Need Car Audio Advice

Bob T Guy · 09-23-2009, 02:10 PM

I want to get my girlfriend a new cd deck for her car, the one she has is unreliable at best and hates burned cds. I'm not looking to spend a fortune, and she wouldn't use most of the features of a super fancy one. So, I'm looking for something with the basics, plays cd/radio (and mp3s would be a definite bonus) in the $100 range (plus or minus).

Anyone have any suggestions for models/brands I should look into?

Zoo · 09-23-2009, 02:17 PM

I've always had great luck with either Pioneer or Alpine head units. $100 will get you a decent player that would be fine for her use. Plus, most models in that range will play mp3 files and also should have an auxiliary input jack for use with an mp3 player.

Shawn_Savage · 09-23-2009, 03:48 PM

At best buy they have a brand (Insignia) that makes like "lower end" decks. They have one in particular that comes with HD radio, MP3, plays burned CD's and you can hook your Ipod to it. It's around the 100-140 dollar range.

Best deck I ever purchased for the price. Most say they are "HD Ready" meaning you have to buy more stuff for it but this one comes with the HD receiver already installed.

I bought one for each vehicle we have. Puts out great if you have an amp and sub too

Sir-Weltalot · 09-23-2009, 07:46 PM

Sorry to threadjack but would anyone know what I need to know to replace my system in my 2000 volvo s40? I want a new head unit and new speakers all around...Not really interested in a box with subs or any of that...just want to replace the stock head unit and speakers with quality aftermarket. I literally know nothing about car audio, so any info would be greatly appreciated!

Chemical-X · 09-23-2009, 08:02 PM

Most audio shops will be able to tell you exactly what your specs are for most all cars.

shadow_772 · 09-23-2009, 08:05 PM

For a decent and cheap (depending on model etc.) head unit, look into pioneer. Alpine makes good stuff as well. I have no experience with but have also heard good things about some eclipse head units.

Weltalot: Everything depends on your price range. Infinity speakers are nice, as well as alpine, boston acoustics etc. but it all depends on your budget.

Both of you, STAY AWAY from SONY. Sony car audio is crap in my opinion, as well as some installers I know. There is much better for the price you pay, no matter what it is (of course I have to add IMO...)

EDIT: Also to consider for whatever budget is if you want an amp for your speakers. Neither want a box and subs, but you may want to consider getting an amp for your speakers if your budget permits it. Personally, I would get a 4 channel amp and hook it into your component (front door speakers) and the tweeters. The coaxails don't matter as much (rear speakers). That's how I would anyway.

shadow_772 · 09-23-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chemical-X

Most audio shops will be able to tell you exactly what your specs are for most all cars.

What "specs" are you talking about?

Match · 09-23-2009, 08:27 PM

Crutchfield is the best. Everything you need.

My recommendation is Alpine. Hands down.

Chemical-X · 09-23-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadow_772

What "specs" are you talking about?

Factory equipped items, Specifications regarding them.

Much the same as a car parts store can tell you what parts are on a specific engine.

So "specs".

Sir-Weltalot · 09-23-2009, 10:17 PM

sorry for the noobish question but whats an amp gonna do for me? I'm looking at a budget of maybe 500 or so including installation(89 at best buy).

09-23-2009, 02:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bob T Guy Coffee Baron Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: The bastion of socialism and alcoholism	Need Car Audio Advice I want to get my girlfriend a new cd deck for her car, the one she has is unreliable at best and hates burned cds. I'm not looking to spend a fortune, and she wouldn't use most of the features of a super fancy one. So, I'm looking for something with the basics, plays cd/radio (and mp3s would be a definite bonus) in the $100 range (plus or minus). Anyone have any suggestions for models/brands I should look into? __________________ /\Click here/\

09-23-2009, 02:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
Zoo MCB Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Blue Jackets' HQ	I've always had great luck with either Pioneer or Alpine head units. $100 will get you a decent player that would be fine for her use. Plus, most models in that range will play mp3 files and also should have an auxiliary input jack for use with an mp3 player. __________________ www.DeltaSquad.info & Facebook Trying to register on automags.org? PM 'Beemer' here to get you set up.

09-23-2009, 03:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
Shawn_Savage Texas Rush - Pump Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Houston, Tx	At best buy they have a brand (Insignia) that makes like "lower end" decks. They have one in particular that comes with HD radio, MP3, plays burned CD's and you can hook your Ipod to it. It's around the 100-140 dollar range. Best deck I ever purchased for the price. Most say they are "HD Ready" meaning you have to buy more stuff for it but this one comes with the HD receiver already installed. I bought one for each vehicle we have. Puts out great if you have an amp and sub too __________________ ♣ Texas RUSH ♣ \|Texas Ballaz\|Petty Paintball

09-23-2009, 07:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Sir-Weltalot Active Member Join Date: Jul 2008	Sorry to threadjack but would anyone know what I need to know to replace my system in my 2000 volvo s40? I want a new head unit and new speakers all around...Not really interested in a box with subs or any of that...just want to replace the stock head unit and speakers with quality aftermarket. I literally know nothing about car audio, so any info would be greatly appreciated! __________________

09-23-2009, 08:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
shadow_772 MCB Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Over hill yonder'	For a decent and cheap (depending on model etc.) head unit, look into pioneer. Alpine makes good stuff as well. I have no experience with but have also heard good things about some eclipse head units. Weltalot: Everything depends on your price range. Infinity speakers are nice, as well as alpine, boston acoustics etc. but it all depends on your budget. Both of you, STAY AWAY from SONY. Sony car audio is crap in my opinion, as well as some installers I know. There is much better for the price you pay, no matter what it is (of course I have to add IMO...) EDIT: Also to consider for whatever budget is if you want an amp for your speakers. Neither want a box and subs, but you may want to consider getting an amp for your speakers if your budget permits it. Personally, I would get a 4 channel amp and hook it into your component (front door speakers) and the tweeters. The coaxails don't matter as much (rear speakers). That's how I would anyway. __________________ Feedback +19\|-0 In The Shadows: Paintball Reviews and Information YouTube: HelmetCam Videos

09-23-2009, 08:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
Match MCB Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: St. Louis	Crutchfield is the best. Everything you need. My recommendation is Alpine. Hands down. __________________ http://www.mcarterbrown.com/forums/f...-feedback.html Geisterjager veteran OK D-Day. Making Allied players sorry for choosing blue is our specialty.

09-23-2009, 10:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
Sir-Weltalot Active Member Join Date: Jul 2008	sorry for the noobish question but whats an amp gonna do for me? I'm looking at a budget of maybe 500 or so including installation(89 at best buy). __________________