Planet Audio P265IU AM/FM/CD/MP3/Bluetooth Compatible Receiver with Full iPod Control Compatibility with Front USB Port and Full Detachable Face Plate Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The "normal" functions of the radio including AM/FM and the CD player work just fine. However, I purchased this car audio receiver specifically for its full IPod compatibility, along with blue tooth. In order to use it with my IPod Touch the unit required a special Ipc40 integration cable, which I also purchased and installed. Initially, when I only had about 4-7 gigabytes of music on the IPod, the unit worked great and provided control of my IPod directly from the radio display. Now that I've got about 21 gigabytes of music on the IPod, the radio is unable to complete the "searching" function and just hangs in that mode. As a result of that failure, I am extremely disappointed with the unit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Audio P265IU AM/FM/CD/MP3/Bluetooth Compatible Receiver with Full iPod Control Compatibility with Front USB Port and Full Detachable Face Plate

Get 58% OFF

Click here for more information about Planet Audio P265IU AM/FM/CD/MP3/Bluetooth Compatible Receiver with Full iPod Control Compatibility with Front USB Port and Full Detachable Face Plate

Read More...

Dual XR4110 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I really want to get rid of CDs, especially in my car. I was hoping this player will do the trick, but I don't think it's quite there yet. I was willing to forgive some problems for the price I got it - about $35, but it sure makes it hard. Here are my problems:
1. There is no clock - since my car doesn't have one either, this is pretty important to me.
2. Playback restarts from the first song after every power off - this is the big one, especially since:
3. The display does not show track names - searching for a specific track is quite a chore, and since it restarts from the beginning every single time this becomes a real problem.
4. Problems reading SD cards. I am still not sure what exactly the problem is... First I only loaded one track so I could test it out during installation. All my music is in MP3 format and DRM free, I used WMP to sync the track to the SD card - it worked without a problem. After I finished installing it, I decided to load up the card (2GB SD, the unit is said to accept up to 16GB SDHC cards) again using WMP. I ended up with about 1.5 GB music, but when I inserted the card into the player nothing happened - the display remained stuck on a simple message saying "SD". I looked in the manual and it said that this message meant that there were no acceptable tracks on the card or that it is larger than 16GB. Since neither statement was true, I was not sure what the problem was. I reformatted the card and re-synced my music - again I got the same message. Then I tried loading fewer songs and this time it worked - I loaded only about 30. My first suspicion was that it would not recognize more than 35 tracks, which would've been a real deal breaker, but the manual confirmed that it accepts thousands of files.
I think I finally figured out what was causing the problem - I have some songs that for unknown to me reason appear twice in my WMP library, and since I was originally syncing my entire library to the SD card the duplicate files with the same name must have confused the player. Finally I added all of the songs I wanted one-by-one (real pain!) and this time it did work so that must have been the problem.
5. And last, but not least, a problem occurred as soon as I turned on the car - the player refused to power on, even though it was working just fine only minutes earlier, while the engine was not running. I had read this in another review so I immediately tried the solution - before starting the car, the key must be paused for a few seconds in the ACC position, before starting the engine - otherwise the DUAL would not power on. It is the strangest thing.
It really bums me out that this DUAL has so many issues; I was so looking forward to life without CDs, but I guess I will have to continue looking.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dual XR4110

Get 52% OFF

Click here for more information about Dual XR4110

Read More...

Jensen CD/Cassette Receiver with Detachable Face (CM9521) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I wanted a CD/Cassette player for my Chevy truck. Yup, you know if you're a GM or Chrysler owner, there's not much out there in 1.5 DIN and who wants a 1.0 DIN with faceplate surround?
First major complaint: the CD skips like crazy from the slightest bump, even on slightly rough freeways.
Second complaint: too bright, can't turn down the lights on the face at night and it is very distracting.
What's happened to Jensen? They used to make a good product.
I'm looking for a replacement but so far nothing's out there.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jensen CD/Cassette Receiver with Detachable Face (CM9521)

Click here for more information about Jensen CD/Cassette Receiver with Detachable Face (CM9521)

Read More...

