Can people give me ideas on good quality car steroes for about the $ 400 area, (IE brands and wattage)? I just got a new car and am going to put 1 in my car.
car stereos?
- Thread starter mark b
- Start date
rockyracoon
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Are we just talking head unit here or speakers and amp too? I would imagine it would be tough to do all that for just $400. Whatever you spend, I have always preferred Alpine.
If we're talking just head unit, then I'd personally go with one that uses sd cards. I have no idea how much those cost but having heard of them makes me want one.
Kenneth R.
Cináed
I've got a Sony that I picked up for $100. Cheap but excellent.
Let me tell you that wattage is not the big factor. Pay close attention to the Transistor. The type, the quality, etc. Mine has a 1/8" TRS Aux in. Why do I prefer this to newer, fancier USB or SD inputs? Because AUX is analog and unbreakable. It just works. Anything I plug in there, be it my guitar (yes I tried it, but don't do this often.) my Zen, my CD player, or any other device with an output, always works. I've tried USB connections IN THE STORE before I bought the deck and none of those worked, despite their assertive claims that it would. Aux never goes wrong.
Let me tell you that wattage is not the big factor. Pay close attention to the Transistor. The type, the quality, etc. Mine has a 1/8" TRS Aux in. Why do I prefer this to newer, fancier USB or SD inputs? Because AUX is analog and unbreakable. It just works. Anything I plug in there, be it my guitar (yes I tried it, but don't do this often.) my Zen, my CD player, or any other device with an output, always works. I've tried USB connections IN THE STORE before I bought the deck and none of those worked, despite their assertive claims that it would. Aux never goes wrong.
Yer, just the head unit. I'll get the speakers later, i'll see what the cars ones are like first.
Pioneer DEH-6050UB or IB (if you want iPod support)
You can snag one on eBay for about $275, not including postage, but this does mean you aren't covered by warranty.
I have a 6950IB model (last years model) and the only reason I would ever replace it would be because I wanted to upgrade to a later year's model. It is a fantastic unit.
They RRP for about $560 but I'm sure if you hunt around (if you don't want it off eBay) you should be able to find one around the $450 mark and you WON'T be disappointed.
If you drive a Commodore (being an Aussie), I have one in my VX, with the stock speakers and a 10" 500w RMS sub, and it's fantastic.
It has a 7 band graphic equalizer, separate bass boost control, LOUDness (but a good EQ doesn't need this, it just muddies the waters, so to speak), etc. and of course, supports MP3s and the UB model supports USB.
All of the latest Pioneer head units have a built in Auxiliary input.
You basically can't go wrong with a Pioneer. The problem with Sony, is that pre 2005 xplod models were rubbish, but later models and models pre 1999 (I think) are quite good.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PIONEER-DEH-...ryZ50144QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
You can snag one on eBay for about $275, not including postage, but this does mean you aren't covered by warranty.
I have a 6950IB model (last years model) and the only reason I would ever replace it would be because I wanted to upgrade to a later year's model. It is a fantastic unit.
They RRP for about $560 but I'm sure if you hunt around (if you don't want it off eBay) you should be able to find one around the $450 mark and you WON'T be disappointed.
If you drive a Commodore (being an Aussie), I have one in my VX, with the stock speakers and a 10" 500w RMS sub, and it's fantastic.
It has a 7 band graphic equalizer, separate bass boost control, LOUDness (but a good EQ doesn't need this, it just muddies the waters, so to speak), etc. and of course, supports MP3s and the UB model supports USB.
All of the latest Pioneer head units have a built in Auxiliary input.
You basically can't go wrong with a Pioneer. The problem with Sony, is that pre 2005 xplod models were rubbish, but later models and models pre 1999 (I think) are quite good.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/PIONEER-DEH-...ryZ50144QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here's a better deal:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Pioneer-DEH-...ryZ50144QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Pioneer-DEH-...ryZ50144QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Thanks david, yer i drive a commodore. That 1 on ebay looks ideal, and i have also spotted a kenwood for about the same price and 45 wat which looks great at wow sight and sound, it also has remote and its on sale so i might get this 1 as i cant live without a stereo in my car for too long
Kenneth R.
Cináed
What are you going to do with a remote while you're driving? 
I never understood that feature. And PLLLEEEEASE tell me you won't crank it up while it's parked in the driveway and control it by remote.
I never understood that feature. And PLLLEEEEASE tell me you won't crank it up while it's parked in the driveway and control it by remote.
Dead Children Speak No Lies
Westie Headbanger
- Nov 15, 2007
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Stay away from Kenwood and Sony (and Holdens..). Both are cheaper brands. If you want to go cheaper go JVC.
Kenwood are really good, and as I said, Sony's stuff post 2005 are good again. JVC are also quite good, of course. But you really can't go wrong with Pioneer.
Since you drive a Commodore, Mark, I can refer you to http://forum.justcommodores.com.au - the Car Audio forum on there is FULL of all the information you need if you want to install it yourself. That's assuming you don't already know how to do it yourself anyway. I don't know what the VZ and VE Commodores are like when it comes to the stereo installation, but the VT, VX and probably VY are really easy - just bend a couple of thin coat hangers into a U shape and insert them into the holes on either side of the stereo, it'll pop out quite nicely. You'll probably also want to buy (from Auto Barn or something) a wiring loom adapter so that you don't have to chop off the ends of your stock wiring loom. I soldered my adapter loom to the one that comes with the stereo so it's a good quality permanent connection, but if you want to be slack you can just twist the ends together
.
