New Stereo, What to get? Options

[amilleri]

So I finally found and bought a 99 celica gt 5spd, yay!

So I want to put a new stereo in since the one currently in it doesn't support anything but a cd player. What should I go with, I'm looking for something with aux input so I can use my phone. I have no clue about what stereos are good or bad, can anyone help me out on a few good differently priced options. Like a cheap, midrange, and high end and the disadvantages of the lower end ones.

[njccmd2002]

www.bestbuy.com

you have to go look at them and hear them. youll get tons of responses.. I like Alpines period. then the next one likes.... and so on and so on....

[SwissFerdi]

RMS watt rating is the distinguishing point between manufacturers. Kenwood makes a quality stereo.

[njccmd2002]

^^^^ see ill start the list. and feel free to chime in


njccmd2002 - Alpine
SwissFerdi - Kenwood.

[richee3]

njccmd2002 - Alpine
SwissFerdi - Kenwood.
richee3- Pioneer, namely the Premier line.

Kenwood head units do typical seem to have higher RMS ratings, which is a good thing. I just don't like their general appearance and user interface. We all have our preferences, but I think we can all agree to stay away from Sony Xplod.

[JoshuaM]

njccmd2002 - Alpine
SwissFerdi - Kenwood.
richee3- Pioneer, namely the Premier line.
JoshuaM - Pioneer (deh-3450ub)

+1 on avoid Sony Xplod; they have cheaper out.

I went pioneer because they were great value, decent output, all the inputs I required and could change colours (which was good because I hadn't decided how I wanted to colour my interior at that stage). The only thing it's missing is Bluetooth.

Having said that though, there are many great options out there though, and you don't need to spend heaps of money to get something decent

I just re-read the original question; it depends which brand you go with but I know one of the things I liked about the pioneer systems were that even if you bought a cheap unit, it still had the quality amps from the mid range units. Generally, for the extra money you get connectivity (Bluetooth, iPod etc.), looks, specialty features (like mix tracks etc.) and extra outputs. Note this last one because it can limit your system later on if you want to amp your speakers or add a subwoofer.

[SwissFerdi]

Pioneer makes a quality deck, I had a DEH-3000MP receiver. Ran beautifully for years, but it only output 14rms. My current receiver is ~62% more powerful, and for the same price that the old one was purchased for, with more features. A low- and high-pass filter are also useful, especially with a subwoofer. About USB input, some decks have workable interfaces and some are annoying. I have worked with two Kenwood receivers to control an iPod and both are lacking, so if you want to scroll and select through the receiver I'd recommend something other than Kenwood. On mine there is a feature to bypass and control through the iPod instead, which I prefer.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Apr 3, 2013 - 6:46 AM

[rave2n]

I've had solid results with many brands...majority already named.

But Pioneer, Kenwood & Blaupunkt are my 3.

[Nihil]

Pioneer. Definitely Pioneer.

I've recently bought Pioneer DEH-1500 for 77€ ($100) and I'm surprised of the quality and power that I get on stock speakers... Especially if I compare it to my previous Kenwood head unit, what a difference!

Kenwood is ****. Had two Kenwoods (they came with each car), never buying one for sure.

[DEATH]

my bad - delete plz

This post has been edited by DEATH: Apr 3, 2013 - 2:57 PM

[Nihil]

Pioneer. Definitely Pioneer.
Kenwood is ****. Had two Kenwoods (they came with each car), never buying one for sure.

***

^^^ HIS BAD delete

This post has been edited by Nihil: Apr 3, 2013 - 3:00 PM

[DEATH]

Pioneer. Definitely Pioneer.
Kenwood is ****. Had two Kenwoods (they came with each car), never buying one for sure.

That's funny that you say that because they are LITERALLY made in the same Chinese factory in Shanghai. I've been there and toured the place and listened to them describe the differences [Of which there are very few].

Perhaps it just so happened that I got to try two bad Kenwood products and one outstanding Pioneer head unit (in the same price range)

My bad - it was JVC I was thinking of. I got to looking through my pics from that trip and it was JVC being made in the Kenwood factory. Sorry bro.

BTW - My vote goes to Kenwood [Not the best but def the best bang for the buck] but just dont pic the two decks Nihil got LOL

This post has been edited by DEATH: Apr 3, 2013 - 3:02 PM

[yagamius]

all of these mentioned are single din, what about double din. I almost bought this one before my engine die.

Pioneer AVH-P4400BH

[msk59]

resurrecting a very old thread:

So what do you guys recommend now. My cheapo DVD player that came with the car died. bought an OEM (without doing too much search only to find that it si too wide LOL) Toyota treated ST like a step child IMO. So I have a Single Din Pioneer DEH3300UB, Not great but fills the empty space now. Please post your best sounding setup

Thanks
msk

[Box]

Personally I like the higher up Sony units, 7-band EQ and lots of nifty things like the digital enhancer for the radio. 6 RCA outputs have you covered on future expandability. That or a high end Alpine, Pioneer, or Clarion should be good as well. Though at the time it seemed like the Sony offered the most features. If you don't need all of the RCA outputs and a fancy EQ you have a lot more options out there. That or go all out and buy a McIntosh unit.

[msk59]

During my college days separate passive equalizers were available with the single din units that made the sound much better. Those are not common anymore and now all I see in the market is high output lound bass stuff. I collected several Nakamichi Units for my home stereo including all the RX Series and the Dragon. Their car stuff was OK back then.

[Box]

Just looked and Pioneer still has their Stage 4 line. Dual independent 31 band EQ, for when bass/treble just won't do.

[msk59]

That stuff is high dollars but seems the be very good. Thanks Box.

[SwissFerdi]

I would not recommend Pioneer due to the weak internal amp, at 14w RMS. I'd recommend Kenwood, 22w RMS.