Guys, thanks for all the advise and help. I have decided that I am going to replace the factory cassette player on my 1999 Toyota Camry with a CD/mp3 player. I am NOT going to keep cassette since I guess there's no real reason to hang on to all those.
Victor pointed to so many HUs. Google helped with many more. I have spent last 3 hours (no less) reading up and trying to decide on one. But just can't. I thought that front aux input might be nice so was thinking of an Aiwa but then there were reviews that Aiwa quality control is suspect. My budget remains $125. The wife is enthusiastic about replacing a perfectly working system GRIN.
I short-listed to
http://www.epinions.com/Panasonic_CQ_C3301U_MP3_Player/display_~full_specs
http://www.epinions.com/Panasonic_CQ_C1301U_MP3_Player/display_~full_specs
http://www.epinions.com/Sony_CDX_S2210/display_~full_specs
Any views on any of these? Is it worth the extra $10 going with crutchfield or is cardomain.com good enough? Or any other place to buy from? Help resolve so many questions and confusion in my head.
Really appreciate your help,
Gaurav SMILE
Replies (13)
compvr15s on 03/26/2005 22:58:50
have you seached ebay. i bought a unit off there, recieved it within the week and was completely satisfied. have never had a problem ordering off ebay, can expect to save over 40-50 percent compared to retail prices. if your interested here are a few with in your budget that are good quality head units.... jjust make sure the seller has good feedback. the more the better.....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39752&item=5763223824&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18798&item=7503560670&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39753&item=5761882303&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39752&item=5762230093&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39751&item=5763463526&rd=1
there is a couple, i myself am very fond of pioneer, i have also had kenwood HUs. the pioneer had more options better screen disply and just sounded better. the kenwood and sony models are good for someone who just wants an ok head unit, all have options for upgrading a system later. some have 2 sets of preouts some only have one... good luck, just my input..
Victor on 03/27/2005 00:54:05
Ok...
Lemme say one thing , there are a few companies which are short listed as real good HU Manufacturers,
Alpine, Blaupunkt, Clarion, Eclipse, Kenwood, Nakamichi, Pioneer Premier and some more..
Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony and a few others follow ..
If you are buying on e-bay then you must know the bidding process very well, then you can find a real good HU for cheap prices , Otherwise in your price range what you can get is an average head unit.
Dont give much importance to the looks.. Look for a sturdy built quality and clean sound over all frequency range. Look for the number of RCA preouts if you are planning to upgrade your system with amps and subs later.
Dont give in to flashy looking systems with all those gimmicks which do nothing but add distortion to the sound.
I would suggest auditioning a HU before buying it wud be the best option. If you got some Car audio shops around , go there have a look at what they have to offer and get back to us.
Victor...
lessismorespl on 03/28/2005 20:36:43
I might be able to help you out if you have not purchased one yet, email me (admin@lessismorespl.com). I will send you pics, specs, and answer all your questions.
Victor on 03/29/2005 00:06:07
Can we have a detailed introduction on you "lessismorespl".....????
Victor...
swez on 03/29/2005 16:30:32
Lessismore,
Walking a thin line here as many of us consider this an ANTI-SPAM site. If you wish to contribute your technical expertise to help the forum, (free info) that's great and we welcome same. However, this is not a site to solicit blatent private enterprises.
Hey, we've chatted before on IM and I can tell you know your stuff. That's great! Can always use an experienced hand on the forum. Just asking you politely to refrain from soliciting business deals off this site. Many of us would like to do the same thing. However, in the best interest of the forum, we too refrain from such practices.
Thanks for your understanding and full cooperation,
Swez
ttocs on 03/29/2005 17:17:10
a little known fact(idunno why) is that panasonic has one of the lowest return rates in the biz. I have put many in, and taken few out.
Crutchfield may be a better source between the two as they supply technical diagrams of your car for installation, and I think the hrns you need comes with it?
