Help picking out stereo

[XtechX]

I dont know anything about stereos any more, and I have been looking at them on ebay. I see tons of them on there but what is a truly good one.
I just need one that will sound good and that I can use my Ipod with. I see they range between $20.00 to about $200. A hundred bucks shipped or less would be good. If anyone can help me pick one That would be great.....Thanks,Roy

[Chad215]

why don't you find a few you're interested in and post them here. Maybe you'll get a few opinions that way.

[XtechX]

OK..I'll try to post a couple stereos...All opinions welcome.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Dual-CD6...item5d313dcc12

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Pyle-PLR...item3f0fe4e220

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SONY-CDXGT55...item4cfc42fc00

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-KENWOOD-...item3f10239342

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KD8866-DVD-C...item3f10b1e54f

[Chad215]

Originally Posted by XtechX

OK..I'll try to post a couple stereos...All opinions welcome.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Dual-CD6...item5d313dcc12

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Pyle-PLR...item3f0fe4e220

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SONY-CDXGT55...item4cfc42fc00

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-KENWOOD-...item3f10239342

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KD8866-DVD-C...item3f10b1e54f

My personal opinion? Stay away from pyle. I know several people that have tried to use their products because of price, but they always give out, or just don't perform reasonably well.

I'm not too familiar with dual. I know they are budget level, but that doesn't always equal bad.

The sony and the last link were already over and i didn't see them.
I've not been happy with the sony xplod head units. I have one in my silverado right now (my wife has one in her tahoe also) and it works, but has a lot of little annoyances. It takes a long time to read any cd, reception seems to be lacking, etc...little things that bother me more and more over time. Take that for what you will.


I've found kenwood to be hit or miss. From looking at the specs, it seems like it would fit what you are trying to do. It also has the pre-out for adding a subwoofer if you find your bass lacking in the future. If it was me and these were my choices, I would go for the kenwood.

[89chevsj]

pyle is usually...not recomended. personally Dual has done me a solid in the time ive been using their products. picked mine up from walmart for i think 50 bucks. has both an aux input and usb both in front the usb is designed to recognise ipods and charge them while in use. the only problem I have with them is that while using the usb you can only change songs via remote or by the headunit itself. and I like to stay in the 150-200 watt range. just for safety of original wiring. but mines a 60 and it does the job, but i have amps running to my front speakers another to the rears

[89chevsj]

URL="http://www.dualav.com/mobileaudio/xhdr6435.php"]http://www.dualav.com/mobileaudio/xhdr6435.php[/URL] this is the one I have. but i looks like any of duals headunits are pretty similar. heres their website http://www.dualav.com/mobileaudio/receivers.php

[tubbedII]

Like most things, you get what you pay for. It really depends on what your goal is as far as sound quality. With a $100 budget, it's a little limiting. You can get a decent radio, but there's better out there. If the sound quality of your ipod music isn't a huge concern, then you could go with a Sony Xplod as they aren't horrible...but like Chad215, I'm just not a fan and have owned 2.

I like the Kenwood Excelon line personally. I switched from a Sony Xplod to Excelon without any other changes to my system, and the difference was pretty big. I'm running amp'd highs/subs though, but I was amazed by the clarity improvement in just that switch. These are more in the $200 range though.

[Tucson38]

Check out Crutchfield @ www.crutchfield.com - Tons of great info, what to look for, definition of terms etc. I just installed a Pioneer unit, $79.99 delivered. Ipod plugs in and charges while it plays. I've found that the upgraded models have the same basic design but each increase just tacks on another feature or two. So the primary function is generally the same. In the past I've always liked Sony but I've had so much trouble with various Sony products lately that I wouldn't recommend them.

After I installed my unit I looked at the enclosed paperwork and they had sent me an install document for my specific model, several pages of illustrated instructions and a paper template. Should have looked at the paperwork first but the install was pretty straightforward.

[XtechX]

Wow, that's a real good site for the "car stereo challenged" like me.....lol...Thanks, this helps alot.

[86Burban]

Crutchfield will help you: http://www.crutchfield.com/g_300/Car...s.html?tp=5684

[XtechX]

Ok..I think I choose this one, it is a remanufactured stereo. If anyone has any experience good or bad with this stereo or buying a remanufactured one, PLEASE let me know.... Thanks..Roy

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kenwood-KDC-...0bf7c9a7d#rwid

[WAAF]

kenwood, or pioneer.. I've had both.. both last.. as long as you don't buy the price leader(i e the cheapest one)
reman.. could be just returns from the vendors.. units with a bad batch of parts.. or high test fails and redone before leaving factory.. also a sneeky way for them to write down losses on overstock..

[vegas80step]

I went with:
Pioneer DEH-4300UB CD Receiver with iPod/iPhone Control and MultiColor LCD

I can't give a review yet (have not installed yet)

but as far as price and features, it seems to be what I was looking for.

Has a USB port.

It will controll and charge my Ipod (it says you need to buy a wire from Pioneer, but I've read that your ipod cord will work fine) I have another unit in my Ford and it does not charge the ipod, it's a pain to have to remember to bring it in and charge it or hook it up to the cig lighter. (too many damn wires)

you can change the color of the display.

and for a little over $100 (amazon)

[Tucson38]

I think you made a good choice. As an addendum: I was wrong about the 3300 charging the unit. What it does is provide power to the unit to play but doesn't actually charge it. Unless that's an option I don't know how to use.

[motornut]

i got a DEH-5300 from Best Buy(for the stock 1 speaker AM in the 78 Jimmy)under $180.
brought it home and before i put it in I found a DEH-7200 on sale less then $2. more
NOTE*"Color Customization and USB Direct Control " is not the same on all models
7200 display is only in blue...
5300 red and green
both showed song title info(not all do)
others are full spectrum colour changing
I returned the 7200 and got another 5300
(wouldn't give me the one i just returned either lol)
why it why?
display is blue,not what i was told by salesman(told Colour Customization)
still have to plug the phone or pod in to charge and play music
and for $12.00 i can buy a handsfree kit that goes in any car,and charges it
and now i found out they both work well together,i'm perma-mounting one holder in mine
and i got the 5300 at under 100.