New radio installed..

[ericsmith32]

Got this idea from uh lets just say another forum. I hate messing with CD's and just wanted something cheap but still play MP3's. Got the Dual XR4110 from Advanced for $40. Has a USB port, Aux IN, and spot for SD cards. This radio is very light.. I'd say it's easily a 1/4 of weight of regular radios (good for those looking for weight reduction). Granted for $40 the are some con's. No clock, on the MP3's it doesn't give names just number for the folders and songs. The sound quality is alot better than I expected though have it hooked to 2 5.25" DB series speakers in the back.

(borrowed image)

[Pu241]

You got a deal!
Compared to what a seller on Evil Bay wants:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dual-XR4110-30-Watt-Mechless-Digital-AM-FM-Reciever-MP3_W0QQitemZ350292993299QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCar_Audio_In_Dash_Receivers?hash=item518f16e513

[perucho]

I have an Alpine like that, without CD reader but with USB/MP3/ipod input. The nice thing is that it has a great ipod interface and you can navigate the folders/playlists/artists/etc from the headunit. You can pick them up used for under $100 too. For $40 I think you got a very good deal and light years ahead of the stock head unit.

[bravekozak]

Avics

Some day I may just scrape up enough money to buy an AVIC N5.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pioneer-AVIC-N5-Touch-Screen-AM-FM-CD-DVD-IPOD-NAV-MINT_W0QQitemZ130350689991QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e5981aec7

[MONSOON]

Dont waste your money on a flip screen. They are notorious for breaking.

[Pu241]

Besides it's a Pioneer!
After an expensive issues with several Pioneer components many years ago, they will never get another dime from me!

[ericsmith32]

Didn't realize Alpine had a stereo like that. I know Pyle and one other off-brand does.. all cost roughly the same. I've heard the same thing with the expensive Pioneer units. I have owned the cheaper ones over the years and loved them and usually that's what I look at first. Just something that makes them sound better versus the sony and others I've had.

[m715]

Wow John! I have never had any problems with middle road Pioneer units. Been using them since the mid 70's and have four in festivas as we speak. I have had a couple of other units that I picked up as deals like Alpines, JVC, and such, but always went back to Pioneer. Only thing I don't like is they always want to sell you adapters to add Aux equipment. I do like the trend to USB/IPod as standard.
Oh, and I stay away from motorized units. They dont like cold weather and abuse.

[Pu241]

M715,
I never had a problem with the car audio equipment either.
It was the home components that I had endless issues with and subsequently decided to never deal with the company again.
I'd also prefer to avoid Sony just based on their insistence of using proprietary hardware (memory stick).
Likely they work just fine!
I just don't want to support poor customer service and proprietary/single source hardware.

[m715]

Well,.... you had to bring up customer service didn't you! A Handycam comes to mind, now that you mention the keywords "Proprietory" and "Poor".
Oh, and what about "Planned Obsolescence" (took less than one year)

Michael

[perucho]

Didn't realize Alpine had a stereo like that. I know Pyle and one other off-brand does.. all cost roughly the same. I've heard the same thing with the expensive Pioneer units. I have owned the cheaper ones over the years and loved them and usually that's what I look at first. Just something that makes them sound better versus the sony and others I've had.

Yes, Alpine has several now. I have an Alpine iDA-X100 and it was $400+ a couple years ago. Now you can get them used for about $100. Comes with a usb cable that is easily routed to the glove box and also a usb-to-ipod cable. Nice head unit and the sounds is very good. However, I have Focal speakers, completely rewired system, and a good Eclipse amp that help deliver sound quality.

[ericsmith32]

Found a few on ebay.. wonder if there's any new models besides the off-brands. Eventually I want to move the 5.25's to the doors and add a amp and possibly a 10" sub. Sound quality on the mp3's sure isn't too good but then after compression shouldn't be anyway.

[m715]

The only thing to keep in mind with the door installation is that they have a "tinny" buzz quality to them at a certain midrange frequency...Really annoying... You may want to use some sound dampening material. and baffles for high volume usage.
Yes, I am not sure I can get used to the loss of sound quality from compression myself. I can remember paying premium bucks in the 80's to get digital sound in the first place that was clean, clear, and complete. Kinda a step backwards, but convenient storage wise with MP3.

Michael

[ericsmith32]

Ahh yes forgot about the buzz. My aspire had that. I used some cardboard as a insulator which helped some. I think this one will play WAV's and AAC's to.. have look into it. Scratch that only WMA and MP3.

I put "digital media receivers" in google and actually there's a few out there. 2 Alpine's ($199ish the cheapest), Clarion ($140 I think), Blankupt(?), and of course Dual has a few and Pyle. Going to be looking for something for the Escape eventually. Figure it as weight and clutter reduction.. light weight, no lugging, losing or making a mess with cd's in the car.

[MONSOON]

Ive got 2 piece face unit from Pioneer in my Neon. It decided it doesnt want to close any more and I cant play cds in it, cant control vilume with anything but the remote. Id always seen heard read that Pioneers Supertuners were great at picking up weak stations but this one sucks royally. Ill probably go with a Clarion next time.