Sony In-Dash CD Player (CDX-M620) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The guy at my local audio store (we're friends) recommends these over JVC ELCHAMELEONS because the black panel is removable. ALWAYS remove it when parked. Thieves aren't dumb and figured out that the black panels where a stereo should be is actually the stereo. I have freinds who bought JVCs when they first came out, but they don't have removable faceplates and were all stolen within a year (3 friends=3 stereos). The sony looks just as cool when off, but when on you have to drop down the front panel to access the controls whereas on the JVC they pop out of the front "Active Black Panel" (Sony's name for it). You can close up the controls on either of these when the stereo is on, but sometimes the JVC will shut itself off. Both of these are awesome sounding stereos, but if you want it to last, buy the sony. Car stereos are my thing, and this is a primo head unit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony In-Dash CD Player (CDX-M620)

ThereM-^Rs no mistaking Sony distinction when it comes to in-dash CD receivers. This headunit is part of their Xplod series, which continues the tradition with features like an Active Black Panel or a stealth-styled detachable face, 52 watts x 4 of power, and 3 sets of pre-amp outputs. And for those who can never have enough variety in their sound, it has EQ7 with 7 equalizer presets and the ability to control an additional CD/MD changer, or a TV tuner.

Click here for more information about Sony In-Dash CD Player (CDX-M620)

Read More...

Boss 750DI In-Dash Digital Media Receiver iPod Dock (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this stereo primarily for the cordless, direct iPod interface. Unfortunately it's been a huge disappointment. The pop-out base for the iPod is horribly flimsy and the iPod will come loose any time the car turns. Also, the levels on the receiver are all screwy, and no amount of adjustment can make the audio stop sounding like there's down pillows in front of your speakers.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Boss 750DI In-Dash Digital Media Receiver iPod Dock (Black)

Get 24% OFF

Click here for more information about Boss 750DI In-Dash Digital Media Receiver iPod Dock (Black)

Read More...

Pyle PLDN76DB 7'' Double Din TFT Touch Screen DVD/MPEG4/MP3/DIVX/CD-R/USB/SD/AM/FM/RDS With Bluetooth Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Great unit and unbeleivable price. the bluetooth works better than some more popular brands.
Also fast loading for cd or dvd sd cards.
The sound quality is better then my old one
and you really cannot beat the price. i connected my rear view camera and works unbeleivable,
and has a great picture quality. and great touch screen i love it

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pyle PLDN76DB 7'' Double Din TFT Touch Screen DVD/MPEG4/MP3/DIVX/CD-R/USB/SD/AM/FM/RDS With Bluetooth

Get 61% OFF

Click here for more information about Pyle PLDN76DB 7'' Double Din TFT Touch Screen DVD/MPEG4/MP3/DIVX/CD-R/USB/SD/AM/FM/RDS With Bluetooth

Read More...

VR3 AM/FM Stereo CD & MP3 In-Dash Player w/ SD & USB Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just got this to replace the in dash unit in my mini van and I love it. I can load music onto a flash drive and use the usb port, I can play cd's, I can plug my laptop or dvd player in and listen through the speakers, but best of all I can load what I want to listen to onto an easy SD card and slip it into the card reader slot. Love all of that!
What I don't like...the clock function doesn't stay on so if you want to know the time you have to press a button to find out.

Click Here to see more reviews about: VR3 AM/FM Stereo CD & MP3 In-Dash Player w/ SD & USB

Click here for more information about VR3 AM/FM Stereo CD & MP3 In-Dash Player w/ SD & USB

Read More...

Pyle PLMR88W AM/FM-MPX IN-Dash Marine MP3 Player/USB & SD Card Function Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If I could give this radio negative stars I would. I enjoyed this radio for 2 weeks! Then I put my boat in the water with my new MP3 playing radio with a new waterproof cover. Apparently the salt air was to much for this state of the art marine radio. It stopped working after 2 weeks!!!! Marine radio not so much. Where is the special coating mentioned in the description. Complete rip off!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Pyle PLMR88W AM/FM-MPX IN-Dash Marine MP3 Player/USB & SD Card Function


Here's a mechless digital media receiver for marine applications from Pyle, equipped with AM/FM radio, USB and SD card playback of MP3/WMA files, and an auxiliary input for hooking up your iPod or MP3 player. Take advantage of your digitized music library, with 4 x 40 watts of sound.
An affordable way to get your boat system going. Click here for a larger image

Get 58% OFF

Click here for more information about Pyle PLMR88W AM/FM-MPX IN-Dash Marine MP3 Player/USB & SD Card Function

Read More...