Ebay and other areas are much cheaper if you know where to look. The catch is that they are normally not a authorized dealer, so they do not offer a warrenty.... If you know a good tech this is not an issue but if you get a good deck it should last a decade at least.........
lessismorespl on 03/29/2005 17:32:05
You should really know something about a person before you accuse them of something that may not be true. I WAS NOT SPAMMING! Since technical specs, personal experiences, and testing results of the many manufacturers I have used over the years, which are in a database on my computer, I was going to help him in his decision so he would not buy the first HU in his price range and end up disappointed. Also, I was going to offer my experiences, as well as Deja News results of car audio sites so he would not end up ripped off by some refurbished unit or even the possibility of not recieving the item at all. I just did not want to waste space on a post w/ over 600MB of data. I do not spam, nor do I sell car audio. On occassion I may sell smething on eBay, but that is not very often. My closet is proof of me not selling my previously used equipment. As for "ttocs" post this is true, I have ran Panasonic MXE deckls for the past 2 years, just upgraded to the CQ-C8400U. They are very nice decks, great features and do not empty your pockets. They are easy to use also. The MXE line also has a 2 year warranty. I really like Crutchfield, great tech support, free accessories for the install including vehicle specific master sheets, and the shipping cost are reasonable.
swez on 03/29/2005 17:55:00
Uhmmm, not accusing on anything. We have had several spammers hit this site in various ways. My comments are a reflection of these very negative experiences.
Just giving a "heads up" on our general policies here at CK. If that is not your intent, (seems you have clarified that well enough) then the point is moot. No reason to get all jump up & down about it. Geez-O-Peas...
If the shoe fits, wear it... if not, leave it be. Dang... why do people get all defensive on things if they are doing the right things for the right reasons??? However, if you still feel offended, don't go away mad. Just go back where ya came from. We'll all be fine with that. Man... we can do without all the ruckus.
Swez
agaurav on 03/29/2005 17:55:53
Thanks guys. Sorry if I created this discussion. I really appreciate's lessismorespl's offer. Thanks.
Unfortunately, I already placed an order for a Panasonic CQ-1301C yesterday. Once I had decided that I wanted a mp3 system in the car, I was too eager to get one. Immature, I guess.
I did so knowing fully well that I will get what I pay for. But then I can't really distinguish great sound system from ordinary ones, in that I have a $300 cheap music system at home and an ordinary TV system. And I doubt I will ever upgrade to amps and better speakers. So if the system has no manufacturing fault, this should last me a long time...
I ordered it through www.sonicelectronix.com after reading mixed reviews on bizrate.com. I would have gone with crutchfield but they don't keep this model. I figured that I didn't want the Sony CDX S2210 for no particular reason. Somehow the reviews of the Panasonic on epinions and circuitycity made be chose it. I'll know when I get it.
Sonic Elec is giving the wiring harness for free (I hope they do ship it). And I got some wiring diagram from www.installdr.com. I figured that I could always get more details from you guys WINK.
Thanks! I will definitely post my experience with Sonic and reviews of the system if and when I manage to install it.
lessismorespl on 03/29/2005 18:27:31
sonicelectronix is a reliable site, they do have some minor bad feedback, but you cannot totally rely on feedback. I have never personally had a problem w/ ordering from them, other than I think they over charge on shipping. I think you will be very happy w/ the Panasonic deck, I went to the MXE line after using Clarion Pro Audio for 3 years, eXcelon before that, and I have never been happier. for the price, Panasonic and Panasonic MXE are some of the most reliable and great performing decks on the market.
swez on 03/29/2005 21:34:38
Uhmmmm, lessismore...
Perhaps I was a bit hasty on matters earlier. Have been going through some "heavy stuff" of late and do not mean to take it out on you or others.
If your intentions are honorable, (and I believe they are) hang around and add your assistance to the site. Maybe I am way off-base and need to take a break and re-calibrate. I am very human and can make poor choices at times. If I offened thee, please forgive and forget. You have no idea what a struggle I am contending with right now. I wish it on no man.
Swez
Victor on 03/30/2005 00:24:27
Well...Its good you cleared this confusion at this stage..
Even I was thinking on the same lines as swez before .. but since you clearified the things now , i guess you shud stay around and share your experience and expertise ..
by the way swez i need glasses cause i just read that "honourable" as "horrible" lol... hehehe.. mike cud u send me urs for a few days.. hehe
Hey lessismore..
could you give all the members a detailed info on urself and your strengths in car audio.
Welcome to CK.
Victor...
montego_27 on 03/30/2005 00:59:02
Glad to see that's cleared up! "Can't we all just get along?" I think that was a quote from Gen. George Custer? lol.
Anyway, just wanted to pass along that in the past lessismorespl helped me out a bit on another site when I was considering "porting"my trunk to the cabin which he had already done.Well, the results were phenomenal!, and I think he could contribute quite a bit to this forum. Anyway welcome in!
