posted
I bought a car. It is teh awesome. I loves it. But the stereo is the factory one from 1997. I need to get me a new one. I know there are a few folks around here who know a thing or two.
Of primary interest is that it be able to control and play back music/media from my iPhone. Ideally this would not override using that beautiful touchscreen interface, but sometimes it's easier to skip a song with the stereo controls. Another thing is that I've got a CD changer in the trunk I'd still like to control (but to be frank, not going to be the Number 1 priority.) Obviously I still want FM tuning. It would be nice to be able to get that sub-band track/CALL letter info. At some point I may want satellite (but not soon). I am a sucker for shininess. A couple options I have been looking at are:
Those who know me will realize that I am not above making decisions on entirely aesthetic grounds. To that end, I have noticed the Pioneers are very shiny.
Registered: Sep 2000
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I know some units offer specific iPod connectivity (with a special cable sold separately) while others simply have a Sony input jack that feeds the audio signal into the unit, necessitating controlling the music from the player itself. So methinks you'll want one of the integrated ones.
As for your CD changer, I'm assuming it has its own controller? I may be behind times on CD changers as the only two I've had experience with have had a small control console that you mount somewhere. Signal sent via FM tuning, etc.
Finally, for satellite radio, you have two options: A standard receiver from your provider of choice that uses FM tuning or a receiver unit from the same manufacturer of your head unit that integrates the satellite radio controls into the head unit.
Now, you can get head units that are uberfancy and would have, say, a 7" LCD touchscreen for controlling things, but to me those are just too excessive. I would personally go for one of those Pioneer units.
For my in-car entertainment I have the stock 1995 CD player (that doesn't play CDs very well), a 10 disc CD changer and a Sirius receiver. Everything's tied in via FM tuning and works rather well.
-------------------- I haul cardboard and cardboard accessories
Registered: Mar 1999
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posted
I take it LOA is an expert on this matter? I know they have combined Sat. radio/cd units. I'm sure that they make units that have iPod connectivity. You can also look into that HD radio technology. Supposed to be pretty good.
-------------------- "Kosh, I'd like to introduce you to our Resident schmuck and his side kick Kick Me."-Ritten
"Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity". -George Carlin
Registered: Jul 2007
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Daniel Butler
I'm a Singapore where is my boat
Member # 1689
posted
My brother's friend's car stereo has a USB port where you can stick any jumpdrive or USB mass storage compatible MP3 player...it plays MP3s and WMAs. I think he just got the thing at a Best Buy or something.
Registered: Jul 2005
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And no again, it was from your brother's friend's sister's next door neighbor's cousin's house keeper's room-mate's illegitamate son's boyfriend's aunt's girlfriend's pen pal's shaman's red headed unwanted step child. Thrice removed of course.
-------------------- "You are a terrible human, Ritten." Magnus "Urgh, you are a sick sick person..." Austin Powers A leek too, pretty much a negi.....
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
A family with two homosexuals... Who would have guessed?
Speaking of LOA, how is she? I have recently finished reading the un-godly massive medical problems thread, and I do hope she has found a way to kick those migranes in the ass.
-------------------- "Kosh, I'd like to introduce you to our Resident schmuck and his side kick Kick Me."-Ritten
"Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity". -George Carlin
Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I'm going to take her non-presence as a "out enjoying the glorious world in all its wonder" and not "suffering under the oppression of chronic and debilitating pain." Yes, for once, it is not for entirely selfish reasons that I hope LOA shows up.
I went to Best Buy today and played a bit with the Pioneer and Alpine interfaces. I really like the Pioneer, but I found the Alpine isn't too shabby either. I really wish the guy had been more helpful about iPod connectivity than pointing to the "compatible with iPod" bit of the tag. Need to find somewhere that will let me actually plug in. Help me to spend my money, ye denizens of retail mobile audio!
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
I'll never understand why nobody ever thought to include a simple *input* jack on an standard car stereo. Especially after having to deal with tape deck adapters for years.
Registered: Jul 2002
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Daniel Butler
I'm a Singapore where is my boat
Member # 1689
posted
Many stereos do. But I agree, it should be standard on all of them.
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
I don't think I'll get this one (fugly), but looky those jacks!
Your eyes, they do not deceive you. Front aux input and USB!
Registered: Sep 2000
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Daniel Butler
I'm a Singapore where is my boat
Member # 1689
posted
Like my brother's roommate's one...I was impressed and jealous indeed when I saw it. I don't think that one you showed is fugly though...I rather like it.
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
Well it's not as bad as some I've looked at, but it's not:
and certainly not:
Does anyone know anything about controlling CD changers? Does one need to get the same brand stereo head as the CD Changer? If the changer is branded with the car, how do I figure out what will control it?
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
If the changer is branded with the car and is part of the car's factory head unit, you should be able to control it with a new deck that has changer-controlling capabilities as all the wiring will be there in that harness.
-------------------- I haul cardboard and cardboard accessories
Registered: Mar 1999
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