SSL SD325B Bluetooth Enabled In-Dash Multi-Media Receiver with 3.2" Widescreen TFT Monitor, USB and SD/MMC Card Ports and AUX input, 80W x 4 Channels Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered this unit on Thursday Nov. 11th with two day shipping and got it the next day. Pretty impressed with that. Installing this unit was a breeze and it fit perfectly in my 97 Ram. For the price, great unit. I was impressed with the quality of the build... especially the RCA outputs having rubber coated jackets with attached rubber caps when not in use. Bluetooth works great and LCD screen is sharp and bright. USB only supports up to 249 tracks of audio and SD slot only supports 512kb. The only down side is that I didn't recieve the remote control with the unit, which has limited me on some features that can only be accessed by remote. SSL customer service is somewhat frustrating as I can never get anyone to call me back about getting the remote sent, but I'll keep trying. But overall I'm very pleased with the player. Does everything I want for a great price. Since I couldn't find any reviews on this product before I purchased it, I hope this helps someone along the way.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SSL SD325B Bluetooth Enabled In-Dash Multi-Media Receiver with 3.2" Widescreen TFT Monitor, USB and SD/MMC Card Ports and AUX input, 80W x 4 Channels

Get 52% OFF

Click here for more information about SSL SD325B Bluetooth Enabled In-Dash Multi-Media Receiver with 3.2" Widescreen TFT Monitor, USB and SD/MMC Card Ports and AUX input, 80W x 4 Channels

Read More...

Soundstream VIR3600 TFT-LCD 3.6-Inch Audio Video Source Unit (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Worked up untill i stuck a usb memory stick to play my music.
Everything freezed afterwards.
Now when you put a disc or usb device etc it only say's loading and loading and loading, but never play's anything.
Do not buy this product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Soundstream VIR3600 TFT-LCD 3.6-Inch Audio Video Source Unit (Black)

Get 53% OFF

Click here for more information about Soundstream VIR3600 TFT-LCD 3.6-Inch Audio Video Source Unit (Black)

Read More...

Kenwood Kdc-Mp245 In-Dash CD Receiver with Front Aux Input Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This deck is simple as is the interface control scheme, accessible features like subwoofer output levels and a convenient aux. input on the face. A good deck to build a clean stereo system on a budget. I love mine and the remote works awesome too. Worth the money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kenwood Kdc-Mp245 In-Dash CD Receiver with Front Aux Input

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Kenwood Kdc-Mp245 In-Dash CD Receiver with Front Aux Input

Read More...

SONY MEX-5DI CD Receiver for Car Stereo Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Let's start by getting the obvious out of the way. This cd player is gorgeous. From the chrome face and lcd screen, to the amount of features the Mex-5di offers, it's quite an amazing head unit. Cd/mp3 playback quality is great, but keep in mind that the Mex-5di has no built-in amplification, so for good sound quality you'll also need good aftermarket amplifiers.

The motorized cd tray is a nice touch, and coupled with Sony's G-protection, you'll never hear another distracting "chirp" of the cd skipping when you drive through a pothole.

Also nice is the ability to personalize your cd player with pictures and short movie clips. Sizing the movie clips for playback takes some work however, as the image cannot be over 64x64 bytes and cannot be more than 10 frames long. The Mex-5di is more flexible with still pictures, and will automatically size pictures to fit the display.

Most important to keep in mind is the fact that the short movie clips and slideshows will play back WHILE DRIVING, and it is completely legal for it to do so.

I do however have one complaint about this cd player, and that is the lack of a detachable face. For one, anyone who sees you drive by will most likely see your bright expensive cd player shining back at them. Sony did come up with an alternative method to deter theft, but without giving away what it is... let's just say it won't work, and without an alarm system on your car you'll spend a lot of time worrying about the safety of your cd player.

