stereo help

[NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi]

Hey all,

I am looking for a new or used car stereo that will include a USB port so I can carry my music on a flash drive. I don't have an ipod and am not planning on getting one. I am wanting to stay very reasonable ($120 or less). I've found some with the USB port on the front, but I am leaning towards a USB port on the rear that I can cable to the ashtray and keep my flashdrive there. Any thoughts?

TIA

Chris

[jawsofire]

I'm liking the USB port in the back and hiding the flash drive in the ash tray. I like clutter free. I haven't seem much head units with the port in the back. Good luck finding one.

[NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi]

Here are a couple of possibilities. Any comments.

I saw at least one Jensen similar to these as well. Can't seem to find a pioneer with rear USB.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Clarion-CZ...-Port/14166107

Amazon

Amazon

Chris

[cipher93]

404 on the Amazon link... I like my JVC KDS-25 head unit (WalMart model number for their basic CD/AM/FM head unit w/ EQ, Bluetooth/Sat/HD ready, MP3 CD and tagging support) I bought a few years ago. The distinction and clarity of the the EQ ranges leaves a little to be desired though, especially when tuning the EQ.

If Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, and HD Radio matter to you, make sure the stereo has it built in (unlikely to find that in your price range). It just being "Ready" means you'll need to plug an add on into the back, which you will not have a lot of room for once you plug in the harness and wire it up. The finish on the hea dunit has also not held up the best; the shiny volume knob is tarnished and the shinier plastics seem to have faded a bit over time. I still like it though, and since I think I paid like $100 it's been a great head unit for cheap, though it is no longer made.

Just also keep in mind with the factory speakers you won't hear much difference, and may even blow them either from volume or the much increased frequency response from an after market head.

[NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi]

Thanks CJ,

No, most of the high end stuff does not interest me. Just wanting to be able to put a flash drive on for the music. The link should be fixed. I think the Clarion is down to $74 on another site. I am getting new rear speakers as well, again, nothing fancy.

Chris

[NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi]

Hey all,

I'm stilling working on the stereo upgrade. I'm leaning towards the Alpine CDA-105 HU and will put new speakers in the rear, looks like 6"+. Does anyone know off hand if they are 6.5" or 6.75"? The parts car had new speakers in the front I will move over as well. If everything goes right $200 should do it and provide a nice little stereo.

Chris

[Kiwi-Corolla]

Originally Posted by NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi

Hey all,

I'm stilling working on the stereo upgrade. I'm leaning towards the Alpine CDA-105 HU and will put new speakers in the rear, looks like 6"+. Does anyone know off hand if they are 6.5" or 6.75"? The parts car had new speakers in the front I will move over as well. If everything goes right $200 should do it and provide a nice little stereo.

Chris

6.5" in the rear

[NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi]

Thanks Kiwi

[NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi]

Hey all,

I just wanted to let you know the install went well. I ended up with the Alpine HU and new speakers in rear. I routed the USB cable to the ashtray. This HU has one set of buttons to move through the flash drive folders (each album a folder currently), and a second to move through the folder (tracks). Quite quick and easy to operate. I haven't tried to combine albums (folders) into a "higher" folder to see if it will do the multiple layers, but I expect it would. I only have 9 albums on there currently, so it isn't necessary. I don't know that I would ever need to combine albums into a folder, but if you were going to carry 50-75 albums, you may want to. I got the unit from Crutchfield and with their harness, it would be hard to screw up.

I'm really liking the Alpine unit, but the removable face seems like it may be a PITA. I won't need to remove it but once or twice a year, so I'm not worried about it. But if I had to remove it every day, it may frustrate me. Or, I may get good at it, don't know.







Thanks for the help.

Chris

[cipher93]

Oh nice choice. Alpine makes good stuff. What speakers did you go with in the rear? Also, unless you live in a high crime area I would leave the face plate on. Taking it on and off repeatedly will degraded the contacts too.

[NWMO 95 Prizm Lsi]

Thanks,

Here are the speakers.

They are pretty cheap, but sound great to me thus far.


Chris