least a few HD stations. I think the majority of Clear Channel stations are.

The HD tuner for my receiver is still around $150 ($200 on Crutchfield). I have 20GB of mp3's on a laptop drive hardwired into the back of the receiver plus the ipod. When the HD receiver drops below $100 I'll think about.

 

[Gilligansdingy]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5645812

Currently out of stock since it was plastered all over CNN today.