And nothing wrong with Holden. I have owned two, and they're great cars.
Since you drive a Commodore, Mark, I can refer you to http://forum.justcommodores.com.au - the Car Audio forum on there is FULL of all the information you need if you want to install it yourself. That's assuming you don't already know how to do it yourself anyway. I don't know what the VZ and VE Commodores are like when it comes to the stereo installation, but the VT, VX and probably VY are really easy - just bend a couple of thin coat hangers into a U shape and insert them into the holes on either side of the stereo, it'll pop out quite nicely. You'll probably also want to buy (from Auto Barn or something) a wiring loom adapter so that you don't have to chop off the ends of your stock wiring loom. I soldered my adapter loom to the one that comes with the stereo so it's a good quality permanent connection, but if you want to be slack you can just twist the ends together
.And nothing wrong with Holden
. I have owned two, and they're great cars.
Kenneth R.
Cináed
I have a vt and they are going to install it on monday ( the kenwood 1 ) They have to take out the standard stereo and fit the new one in as it is half the size, i suppose that will leave a little area for the remote
. They are doing it for $80 so thats not too bad. I reckon the remote shouldn't be anymore dangerous than taking your eyes off the road to change cds or tracks, I suppose I will find out. I must admit I have swerved a few times changing cds or fixing the bass, treble, exc In my old car. 
When you think of it It's not alot worse than talking on your mobile ( Which I definately DONT do.
)
. They are doing it for $80 so thats not too bad. I reckon the remote shouldn't be anymore dangerous than taking your eyes off the road to change cds or tracks, I suppose I will find out. I must admit I have swerved a few times changing cds or fixing the bass, treble, exc In my old car. When you think of it It's not alot worse than talking on your mobile ( Which I definately DONT do. )You can get little pockets to put in place of the gap. I had the same issue as you, and then I found one on eBay for like $15, cheaper than the genuine Holden one which is like $40 or something.
Very handy! There's a couple of different ones though so choose carefully. I needed a bit of cardboard to make sure it was stuck in place, but that's ok.
Very handy! There's a couple of different ones though so choose carefully. I needed a bit of cardboard to make sure it was stuck in place, but that's ok.
Kenneth, I appreciate your input 
. But I am seriously happy with the Pioneer, and I'm not looking at the wattage values anyway, I'm running on the stock speakers and even turned up really loud it still sounds great. The quality is more than good enough for me.
. But I am seriously happy with the Pioneer, and I'm not looking at the wattage values anyway, I'm running on the stock speakers and even turned up really loud it still sounds great. The quality is more than good enough for me.
Kenneth R.
Cináed
Well yeah I run the stock speakers in my car too. The only reason I stress the transistor issue is because unlike wattage, which would affect the loudness and to a minor extent the depth of the bass, the transistor is more like a general, fixed EQ that you can't do anything about. It's the key element in the amplifier circuit and each one is made with different qualities and goals in mind. Different car stereos, I discovered in research for mine, use different types of transistors. That kind of affects the 'sound' that comes out the other end, and is probably a key contributor to why people think some sound like crap and others awesome, price regardless.
That's a very good point.
Having a graphic equalizer (as in the Pioneer 6xxx series) is a BIG benefit over having a parametric equalizer, but there is also a 'richness' of sound which some products have and others don't.
Having a graphic equalizer (as in the Pioneer 6xxx series) is a BIG benefit over having a parametric equalizer, but there is also a 'richness' of sound which some products have and others don't.
Kenneth R.
Cináed
and that comes before the EQ, in the gain stage of the amplifier circuit, also known as the transistor(s) and a bunch of miscellaneous linear parts. they serve the same effect as the tube in your amp. people will pay tons for a good tube amp, but they mostly ignore the component that has the same function in a solid state box.
Well, my drums need no amp . But I do know exactly what you're talking about 
At the end of the day though, what really matters is how it sounds to you, although I would be surprised if people with well trained ears were unable to hear the difference between a high quality product and a mid-quality product.
Some of the stores around where I live have walls set up with the head units on display and they're switched so you can test out and listen to all of the ones on display by flicking a switch.
. But I do know exactly what you're talking about At the end of the day though, what really matters is how it sounds to you, although I would be surprised if people with well trained ears were unable to hear the difference between a high quality product and a mid-quality product.
Some of the stores around where I live have walls set up with the head units on display and they're switched so you can test out and listen to all of the ones on display by flicking a switch.
Kenneth R.
Cináed
That's probably the best way to shop for them. If any of you are planning on hooking up external stuff (iPod uke:, zen, other mp3 or external devices) BE SURE to bring it in and test it right there in the store. Don't trust whatever claims they make about what's compatible. All lies.
uke:, zen, other mp3 or external devices) BE SURE to bring it in and test it right there in the store. Don't trust whatever claims they make about what's compatible. All lies.Similar threads
