Car stereo... is it out there?

[joshwa]

My current CD player is a very nice Sony something* with CD/MP3/Aux in and MOST importantly it's got the volume control in the MIDDLE, which means I can easily reach it when driving or when my hand is on the arm rest... it's also got red buttons / back lights... but I'd like the same thing with a USB socket...

But Sony in their wisdom, think the volume control on their new Cd players should be over on the left - the furthest possible place they could put it away from the driver.

I know it makes sense for people who drive on the other side of the road... but not in the UK. I've had a look but can't find anything...

My current stereo looks like this:


* CDX-A250

[Betty_Swallocks]

No offence, but do you have particularly short arms?

I can honestly say that I've never had a problem reaching the volume control on any car stereo I've ever owned which as you correctly say are overwhelmingly on the left of the unit.

[joshwa]

No I don't have short arms - but I have noticed that it's much easier when the volume control is in the middle. So I'd happily pay a little more for a stereo that I prefer.

[dave87]

Car Audio Direct - Pioneer DEH-50UB - CD Player

What about that?

[SilentDeath]

Never had a problem myself either...

however I would advise against sony, they suck. They have added nothing new to the market, atleast in recent times.

Ebuyer used to sell a very nice unit for £40, of which I have one. it includes dvd playing, usb and sd card support + other stuff.. but looks like they no longer sell it. I now rely heavily on sd cards, it works great, they are well hidden unlike usb sticks.. and it holds a good amount of music.

[joshwa]

Never had a problem myself either...

however I would advise against sony, they suck. They have added nothing new to the market, atleast in recent times.

Ebuyer used to sell a very nice unit for £40, of which I have one. it includes dvd playing, usb and sd card support + other stuff.. but looks like they no longer sell it. I now rely heavily on sd cards, it works great, they are well hidden unlike usb sticks.. and it holds a good amount of music.

Something like this?
Car Audio Direct - Beat 200BTB USB/SD Bluetooth - CD Player
They also do one for £54: Car Audio Direct - Beat 250 USB/SD - CD Player

[joshwa]

Car Audio Direct - Pioneer DEH-50UB - CD Player

What about that?

Looks nice - this one looks good too - you can choose the colour and red would suit my car:
Car Audio Direct - Pioneer DEH-5000UB - CD Player

[SilentDeath]

Extra Value DVD/MP3/VCD/CD AM/FM Reciever - HDCD Ready - Ebuyer
or
Extra Value DVD / VCD / CD / MP3 / MP4 / DTS AM / FM Reciever - HDCD Ready - Video Out - Ebuyer


They discontinued the much better one that I have which has sd and usb slots, and looks better. Also mine was £40 delivered..
^ those, look horrible though.

[joshwa]

Yeah - I'd prefer one that looks nice

Most of the new Sony ones look a bit in your face - although I guess this is the USB updated version of mine:
Sony CDX-GT420U MP3 CD Tuner with USB Input

[joshwa]

Oooh I think I've found it!



08NEW! ALPINE iDA-X300

except there's just one problem... it doesn't play CDs !!! It'll only do iPods or USB input (and probably Radio, but who knows!)

[dave87]

Is there the option of hooking up an alpine changer?

[SilentDeath]

lol HOW MUCH?!?!?!? for what is basicly a few buttons and a basic amp. Think it looks horrible too

I like how all headunit manufactures refuse to put proper graphic lcds on products. They always use cheap fixed segment types..

[Funkstar]

Yup, it takes changers.

UK spec page: iDA-X300 - Alpine - Europe - Mobile Media Solutions

Euro Manual: PDF

[joshwa]

Is there the option of hooking up an alpine changer?

.. I don't think I would want to fit a changer though

This might be the cheapest one - the volume control is on the right
SD/Mp3/USB/CD Car Stereo

But it's a bit too blue (I'm a fussy git aren't I )

[dave87]

Have you got a glovebox?

If so, bung it in there - worked on my uncles cars. (Vectra R Reg since new, now a Navara)

[joshwa]

I'll have a think about it - I might have a hands-on look at some tomorrow in Halfords - see if anything inspires me.

I think if I'm going to replace the stereo in my Passat - it would have to be an upgrade to the A250 - and would have to be just right - and then I'd put the Sony in my banger car...

But if I can't find the right stereo - I think I'll just buy the cheapest thing I can find with USB/SD/MP3 for the banger car - and leave Sony as is...

The Alpine X300 looks very nice (in my opinion), but lacks a CD player...
The Pioneer looks nice, but all the USB and AUX inputs are at the back...
and the new Sony's have the volume control in the wrong place in my opinion.

Do CD changers sound as good as CD-heat units? I've had a 6-disc VW in dash CD changer previously, and wasn't impressed with the sound to be honest.