Anybody here know something about car stereos?

[LeftyMom]

I've decided today that I really really really really want to replce mine. I have a hearing problem and I still can tell it sounds like shit.

I want something that will sound decent in my car (not the sort of system that rattles teeth a block away) but won't get my car broken into, that I can hook my ipod into with a minimum of fuss. Oh, and I think I want to replace the speakers as well, I think they're a big part of the problem.

Any suggestions for brands, models, features I should look for, the best store to buy from, etc?

[Jamastiene]

1. I have always been a big fan of Pioneer myself, but

there are plenty of others that a great too. I like Pioneer because their equipment tends to sound brighter. My hearing is going too, so I prefer the higher frequency range to be clearer. They have a much clearer midrange and higher range, IMHO.

[GOPisEvil]

2. Look for a stereo with an auxiliary setting, with RCA plugs for the iPod.

The easiest way to hook your iPod into the car stereo is through the RCA plugs. The installer can make that look as custom as you like, from just leaving the cord accessible, to mounting a jack. I have a Panasonic stereo unit and I like it, except I was told it had TWO auxiliary connections, and it only has one. I had to choose between XM and my iPod, so I chose the XM. But, it's a nice unit. For speakers, I have Polk Audio. They're really nice. Clear and loud enough.

Stay away from Fry's. Find a local place that will cut you a deal on a whole package of stuff.

[Oeditpus Rex]

3. www.crutchfield.com

Absolutely the best.

If you don't find what you want or don't know, you can call or e-mail and they'll help you without trying to sell you something. And they know what they're talking about.

I haven't bought audio gear anywhere else for years.

[Gold Metal Flake]

4. I stick with the lower cost stuff. It has built-in anti-theft.

Just go on Ebay and get a high-power Jensen receiver with a CD player. Throw in some speaks from the same place and there ya go.

Or, just get fart tip and never shift outta second.

[Redstone]

5. Just don't get one of those systems that goes THROOM, THROOM,

THROOM next to me at the stoplights, OK?

Please?

Redstone

[LeftyMom]

6. Oh hell no.

I hate those things too. Besides, I have a kid and I drive a station wagon- I'd look even more like a moron then the teenage boys in rice burners who usually have those things.

[FredStembottom]

7. I just bought a Sony "Xplod" model for a feature you'll like...

It has an Ipod (or any audio device) plug-in jack right on the front of the faceplate! No dangling RCA jacks coming from under your dash - just a single small stereo plug just like an ear phone jack on any MP3 player.
You just need a chord with a _male_ stereo jack on each end. Readily available at Radio Shack/Best Buy/Ultimate electronics etc.

Oh....and the faceplate still pops off for theft prevention even though it has that handy jack built into it.

About $157.00

[LeftyMom]

8. Ooh, that's what I'm looking for

:bounce: