Tweet
The eight year old JVC Chameleon stereo in my car is dying a slow death. I haven't purchased a car stereo in, I donno, maybe a decade, and a lot has changed since then. Ideally I'd like to find an inexpensive replacement with an aux jack and/or memory slot in the front for MP3 expandability. Would any of you guys recommend a particular model, or have an installer you'd recommend?
-
'99 Miata w/ AVO Turbo, '99 BMW M3 -
RE: Recommend a head unit
When I used to work at Best Buy, some of the entry level ($100-$150) units we were selling at the time had USB and AUX capability. Although I haven't even looked at what the stores are selling lately, I do know that almost every manufacturer offers AUX input or USB capability now since it sells.
Personally though, I prefer Pioneer units, but they seem to fit my needs better and I prefer their controls. And that's how I tell someone to shop a radio, price and fit. Just go to BBY, Circuit City, etc., and have a look around. See which ones you like most as far as appearance and controls, considering how easy it would be to use in your car. The rest of the options, such as power output for example, won't matter since most are the same, and unless you're running a huge sound system in your Miata, you won't need to worry about it.
I install still on the side, and I would definitely recommend myself. :)In The Garage:
1995 Flared Turbo R Package - Thor // 1999 Brilliant Black Turbo - Harbinger // 2015 Infiniti Q40
Originally posted by miata5620
Eric's Garage ... You buy all the parts I tell you to and you will have a killer car... If you want other parts used your car will suck and it will cost you more... -
RE: Recommend a head unit
Thanks. What part of town are you in?'99 Miata w/ AVO Turbo, '99 BMW M3Comment
-
RE: Recommend a head unit
I'm down 85 just before you would get to Sharpsburg/Newnan. Basically in the middle of nowhere.In The Garage:
1995 Flared Turbo R Package - Thor // 1999 Brilliant Black Turbo - Harbinger // 2015 Infiniti Q40
Originally posted by miata5620
Eric's Garage ... You buy all the parts I tell you to and you will have a killer car... If you want other parts used your car will suck and it will cost you more...Comment
-
RE: Recommend a head unit
I've always been happy with Kenwood products. Not to mention they don't look all gawdy like a lot of the other headunits. As for installing it, it's VERY easy to do in a Miata :)Comment
-
RE: Recommend a head unit
I've done a few installs in my time, probably not as professional or quick as rotornut (who should by the way post in the introduce yourself thread! :D) and I can be found in the Sandy Springs or Athens area depending on the day.
As for what to get, just have a look on craigslist for some Alpine's or Sony's. I'm always a fan of buying the top of the range older model, rather than a newer model that's got some new bells and whistles which are meant to justify the price hikes.Comment
-
RE: Recommend a head unit
Yeah, I should have added that since you already have an aftermarket radio in the car, replacing it is going to be pretty simple.
If you stick with JVC, it might be as easy as unplugging the harness from the back of the radio and plugging the new radio in, since they have not had a lot of harness design revisions.
But in any case, my offer to help out is available, even if it is just to meet a fellow boosted roadster owner in the area.In The Garage:
1995 Flared Turbo R Package - Thor // 1999 Brilliant Black Turbo - Harbinger // 2015 Infiniti Q40
Originally posted by miata5620
Eric's Garage ... You buy all the parts I tell you to and you will have a killer car... If you want other parts used your car will suck and it will cost you more...Comment
-
RE: Recommend a head unit
I have a slightly used Aiwa (made by Sony) CDC-X304 unit available with front Aux input, perfect for an MP3 player. It already has a Miata harness on it and will plug into any 90-97, not sure about the 99+ radio harness.
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2005/055/h055CDCX304-o_widep.jpgsigpicComment
Comment