Also, I live in New England and in the winter the temperature in the car will often times drop below freezing. Without a detachable faceplate, the liquid crystal display is subject to the elements and it will freeze. This won't be a problem unless you turn the unit on while the temperature in the car is below freezing. When the Mex-5di's display turns on while the crystals are frozen, the rapid heating will cause the crystals to expand and crack, ruining the display. So remember to keep the unit off for a good 10 minutes while the car is warming up.
All in all, the Mex-5di is a top-notch cd player. If Sony came out with this same model tomorrow with a detach face, I would sell my Mex-5di and buy the new model. But as of right now, this cd player is hands-down the best on the market.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SONY MEX-5DI CD Receiver for Car Stereo

Click here for more information about SONY MEX-5DI CD Receiver for Car Stereo

Read More...

JVC KD-R300 30K Color-Illumination Single-DIN CD Receiver with Remote Control and J-Bus Expandability Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This thing has more features than I'll ever use. It's expandable to work with bluetooth, HD radio, Satellite radio... I'll never use that stuff. Being able to fine-tune the colors and illumination is great. I burn MP3 CDs for this, and it reads them very well. The face is shiny and pleasing to the eye. The buttons are solid and responsive... not flimsy or clumsy at all. It puts out a decent amount of power for my 6 1/2" speakers. What I really like is the EQ. It comes with the typical presets - Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classical, Hip Hop... but it gives you the ability create your own. You can adjust the bass, mid, and hi levels, response, and even Q curve (look it up). Not necessarily as great as a 12-band pre-amp EQ, but pretty darn useful. This is a high quality unit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: JVC KD-R300 30K Color-Illumination Single-DIN CD Receiver with Remote Control and J-Bus Expandability

JVC's KD-R300 CD Receiver is a great way to kick off a new system, featuring MP3/WMA playback, a front auxiliary input, wireless remote, a 50 watts x 4 MOSFET amplifier, and 3-band iEQ. You get the basics with room to expand--add Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, HD Radio, and direct iPod control with JVC hardware additions.

Variable-Color Illumination Variable-Color Illumination lets you get just the look you want, or match your vehicle's interior lighting, offering 30 preset color choices--or customize your own from over 30,000 variations.
CD and MP3/WMA Playback Enjoy your favorite CDs or burnt CD-R/RWs, or get more bang for your buck with MP3/WMA discs--burn hours of music to one disc and get ID3-TAG support for display of artist and song info.
AM/FM Radio with HS-IVi Tuner Sometimes you just want to listen to the radio. The KD-R300's AM/FM radio features automatic presetting of strongest signals and 6 presets for each band.
The HS-IVi tuner features higher sensitivity, thanks to three IF bandwidths (wide, middle and narrow). It also includes AM Noise Canceller plus upgraded IF filters that help avoid the distortion caused by interference from adjacent stations.
To get even more from the airwaves, add JVC optional hardware for HD Radio or SAT Radio reception.
Dial in Your Sound Perfect your sound with a three-band parametric equalizer and Loudness control for low level listening.
Input and Output A pair of preamp outputs (rear or subwoofer) is provided for adding a little extra power to the KD-R300's onboard 50W x 4 amplifier.
A 3.5mm front panel auxiliary input is also included for use with iPods, MP3 players, or other external audio devices.
Bluetooth Ready Bluetooth Wireless Technology is available with an optional adapter. A maximum of five compatible mobile phones can be registered for hands-free calling. With voice-recognition mobile phones, you can dial by just saying the name in your phone book. The wireless functions work even if your mobile phone is tucked away in your bag or pocket. You can also stream music from a compatible digital audio player, for listening on your car stereo.
Ready for iPod You can listen to iPod music with an optional KS-PD100 adapter. The iPod can be controlled from the head unit, and song information is displayed with the same categories and layers as an iPod.
Wireless Remote A full-featured wireless remote is include for controlling receiver functions.
What's in the Box JVC KD-R300 Receiver, trim ring, sleeve, remote control, wiring harness, installation hardware, installation manual, instructions

Click here for more information about JVC KD-R300 30K Color-Illumination Single-DIN CD Receiver with Remote Control and J-Bus Expandability

Read More...

