Why do car stereos look so goofy? (1 Viewer)

[Philip Hamm]

I'm looking for a budget car stereo headunit that plays MP3s and has an aux input that I can use for my MiniDisc portable. It seems they all have this kind of goofy futuristic sci-fi look to them that will clash painfully with the interior of any car. Isn't there anything simple and elegant out there?

 

[John Watson]

You look for simple and elegant too?

Born into the wrong time I guess. :frowning:

 

[Philip_G]

it's like the cheaper they are, the worse they look.
The nakamichi always looked nice, and the alpines are OK but they're so damn expensive

 

[Khoa Tran]

Eclipse , great sound quality even on the lower line

 

[Wayne Ernst]

Phil,

Have you checked out some of the models by JVC? Specifically, the KD-AR3000.

Crutchfield has it listed on their site.

 

[Wayne Ernst]

Actually, a pretty nice Alpine that can play MP3s can be had for approx. $349.00. Then, the price goes up from there.

 

[Andrew W]

All current car stereos are designed by pimps.

 

[Clinton McClure]

Around here, a decent Alpine with MP3, WMA and another bell and whistle or two starts at $179. Things are a bit cheaper in the south....perhaps that's why jobs don't pay worth a crap here.

 

[Kevin M]

I really couldn't give a damn how they look as long as they sound good.

 

[ChrisHeflen]

I agree with Wayne. I really like the looks of Jvc.

I don't know if you consider this budget, but this scores high in the looks department for me. Nice and clean.

http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/JVCKDSHX700

 

[Jay Centeno]

OMG, I'm dyin'!!!

 

[NickSo]

How bout this:

http://www.audiocubes.com/product_in...7ef459ba9c8528

 

[Scott L]

hehe that Pana Nick posted is tasty but a centerpiece for disaster if a teef sees it.

Rockford makes some sleek looking units, older models even had shiny wood grain that was a very nice touch.

Just found this while doing a search.

Also seconding Nakamichi and Eclipse. Take a look a Blaupunkt and Clarion, not known for their sound quality but have a different style of design.

edit- forgot to mention the McIntosh setup:



Very slick and classy. Review. Only problem is thre are no FF/RW functions

 

[Evelio Figueroa]

I am doing just that with my headunit. Its a Pioneer that plays MP3's and WMA. Thing is, the AUX input is optional. You have to buy an optional cable.

I got picks if you like to see it.

Head unit
http://www.geocities.com/figarou_dvd/DSC00012.JPG


Optional cable
http://www.geocities.com/figarou_dvd/DSC00014.JPG

Minidisc portable.
http://www.geocities.com/figarou_dvd/DSC00015.JPG

 

[Mark gas]

That deck is made by Dennon and is a killer deck.origanly sold for over $1000. here is some picks of mine.
http://www.sounddomain.com/memberpage/561778/1

 

[ken nomimashita]

the rockford denon thing....not a bad deal.

 

[David.G]

Rockford look good but feel cheaply made, Nakamichi aren't as good as they used to, they haven't updated in forever. Eclipse and Pioneer are you best bet. JVC is good if you get the Arsenal series since it comes with 24bit convertors but they aren't sonically as good as Pioneer or Eclipse. Pioneer HU's that play MP3s run 250$, ebay 200$. Eclipse runs 300$ or more. Eclipse is better sounding but costs more. If you're in a budget take the Pioneer.

 

[Clay-F]

I hate the look of most non stock audio equipment...

I'm looking to upgrade all my stuff in my 350z, but I dont want it to look like a spaceship.

Sony has a nice looking head unit that plays MP3's and you can change the face color (I'm picky about having my dash colors match). It runs about 200 bucks.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-InqkQ3c...=N&search=sony

Its fairly simple in design....At least as far as some of these things go these days.

 

[Sanjay Joseph]

I always thought that Alpine units were conservative looking. What do you think about them? They're definitely high in quality.

 

[Scott L]

pls say no to sony

The new 04 Alpines are lookin good.

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