As for my glasses Victor, sure you can borrow them.Maybe then you can find that "SPELLCHECK" key! hehe... Tego
Victor pointed to so many HUs. Google helped with many more. I have spent last 3 hours (no less) reading up and trying to decide on one. But just can't. I thought that front aux input might be nice so was thinking of an Aiwa but then there were reviews that Aiwa quality control is suspect. My budget remains $125. The wife is enthusiastic about replacing a perfectly working system GRIN.
I short-listed to
http://www.epinions.com/Panasonic_CQ_C3301U_MP3_Player/display_~full_specs
http://www.epinions.com/Panasonic_CQ_C1301U_MP3_Player/display_~full_specs
http://www.epinions.com/Sony_CDX_S2210/display_~full_specs
Any views on any of these? Is it worth the extra $10 going with crutchfield or is cardomain.com good enough? Or any other place to buy from? Help resolve so many questions and confusion in my head.
Really appreciate your help,
Gaurav SMILE
Replies (13)
compvr15s on 03/26/2005 22:58:50
have you seached ebay. i bought a unit off there, recieved it within the week and was completely satisfied. have never had a problem ordering off ebay, can expect to save over 40-50 percent compared to retail prices. if your interested here are a few with in your budget that are good quality head units.... jjust make sure the seller has good feedback. the more the better.....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39752&item=5763223824&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18798&item=7503560670&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39753&item=5761882303&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39752&item=5762230093&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39751&item=5763463526&rd=1
there is a couple, i myself am very fond of pioneer, i have also had kenwood HUs. the pioneer had more options better screen disply and just sounded better. the kenwood and sony models are good for someone who just wants an ok head unit, all have options for upgrading a system later. some have 2 sets of preouts some only have one... good luck, just my input..
Victor on 03/27/2005 00:54:05
Ok...
Lemme say one thing , there are a few companies which are short listed as real good HU Manufacturers,
Alpine, Blaupunkt, Clarion, Eclipse, Kenwood, Nakamichi, Pioneer Premier and some more..
Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony and a few others follow ..
If you are buying on e-bay then you must know the bidding process very well, then you can find a real good HU for cheap prices , Otherwise in your price range what you can get is an average head unit.
Dont give much importance to the looks.. Look for a sturdy built quality and clean sound over all frequency range. Look for the number of RCA preouts if you are planning to upgrade your system with amps and subs later.
Dont give in to flashy looking systems with all those gimmicks which do nothing but add distortion to the sound.
I would suggest auditioning a HU before buying it wud be the best option. If you got some Car audio shops around , go there have a look at what they have to offer and get back to us.
Victor...
lessismorespl on 03/28/2005 20:36:43
I might be able to help you out if you have not purchased one yet, email me (admin@lessismorespl.com). I will send you pics, specs, and answer all your questions.
Victor on 03/29/2005 00:06:07
Can we have a detailed introduction on you "lessismorespl".....????
Victor...
swez on 03/29/2005 16:30:32
Lessismore,
Walking a thin line here as many of us consider this an ANTI-SPAM site. If you wish to contribute your technical expertise to help the forum, (free info) that's great and we welcome same. However, this is not a site to solicit blatent private enterprises.
Hey, we've chatted before on IM and I can tell you know your stuff. That's great! Can always use an experienced hand on the forum. Just asking you politely to refrain from soliciting business deals off this site. Many of us would like to do the same thing. However, in the best interest of the forum, we too refrain from such practices.
Thanks for your understanding and full cooperation,
Swez
ttocs on 03/29/2005 17:17:10
a little known fact(idunno why) is that panasonic has one of the lowest return rates in the biz. I have put many in, and taken few out.
Crutchfield may be a better source between the two as they supply technical diagrams of your car for installation, and I think the hrns you need comes with it?
Ebay and other areas are much cheaper if you know where to look. The catch is that they are normally not a authorized dealer, so they do not offer a warrenty.... If you know a good tech this is not an issue but if you get a good deck it should last a decade at least.........