Pioneer DEH-P3700MP - Radio / CD / MP3 player - Full-DIN - in-dash - 50 Watts x 4 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)PROS: Outstanding weak FM reception, no motorized faceplate, no dancing baloney graphics, decent amplifier power, accepts the Pioneer CD-RB10 adaptor which allows you to listen to audio input from your IPOD or portable Sat radio. Great sound quality.
CONS: Receiver lights cannot be dimmed, no mute or attenuate button on the receiver (There is one on the wireless remote)
I listen to jazz and progressive talk radio and therefore find myself trying to pull in weak college FM stations or alternative radio from nearby cities. I wanted to replace my factory Toyota radio with something that worked better. I tried a Dual receiver which had very good specs. In the real world it was worse than my existing Toyota radio. To fix the poor reception I bought an antenna amplifier which only amplified the hiss I was already receiving. I returned the Dual, threw out the antenna amp and bought this DEH P3700MP which uses the Pioneer supertuner 3d radio front end. I can't say enough good things about how this tuner pulls in FM weak stations. I now routinely listen to FM stations 90 - 100 miles away with no static or hiss and get no bleedthrough from strong local stations.
This unit would be even better if it had a separate power lead for the lights so they would dim with the rest of the dashboard. It also needs a mute or attenuate button on the unit itself instead of just on the wireless remote. The optically encoded rotary volume knob is easy to use to set just the right listening level since it takes 3 full turns to go from dead quiet to full blast. However when my cell phone rings those three turns make for a lot of fussing to kill the sound. In all fairness if you have a built in car phone this unit has a separate wire to connect to your car phone base unit which will mute the stereo output when your phone rings. This feature is useless with a portable cell phone. Give me back my mute button.
The sound is clear and widely adjustable with multiple preset eq curves as well as a custom parametric equalizer if none of the factory settings are good enough for you.
To input music from your IPOD etc you need to buy the Pioneer CD-RB10 aux adaptor or the more expensive CD-RB2 aux adaptor. Either will plug into the propriatary Pioneer output plug on the rear of the unit and offer you a pair of auxillary input RCA plugs. You now buy an inexpensive RCA female to mini stereo male cable adaptor and voila, anything with a headphone plug will now play through your car deck and sound much better than the FM transmitter adaptors.
If you no longer need a dashboard light show to impress you girlfriend, don't want volume that makes your ears bleed, want to hear subtle music not just ultra uber bass, buy this very reasonably priced unit and spend what you've saved on new music.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer DEH-P3700MP - Radio / CD / MP3 player - Full-DIN - in-dash - 50 Watts x 4

Click here for more information about Pioneer DEH-P3700MP - Radio / CD / MP3 player - Full-DIN - in-dash - 50 Watts x 4

Read More...

Pioneer DEH-P3000IB In-Dash CD/Mp3/Wma/iTunes AAC/Wav Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Pioneer always has really great, high-end products. I was only slightly disappointed with this one. Whoever they have in their usability/user interface department, they need to fire them. The controls on this deck are absolutely counter-intuitive. I consider myself pretty much a gadget geek and computer nerd, so I'm usually able to figure out how to use things without reading the manual. However, I had to read the manual to figure out how to use it, which generally means it hasn't been designed very well. It's very difficult to navigate through the menus of the deck.
I would say whoever wrote their user manual should also be fired, since it's extremely confusing and hard to read. I still don't know how to change the clock on it.
Overall, it's a great upgrade. I miss my stock Honda one, but some of the buttons didn't work. Once you get the Pioneer deck installed, I suggest just using the included remote, as it's much easier.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer DEH-P3000IB In-Dash CD/Mp3/Wma/iTunes AAC/Wav Receiver

The Pioneer DEH-P3000IB is a perfect receiver if you want all the basics. With a built-in MOSFET 50W x 4 amplifier, you'll get plenty of power along with the CD player, playback of MP3/AAC/WMA/WAV files from data CDs, an AM/FM radio, remote control, and auxiliary input for external devices. And when you're ready to expand, Pioneer has you covered with support for adding Bluetooth, iPod Direct Connection, Satellite Radio, CD changers, and more--not to mention two RCA preamp outs for growing your system. Start out right, and expand when you need it.

