Professor
11-20-2008, 07:23 AM
Hi guys. I am getting ready to take the beast on a 12 hour (each way) road trip. During that trip, I want to be able to hook up my iPod and play away. As you know the stock stereo does not support the iPod. So I've decided to change the stereo (at the very least, the head unit).
This is what I want: I want a stereo/CD player that will play my iPod, respond to the steering wheel controls, and will control the factory CD changer. I'm not one for subwoofers and vibrate the mirrors bass. Instead, I am a stickler for absolute clarity at high volume. I would also like some control over the structure of the sound (the more control I have over the sound [e.g., equalizer] the better. The more information from the iPod that can be displayed on the head set the better (album art is a plus but not a necessity). I will have it professionally installed (will probably buy from Circuit City or Best Buy [for convenience and because I am in a tiny college town]). I trust Alpine, Pioneer, Sony and Infinity as brands.
Some questions:
1) What stereos from Circuit City / Best Buy will fit the bill?
2) What is the factory configuration of speakers (how many and what sizes)
3) What speakers do you recommend (don't want to buy an amp if not absolutely necessary) - remember ... clarity (not bass) is my preference.
I love the look of the double DIN stereos that many of you have and would prefer to go that route, but most of those say they will not fit. Does that mean that they aren't plug and play ... but can be custom fitted by Circuit City or Best Buy ... or does that mean there's no way it will fit the car?? I can go with a single din set-up without too much complaint if it meets my other requirements.
Anyway ... I'm open for suggestions. Any information would be helpful.
By the way ... I'm not willing to spend a grand on the set up. Might spend $500 or so (less is better) ... but not much more.
This is what I want: I want a stereo/CD player that will play my iPod, respond to the steering wheel controls, and will control the factory CD changer. I'm not one for subwoofers and vibrate the mirrors bass. Instead, I am a stickler for absolute clarity at high volume. I would also like some control over the structure of the sound (the more control I have over the sound [e.g., equalizer] the better. The more information from the iPod that can be displayed on the head set the better (album art is a plus but not a necessity). I will have it professionally installed (will probably buy from Circuit City or Best Buy [for convenience and because I am in a tiny college town]). I trust Alpine, Pioneer, Sony and Infinity as brands.
Some questions:
1) What stereos from Circuit City / Best Buy will fit the bill?
2) What is the factory configuration of speakers (how many and what sizes)
3) What speakers do you recommend (don't want to buy an amp if not absolutely necessary) - remember ... clarity (not bass) is my preference.
I love the look of the double DIN stereos that many of you have and would prefer to go that route, but most of those say they will not fit. Does that mean that they aren't plug and play ... but can be custom fitted by Circuit City or Best Buy ... or does that mean there's no way it will fit the car?? I can go with a single din set-up without too much complaint if it meets my other requirements.
Anyway ... I'm open for suggestions. Any information would be helpful.
By the way ... I'm not willing to spend a grand on the set up. Might spend $500 or so (less is better) ... but not much more.