What's the best sounding, looking, value stereo receiver available?
I'm sick of the Shaker 500 cycling and killing the battery. I'm ready to yank it, break it and mail all the pieces to Ford.
Anyway, I want a nice stereo but it does not have to be over the top. I want nice sound, but I know this sounds dumb, but I want it to look nice in the dash. I don't mean Fancy, I want a nice fit.
I also want a jack for my MP3 player, I have a Zune, not an Ipod.. most seem to say Ipod controls built in. I don't think that would work with my mp3 would it? Do the controls work with other brands aside from the Ipod?
Can I still use the speakers in the door with the amps.
I've been looking at other posts, but alot seem to have navigation systems etc. I don't need all that stuff.
Pioneer you can not go wrong with anythign pioneer, I just got a double din and wow it looks so good it is a avic-4000 it is great i love it. You can find them for around 450-550 depends were you shop worth every penny to me!
You would get a big difference if you were to start with the speakers.
I had the stock radio and switched to an Alpine with new speakers. Makes a world of difference. I will be adding an amp this spring. I have two cables that connect to the back of the unit. One for a Ipod that is controllable by the head unit and another cable for a zune that I have. I ran the cables through the console and into the small "secret" compartment. Then I can put the mp3 players in the center console. with no wires dangling all over.
Check out Crutchfield for some ideas. Also the tech/audio section in this forum.
05horse, no selling/bargaining in the forums.. Use the classifieds or pm.
__________________
2006 GT Tungsten Grey 5 spd, Xcal2/Pipeline CAI, Powerhouse tune. Spoiler delete. Front Speakers:Infinity 6812CF;Blaupunkt GTc652. Rear:Infinity Kappa 682.7CF. H/U:Alpine CDA-9885. Alpine MRP-F250 amp. Sequentials. President of the Splash guard registry. On Deck: Motoblue UDP's.
i have a Pioneer 50 watt head unit, 2 Sony Xplode Speakers, and 2 Sony Xplode Tweeters, 2-10" Kicker CompVT Subs- 500 Watts Each, and a Pyle Chopper Series 1000 Watt Amp in my Camaro and it sounds great...the whole setup was about $800...Highly recommend that setup
__________________
2007 GT Premium- Manual, Black on Black, Shaker 1000, Ford Racing 4.10s, MGW Short Throw Shifter, JLT Cold Air Intake, SCT 93 Oct. Race Tune, SSS Offroad Axle-Backs, Chrome Tail Light Trims, Chrome Hood Pins, Roush 1/4 Louvers, GT500 Pedals
Near Future Mods- Steeda LCA's
1987 Camaro RS- Fully restored it over the summer, its sweet
I'd steer away from Sony as their units aren't the best quality. Also stay away from Clarion and other cheaper imitators. If you're going to replace the head unit, do it right the first time.
And don't break your Skipper 500! Buy a reverse wiring harness for $10 and install it in your garage so you can have some tunes while you mod.
__________________
Black 2005 Mustang v6, 5 speed, IUP, EUP and Leather.
Razzi 1/4 window scoops, Mustang GT Sway Bars, Flowmaster American Thunder Single Exhaust, Clear Front Turn Signal Lenses, Demolet CAI, X-cal2 91 tune, Hurst Comp/Plus Shifter, FRPP T-Lock, Ford 3.73 gears
I recommend the Pioneer FH P8000BT Head Unit. Everyone who has purchased seems to like it a lot. There are many user reviews at sites.
It has an ipod input w/control and usb rear input that you can run a usb cable into the center console for up to a 32 GB usb drive. It reads MS Media Player playlists. It has full blu tooth for cell that all users say works very good. Hi-power, 3x preouts, 7-band eq, etc. Read full specs at pioneer website.
Pricing is $249 + free shipping at some online retailers or $299 from crutchfield online w/install kit ($329 in their print catalog).
There are a couple very good install threads on various forums w/detailed instructions and pics specific to shaker system. You can see what it looks like installed in a mustang also from the pics.
My choice for speakers are Polks because I was very pleasantly surprised by just how good they sounded when I got mine.
I have a JVC DVD that I like a lot. I really wanted the memory card option, and USB hookup was a bonus. (I have a 120gb portable drive plugged in with all my music on it. 600+ CDs worth, plus a couple movies.)
if your not into spending a lot of cash and having that "superb" system, then any of the name brands will work. I'd stay away from the generics (ie: audiovox, dual)
You don't have to get a double DIN either. I had a single, and the opening adapter had a small storage alcove in the spare space, was great for the cell phone and misc stuff. Then I got the DVD setup.
I have a JVC DVD that I like a lot. I really wanted the memory card option, and USB hookup was a bonus. (I have a 120gb portable drive plugged in with all my music on it. 600+ CDs worth, plus a couple movies.)
if your not into spending a lot of cash and having that "superb" system, then any of the name brands will work. I'd stay away from the generics (ie: audiovox, dual)
You don't have to get a double DIN either. I had a single, and the opening adapter had a small storage alcove in the spare space, was great for the cell phone and misc stuff. Then I got the DVD setup.
I got the "cubby" too. Problem is that things keep flying out of it.
__________________
2006 GT Tungsten Grey 5 spd, Xcal2/Pipeline CAI, Powerhouse tune. Spoiler delete. Front Speakers:Infinity 6812CF;Blaupunkt GTc652. Rear:Infinity Kappa 682.7CF. H/U:Alpine CDA-9885. Alpine MRP-F250 amp. Sequentials. President of the Splash guard registry. On Deck: Motoblue UDP's.
I have an Alpine and really like it. Looks great and has nice features like removable face-plate, MP3, USB connections, and Satellite Ready (which I use all the time).
I got the "cubby" too. Problem is that things keep flying out of it.
Go to the grocery store and for 1.99 you can get a roll of drawer liner. it looks like a little weaved floor mat. Cut to fit, and then set in there, no more sliding.
I even cut a small piece to fit at the base of the console, where it's like curved. Perfect for a few coins, keeps them from sliding around, but easily in reach when I need a quarter.
Since you are looking for a good sounding VALUE car stereo you may also want to check out the Clarion DUZ385SAT at onlinecarstereo.com Clarion is a good brand.
It has a front aux input for generic mp3 player. A little plain on the looks side but has good features for only $165
You did not mention what you consider a VALUE price range - that would help you get better advice.
Unless you want DVD or NAV then I think the P8000BT is a really good VALUE as far as being pretty inexpensive and features for the dollar and looks pretty good too.
Ive had Alpine HUs and they are more of a high end product so I would not consider them a VALUE unit. IMO they are also overrated and overpriced.
Ive had one JVC and it was a poorly engineered piece of junk and I will never buy a JVC anything ever again.
Get the Kenwood double din, 7120 or 8120, a nice set of speakers, 8" or 10", and a cable to connect your zune. And yes the kenwood touchscreen controls work with any MP3 player.
__________________
2008 Dark Candy Red V6 Coupe, 18" SSE Wheels w/ Falken shoes,8" Shorty Antenna, SPEC Stage 1, Airraid CAI, 8.8 w/ 3.31, dual Vortech turbo exhaust, LED Projector Headlights, BBK shorty headers, SEIBON Carbon Fiber heat extractor hood, Sparco Hood Pins, Kenwood 7" touch screen nav/dvd, dos 8" rockford fosgate punch, SS window louvres, Midwest plenum cover, LED taillights, 93 race tune from bamachips, Personalized license plate "GOFASTR" (adds about 15 horses for the license plate) 220hp/232torq
What's the best sounding, looking, value stereo receiver available? 
(Mods in profile)