lessismorespl on 03/29/2005 17:32:05
You should really know something about a person before you accuse them of something that may not be true. I WAS NOT SPAMMING! Since technical specs, personal experiences, and testing results of the many manufacturers I have used over the years, which are in a database on my computer, I was going to help him in his decision so he would not buy the first HU in his price range and end up disappointed. Also, I was going to offer my experiences, as well as Deja News results of car audio sites so he would not end up ripped off by some refurbished unit or even the possibility of not recieving the item at all. I just did not want to waste space on a post w/ over 600MB of data. I do not spam, nor do I sell car audio. On occassion I may sell smething on eBay, but that is not very often. My closet is proof of me not selling my previously used equipment. As for "ttocs" post this is true, I have ran Panasonic MXE deckls for the past 2 years, just upgraded to the CQ-C8400U. They are very nice decks, great features and do not empty your pockets. They are easy to use also. The MXE line also has a 2 year warranty. I really like Crutchfield, great tech support, free accessories for the install including vehicle specific master sheets, and the shipping cost are reasonable.
swez on 03/29/2005 17:55:00
Uhmmm, not accusing on anything. We have had several spammers hit this site in various ways. My comments are a reflection of these very negative experiences.
Just giving a "heads up" on our general policies here at CK. If that is not your intent, (seems you have clarified that well enough) then the point is moot. No reason to get all jump up & down about it. Geez-O-Peas...
If the shoe fits, wear it... if not, leave it be. Dang... why do people get all defensive on things if they are doing the right things for the right reasons??? However, if you still feel offended, don't go away mad. Just go back where ya came from. We'll all be fine with that. Man... we can do without all the ruckus.
Swez
agaurav on 03/29/2005 17:55:53
Thanks guys. Sorry if I created this discussion. I really appreciate's lessismorespl's offer. Thanks.
Unfortunately, I already placed an order for a Panasonic CQ-1301C yesterday. Once I had decided that I wanted a mp3 system in the car, I was too eager to get one. Immature, I guess.
I did so knowing fully well that I will get what I pay for. But then I can't really distinguish great sound system from ordinary ones, in that I have a $300 cheap music system at home and an ordinary TV system. And I doubt I will ever upgrade to amps and better speakers. So if the system has no manufacturing fault, this should last me a long time...
I ordered it through www.sonicelectronix.com after reading mixed reviews on bizrate.com. I would have gone with crutchfield but they don't keep this model. I figured that I didn't want the Sony CDX S2210 for no particular reason. Somehow the reviews of the Panasonic on epinions and circuitycity made be chose it. I'll know when I get it.
Sonic Elec is giving the wiring harness for free (I hope they do ship it). And I got some wiring diagram from www.installdr.com. I figured that I could always get more details from you guys WINK.
Thanks! I will definitely post my experience with Sonic and reviews of the system if and when I manage to install it.
lessismorespl on 03/29/2005 18:27:31
sonicelectronix is a reliable site, they do have some minor bad feedback, but you cannot totally rely on feedback. I have never personally had a problem w/ ordering from them, other than I think they over charge on shipping. I think you will be very happy w/ the Panasonic deck, I went to the MXE line after using Clarion Pro Audio for 3 years, eXcelon before that, and I have never been happier. for the price, Panasonic and Panasonic MXE are some of the most reliable and great performing decks on the market.
swez on 03/29/2005 21:34:38
Uhmmmm, lessismore...
Perhaps I was a bit hasty on matters earlier. Have been going through some "heavy stuff" of late and do not mean to take it out on you or others.
If your intentions are honorable, (and I believe they are) hang around and add your assistance to the site. Maybe I am way off-base and need to take a break and re-calibrate. I am very human and can make poor choices at times. If I offened thee, please forgive and forget. You have no idea what a struggle I am contending with right now. I wish it on no man.
Swez
Victor on 03/30/2005 00:24:27
Well...Its good you cleared this confusion at this stage..
Even I was thinking on the same lines as swez before .. but since you clearified the things now , i guess you shud stay around and share your experience and expertise ..
by the way swez i need glasses cause i just read that "honourable" as "horrible" lol... hehehe.. mike cud u send me urs for a few days.. hehe
Hey lessismore..
could you give all the members a detailed info on urself and your strengths in car audio.
Welcome to CK.
Victor...
montego_27 on 03/30/2005 00:59:02
Glad to see that's cleared up! "Can't we all just get along?" I think that was a quote from Gen. George Custer? lol.
Anyway, just wanted to pass along that in the past lessismorespl helped me out a bit on another site when I was considering "porting"my trunk to the cabin which he had already done.Well, the results were phenomenal!, and I think he could contribute quite a bit to this forum. Anyway welcome in!
As for my glasses Victor, sure you can borrow them.Maybe then you can find that "SPELLCHECK" key! hehe... Tego
Copyright ClubKnowledge 2009 * All Rights Reserved
