Im looking for something a little different than most of the threads lately. I spent hours at best buy today playing with different stereos, and customer service nowhere to be seen!

I found one thing common in all the decks, overpriced and underfeatured.

Im looking for something with the following:
Built in Bluetooth
Built in HD Radio
Ipod controls(with ipod plug in the REAR)
EQ controls
and 3 preouts(front rear and sub)

anddd i wouldnt mind multi illumination controls(changes colors)

and as for alpines, i love the sounds of the decks, but the faces are too busy, not what i want to look at everyday.

so what are you guys running and what was the total cost? What would you suggest buying or not buying?

 

I've got a pioneer, i spent 250 on it, its simple controls, not real flashy, all EQ setup you could want, Ipod ready (in back), no HD or bluetooth, but they do make them. your lookin at least 350ish for just a decent one with those features.(in my experiences) pioneer's not a bad choice. I more than pleased with it. I used to have a Sony Explod though and it was fantastic. i ended up blowing the amp in it though. Sony makes great stuff too.

 

This is whatI have in my car...it's the mack daddy of decks

http://www.woofersetc.com/p4306/DEHP...C-Receiver.htm

Try this one

http://www.woofersetc.com/p6347/DEHP...capability.htm

HD optional
http://www.woofersetc.com/p8106/DEHP...3-Receiver.htm

 

The McDaddy of decks is the Mcintosh MX-5000 or the Denon DCT1.
From there the clarion DRZ9255 or an Audio Monitor HU

=]


You could also try the Eclipse CD7200Mkll

Its a copper plated dead head with BT.

Built in HD radio.... is gonna be tough to get both BT and hd radio in a decent headunit without shelling out a couple hundreds.

It has variable ill as well

 

The Pioneer PRS is definitely a fav among car audio competitiors. Built in dual band eq and time alignment a definite plus for music nirvana.

Good luck finding a McIntosh or Denon.....ebay wants over a grand for the McIntosh.

 

I've had good luck with Pioneer... was looking at an Alpine but had to buy an additioanl unit to control treble / bass ???

I got a $400 Pioneer with built in bluetooth, but no HD, color display, 3 5v outputs ipod, etc... I bought a $165 Pionner for my daily driver, no blue tooth, simple color, ipod contorl in back, 3 4v outputs, etc... Happy with both...

Rafael

 

I had the exact same 880 deck and LOVED it. Took it through 3 different cars. Sold it earlier this year once I sold off the Grand Prix (can't change out the radio in the G8, boo)

 

try a Panasonic CQ-700U

I have it in my Camaro and it is sweet deck, but it doesnt have the bluetooth..

 

jvc is the way to go check them out really cool i install alot of them i like them alot

 

I've always like the look of the Alpine decks, namely the iDA-x303:

http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...model=iDA-X303

And the iDA-x305:

http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...model=iDA-X305

They're ideal for if you have an iPod that you play your music through while driving. That's just my $0.02

 

Kenwood, i think would be perfect for what you want. The KDC-X993 would be perfect for what you want. It has HD radio, Bluetooth built in and even has the variable illumination. I think that all of the headunits should have the variable illumination. And its under $300. It even looks stylish. But one drawback would be there are no radio station preset buttons thats the only thing i could think of.

 

Ok chesterfield has things 10 times higher then the real price when u get subs you gonna bother people all around you only way not to is to turn in down low but subs go with kicker cvr 10'' subs run u 100 bucks-for 2 on eBay brand new and Rockford Floodgate Punch P550.2 2ch $155 it will sound lovely.

 

I agree completely, my buddy has this in his ram and it is an amazing head unit. With his set up it sounds great (one amp for highs/mids and one amp powering a 10" woofer). The only downfall is that it has big ***** (i like smooth face plates). Well worth the price otherwise.

The Kenwood KDC-HD942U is another quality piece, same tech as the one mentioned above but include HD radio built in where as the X993 is an upgrade ($80 adapter). You'll be pleased either way.