Detachable Faceplate The DEH-P3000IB features a detachable faceplate with a white on black one-line, 16-character LED display.
CD/MP3/WMA/AAC Playback In addition to CDs, enjoy playback of MP3, WMA, AAC, and WAV audio files burned to CD, with ID3 tag support--title, artist, and album info will be scrolled across the display.
AM/FM Radio Always have your favorite stations at hand with six user presets per band.
Best Stations Memory Setting your radio presets can be a real pain while you're driving--especially if you're in an unfamiliar area. So, let the tuner do the work for you by activating the Best Stations Memory (BSM) function. The tuner will seek out the six strongest stations in the area and set them into the tuner presets.
7-Way Rotary Commander The 7-Way Rotary Commander is like a musical joystick: with one central dial, you can actually control 90% of the unit's functions and features. Scrolling through your MP3/WMA/AAC files and folders is now very easy. In addition, when controlling an iPod, the operation is easy to learn--it is similar in all respects to the actual iPod.
AUX-In Connection Use the built-in AUX input for connecting any portable digital player or other external auxiliary devices. For extra-convenient access, the DEH-P3000IB has this input on the front panel.
Full-Featured High Performance The DEH-P3000IB is intelligently designed to expand your system, customize your experience, and provide superior sound quality and easy operation.
Two RCA preouts for adding on external amps and speakers simplify system expansion.
Two-Way Crossover with separate High and Low Pass settings
Built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier for excellent sound quality, minimal distortion and efficient power handling.
Supertuner IIID advanced analog and digital processing assure superior imaging, less distortion and noise, and stronger, smoother broadcast signal reception.

Wireless Remote A wireless remote is included for use while watching the road.
iPod Direct Connection (CD-I200 required) Connect an iPod to the DEH-P3000IB using the optional CD-I200 direct control cable, and you can control menus, shuffle function, songs, podcasts, and audiobook chapters in the iPod through the headunit interface as quickly and easily as you would on the iPod itself. Don't worry about your iPod battery running low on power--this direct connection also recharges the unit during playback. In addition, Pioneer has developed the following new features to make using your iPod in the car extremely easy and convenient:
Link Search--While listening to a specific artist, you can hold "List" button down and it will pop up folders containing that specific artist.
Passenger Control Mode--Allows passenger to use the iPod directly to browse and select music, while connected to the headunit for playback.
Random (Shuffle) Key--Physical Random Button on faceplate (Shuffle) makes it easy to hear something fresh.

Ready to Expand The DEH-P3000IB gives you all the basics, but there's plenty of room to grow. In addition to the iPod Direct feature, it's compatible with Pioneer's Bluetooth adapter, USB adapter, XM and Sirius satellite radio tuners, CD changer, and more. Start out small and add more features as you need them.
What's in the Box Pioneer DEH-P3000IB, remote control, sleeve, trim ring, wiring harness, installation hardware, operation manual, installation guide, warranty sheet

Click here for more information about Pioneer DEH-P3000IB In-Dash CD/Mp3/Wma/iTunes AAC/Wav Receiver

Read More...

Alpine TUA-T550HD - HD radio tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Got one of these and it didn't pick up many stations but sounded great. Thought the reception was normal from the HD reviews I've read. But then it would not turn on when I started the car -- just dead. The regular tuner came on but had no antenna so it didn't work. Turning off the car and turning it back on "fixed" it for a couple of days but then it started getting worse. Got the unit replaced.
The new unit picks up MANY more stations than the first and worked good for a couple of weeks. Now its starting to have dead audio occasionally when I turn on the car. The difference with this one is that the radio comes on -- says 'digital' on the faceplate -- but there is no audio until you turn off the car. That's right, turn off the car, not the radio. Then it usually works when the car is turned back on.
This is very annoying. Alpine makes an amazing amplifier in the 9885 and it is awesome with my iPod connected directly to the radio. But the radio in the 9885 sucks, which is why I bought the HD radio, but the HD radio has its own kinds of problems.
Unless you really like putting up with problems, don't get this tuner until the bugs are worked out.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alpine TUA-T550HD - HD radio tuner

Click here for more information about Alpine TUA-T550HD - HD radio tuner

Read More...

