Newbie Car Audio Question

[DWolford32]

hey i just got a used 02 explorer xls 4 door a week ago and the stero is crap. it won't take CD's in and the volume knob works half the time. i want to get a stero that plays mp3 cd's, has a AUX port, and an ipod connector and HD radio would be nice. could anyone here reccomend me a set up? i am on a budget so preferably cheap is better as long as it isn't a piece of crap. and i am not sure if i can instal it or not, how easy is it. I am good with electronics but have never dealt with car audio. also i would like it to be something i can add on to like a sub or something because i don't think this car has it. Thanks

 

[Infinity08]

Any of the brands you know and love will have what you need. Go to CC or BB and play with the units. Ultimately, you're likely to choose one based on looks over anything else.

 

[Essex4x4]

This sony is fantastic i had one in my old accord, loved it, and it has a 4.5 rating based on 47 reviews
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony...90704/catOid/-15481/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Go with this one its simple and you can install it your self.

You will need this too, it connects your ipod to the sony player, and lets you control the ipod with the controls on the cd player
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony...sem/rpsm/oid/152308/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

 

[wharriso]

Try Crutchfield.com. Put in your car information and see what they suggest.

 

[DWolford32]

i was actually looking at that reciever but my explorer has a huge panel and i don't know if it would fit in that space.

 

[corkey]

they make adapter plates for using regular stereos in place of the double din that is in there now,, and they actually look good, i have the one with a little pocket in mine,, it looks okay ,

it gives me a place for the pink slip and the insurance, or a pack of smokes,,

 

[DWolford32]

actually i found one on crutchfield. its model is a Dual XHD6420 and i was wondering how easy would it be for me to install this and does anyone have firsthand experience with this one, its a brand I've never heard of but it has aux and HD radio built in.

Edit: i read i one of the review it would disable the key less entry? is this true or am i reading it wrong. i am completely new to car audio and don't know much so sorry if this is a dumb question

 

[ford freak]

actually i found one on crutchfield. its model is a Dual XHD6420 and i was wondering how easy would it be for me to install this and does anyone have firsthand experience with this one, its a brand I've never heard of but it has aux and HD radio built in.

Edit: i read i one of the review it would disable the key less entry? is this true or am i reading it wrong. i am completely new to car audio and don't know much so sorry if this is a dumb question

Not sure about the keyless entry...I didn't lose mine. As far as install you can get all the help you need right here to do it yourself. I don't care if you pm me every step of the way or I'll give you my cell number but please don't let CC or BB install your HU. Also Let us know how much you can afford to spend and I can find you a great deal. Please stay away from Dual. It is garbage.

 

[DWolford32]

ok thanks, i am pretty good with electronics, i built my own computer from parts so i won't be lost putting it together but its something new. my budget is $150 including everything i need, i can go higher if it is a huge value but otherwise cheaper is better. i like brands i know i can trust like a sony, but if something has good reviews and is an off brand I'm not afraid to try it. any recommendations would be very welcome. also crutchfield seems great because they give you everything you need, is there another place i should look? thanks

 

[ford freak]

Their prices are a bit high but the customer service is great if you ever have a problem. I would take the Sony over the Dual without a thought.

 

[ford freak]

Here are a few that I found.

Kenwood- Good brand and a great price

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=19255

A really nice JVC for a bit more money but this one has a 24 bit dac.

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=19500

You could easily go to CC or BB and find a model you like and get it from the site I found these for a lot less cash. Just stick with brands like Sony Kenwood JVC

 

[DWolford32]

this is the one i am leaning towards.
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=300&i=105KDAHD39&tp=5684

it has hd radio built in, aux input, its jvc, looks cool, and my favorite soccer team is arsenal so they have the same name. what do you think of that one?

and also is it generally a bad idea to buy car audio at best buy or circuitcity? i would guess their installation is absurdly overpriced but do they do a good job? and how are the receiver prices in general?

 

[ford freak]

That's a damm good price for that hu. Crutchfeild gives you the install kit and wiring harness for free plus they give you pretty detailed instructions on how to install it. They even have pics to show you how to take your dash apart. I would grab that b4 they sell out. You do realize that the Ipod connection is another $50. At the price for the hu I wouldn't complain. The problem with CC and BB is the quality of installation. They usually include it for free but is usually more hassle than it's worth.

 

[DWolford32]

ok and is the only difference between hooking up my ipod by the $50 connector and by the aux is that with the connector i can change songs by the unit while with the aux i need to change it on the ipod itself? if thats it i can live without the $50 connector

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

i read the post, i know a lot of people here in augusta that had had dual headunits, and they've all broken in less then a year.

from what i see down here, alpine/pioneer are some of the best/strongest, followed by sony.

i myself have used the same sony for 5 years, only pain now is it won't put out the subwoofer signals... i think i'm goign to have to retire it

 

[ford freak]

ok and is the only difference between hooking up my ipod by the $50 connector and by the aux is that with the connector i can change songs by the unit while with the aux i need to change it on the ipod itself? if thats it i can live without the $50 connector

And I believe the Ipod charges through the $50 cable????? Not 100% on that though.

 

[bobthemag]

Hey! What unit did you end up buying? How was the install?

I too looked at that Dual unit. It's getting good reviews on Crutchfield but I don't see anyone posting that has had it a long time. HH Gregg has it for $99 this week. I was thinking about the JVC KD-HDR30 http://www.crutchfield.com/S-3dVFMWi67jr/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=jvc+hd+radio&i=105KDHDR30 b/c like you I'm on a budget too.

The problem with CC is that they advertise "free installation" but that's pretty much bs b/c you have to buy the dash kit and the smart cable(if you want it). Target and Walmart sell install kits. -Greg