alright, currently my '92 TII has no sound source, so I'm thinking MP3. There are actually a couple of models I'm considering (Sony CDX-MP450X, Aiwa CDC-MP3, Kenwood KCD-MP8017, Rockford RFX9000), but I would like to know if any of you guys has any experience with any of these models. The price range is 269-279 bucks, and almost all the technical data are identical, so I need some "experienced info" in order to decide...

 

Have you considered any of these? Anyone else tried?

http://www.napdeck.com/product_1.html

http://www.ssiamerica.com/products/neo35/index.html

http://www.phatnoise.com/products/

http://www.riohome.com/products/riocar.htm

Regards,
Andy W.
94 Touring
89 GXL

 

R U NUTS ???? 1000 bucks for Rio ? 600 bucks minimum for Nap ? Hmmmm, let me see, 270 for a cool CD/MP3/Radio from Sony/Aiwa/Kenwood with amplifier, ready to install and plug-n-play, or 1000 buckaroos for a Radio/MP3 with no amp, no CD player, and god-knows where I can find it (I'm from Greece, remember ?). Hmmmmm, that's a really tough one... j/k

 

I don't know about the other models but I bought the Aiwa right when it came out. I am VERY satisfied with it (on top of it I dealt for it in NYC for $235). this head unit controls my $3k system. I don't know if you're an audiophile (I am a home audiophile) where the sound that it produces isn't as nice as a top rated Eclipse I heard (the unit was $1k itself) but is decent. Multi-func buttons have me guessing a little (lost my manual) and the face blinks everytime you adjust the volume (I think it's annoying) but other than that, no complaints. Fully func, has alot of features.

Value-5 (first to come out, good price)
perfomance - 4

 

OK, all I could find in Greece are the Kenwood, Aiwa and Rockford models, with JVC coming soon (but I cannt wait ). I got a really good offer from a shop nearby (Aiwa + 2 2way separate speaker + 2 3way beasts for the back, all speakers Magnat or Pearless that can work with an Amp as well) for 500$. Think I'll go for that. Today is the day. Gonna see how it works, and let you guys know tomorrow...

 

OK guys, news update:

Aiwa CDC-MP3R is now installed, along with 2 2way 110W mid+tweeter Front and 2 4way!! 200W Rear Magnat speakers. Installation was a breeze, everything is nice and tight, and the upgrade possibilities are endless (with the Magnat speakers and the pre-outs of the Aiwa).

The Aiwa is the newest model (didnt know that until I installed it), its MP3R, which means it has RDS, PTY, TA, AF etc etc, which almost none of the other MP3 players have. The unit is very pretty (albeit a bit over-colored :o ), VERY powerful (one of the most powerful stock amps in a unit I've ever heard), and VERY fast in reading almost any CD. Read times are less than 15secs for full CDs with more than 140 MP3 songs. Amazing

The remote control must be on the right side of the steering wheel in order to work, but this is small talk. The interior of my Rex is all black (leather mostly ! ), and the alluminum face (plastic of course, not real alluminum !) of the Aiwa kinda sticks out, but this is nothing a ****, pedals and some alluminum trim cannt fix.

Havent heard the unit a lot, but from what I've heard so far I'm very, very satisfied, or rather excited I should say. None of the disadvantages seem to bother me, the new features (which I didnt know about at all) are welcome (and much needed ), and the output of the unit is awesome. Wait till I get a full test of the deck, and I'll get back with more details on the Audio forum.

 

I am currently in the market. thinking about getting the JVC or clarion model. What do these acronyms mean: it has RDS, PTY, TA, AF THX

 

Please note that only the Aiwa MP3R has these features (as far as I know):

RDS: Radio Data System. Reads and displays information that a radio station sends along with the sound signal.

PTY: Program Type. You can select what type of programs you would like to listen, so the deck can search for them automatically.

TA: Traffic Announcement. If this feature is enabled, then whenever there is a traffic announcement from a station, the deck will automatically tune-in to this station.

AF: Alternate Frequencies. If a station transmits to 2 or more different frequencies, then if this feature is enabled the deck will automatically select the most powerful frequency/signal to receive.

I must again note that only the newest model of Aiwa, MP3R, has these features. The oldest models MP3 and MP32, dont, as well as all the other models that I have checked (Kenwood, Rockford and JVC).

 

Kenwood and Blaupunkt make some higher-end models that have RDS (PTY, TA, and AF are all subfunctions of RDS, which receives digital data broadcast by (some/most) FM stations along with the audio). Pioneer makes some that do, too, but apparently these are sold only in non-USA markets, with non-USA warranties.

 

iv got a kenwood and i love it. loads faster than most sony cd decks start to play. and they are easy to use folders with. just hit "5" and the pad.

 

I'd go with the kenwood mp3 player, I sent my Aiwa back after the multiple skips I experienced. I can not fault the kenwoods. I love standard clarions, but i have not tried the mp3 models.

 

Get an eclipse, I got my 3403 for $180, normally $210, it sounds awesome, plays mp3s, has the security network too, so you don't have to worry about it getting stolen.

 

This thread is like 2 years old.

 

I have the Kenwood 8017.....its not bad....Ill sellit for $125