Clarion CZ209 CD/MP3/WMA Receiver with iPod Control and USB Port Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This stereo has made a wonderful replacment/upgrade to the factory CD player in my 2003 Subaru Outback wagon. It was very easy to install, thanks to the friendly staff at Crutchfield who can provide you with a wiring harness.
The standard AM/FM radio isa available, but I honestly never use it these days. The ability to play MP3 CDs is excellent, and I keep one in the stereo with some of our favorites, for days we forget to bring the thumb drive.
The AUX port is a great feature too, for those who have non-iPod MP3 players. iPods can be hooked up directly thru the USB.
It's the USB that makes this unit awesome. The port is on the back of the stereo in the form of a ~18" permanently attached USB cable, with a Type A Female connection on the end (perfect for pluggin in things like Thumb Drives).
We routed our USB cable to a compartment below the stereo that has a flip open door. Simply open the door, puul out the cable, lug in the thumb drive, stuff it back in the compartment, close the door and enjoy.
This stereo will take a few seconds (5-10) to read your MP3 CD / USB drive. Once it does, you are set to go. If you unplug the USB drive, and don't plug any different USB drives in, the next time you plug in that thumb drive, it will pick up playpack right were it left off. Nice feature.
We couldn't play music on our Sansa MP3 Player from the USB connection, but it may be something we are doing wrong. At any rate, thumb drives are cheap and smaller, and multi-purpose.
The stereo will play WMA, MP3, WAV, and possibly others? Those are the three formats I've tossed at it so far.
The display is okay. Easy read, but because it has to scroll the titles and other information across, it feels like you have to keep glancing down to read it as you drive.
Asides from an amazing price and all of the features I needed, this stereo appealed over the slightly more expenisive models in one major area: There are buttons on the head unit to navigate and otherwise manipulate the stereo. Sure it comes with a remote, and sure you lose potential screen space when you start cramming on buttons... BUT, as the person driving the car and using the stereo, you'll want the ability to quickly and easily execute each operation. The idea of a joystick style master knob appeals to my inner-geek, but it'd be too frustrating to operate.
Speaking of operating, this stereo is a breeze. I've yet to look in the manual.
So far I have only one gripe. Last night while driving home, the wife was trying to find a song. The process was: skip to next track. See the 2 second display of the track number, then see the title begin to scroll. About that time you're in about 3 - 5 seconds and are starting to realize what the song is, and that it's not the one you want. It'd be nice to be able to "browse" the songs and then select one for playing, instead of surfing through them. Maybe if I read the manual I'll find that feature?
All-in-all, this is an amazing unit. I wish I had bought into one of these a couple years ago (although the prices are great now).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Clarion CZ209 CD/MP3/WMA Receiver with iPod Control and USB Port

The Clarion CZ209 is a great way to get the basics but still leave room to grow. Enjoy playback of CDs, CD-R/RWs, MP3/WMA files, and AM/FM radio. Connect your iPod or a USB device for more digital audio options. If you need more, add a Clarion Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling, an OEM steering wheel remote, or more power using the two RCA preamp outputs.

Detachable Faceplate The CZ209 features a detachable faceplate with white 8-character display. Blue key illumination makes control in the dark a snap.
CDs and More Play back your favorite CDs and CD-R/RWs, or burn your MP3/WMA files to a data CD and enjoy hours of music, complete with ID3-TAG display for displaying track info like artist or song names. You can also play the files back from an inserted USB thumb drive.
Direct iPod control The USB input on the rear of the CX609 lets you connect your iPod directly without an expensive adapter. Just use your stock iPod cable, and you'll enjoy your favorite iPod tunes, along with complete control and battery charging of your iPod. The unit also supports title display for the tracks playing on your iPod.
Front Panel Auxiliary Input Connect MP3 players or other external audio devices in a snap with the 3.5mm front auxiliary input.
Easily Expand The CZ209 gives you a 50W x 4 built-in amplifier to begin with, along with two RCA preamp outputs to grow your system.
It's also ready for Clarion's BLT370 Bluetooth interface or OEM steering wheel remote.
Magna Bass EX This circuit boosts bass at an ultra-low frequency of About 50Hz, creating a rich, deep, defined bass rather than the muddy, booming bass of a standard loudness control. What's more, boost levels are dependent on the system volume, resulting in balanced system response and dynamic bass reproduction.
Front Panel Auxiliary Input Connect MP3 players or other external audio devices in a snap with the 3.5mm front auxiliary input.
Remote Control Included Control the action with the included wireless remote.
What's in the Box Clarion CZ209, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, installation hardware, owner's manual, installation guide.

Click here for more information about Clarion CZ209 CD/MP3/WMA Receiver with iPod Control and USB Port

Read More...