Currently I am running a cheap Blaunkpunkt headunit i got for free since my old one got stolen. I am now looking for a good/decent headunit. My price range is anything around or preferably under $200. Older models are fine because i think almost everything is on ebay. so i just need something good that i can attain for under $200 something that will play MP3 cd's preferably. I am just looking for the best bang for the buck headunit that i will be able to keep for a while. So, any suggestions?

 

look into a pioneer unit or a alpine. You can find them on ebay for cheap. But watch what you buy. most units come with no warrenty. So be carefull.

 

^^^ so very true. To be honest...keep it in simplest terms: "What do you want it to do? " By doing this its makes it a lot easier to pick a deck. Make a list in order of importance,keeping in mind about upgradability.

 

Thanks, i was hoping there were some really good discontinued decks or stuff with good sound quality that i wont feel bad about putting into an s2000 later on. I was looking into the alpine cda-9856. what pioneer units are good?

 

what are you trying to get out of your radio.

 

basically something that sounds good, a very simple deck that will last a while. only really need mp3 cd playback something with a sub output, and a good equalizer maybe? i just want something that isn't trash for around 200 but preferably below 200 dollars that i will be able to put into a nicer car later on.

 

i have the alpine cda-9856 and i love it... comes with 3 preouts so u can always add a subs or a 4ch. amp... ipod ready.. mp3 capabilities.. great sounding unit .. and of course its in your price range

 

9856 is the best way to go, and it looks sexy

 

thanks, i guess i will just buy that.

 

actually would a used alpine CDA-9831 be better? i always here about how the "new" stuff sucks.

 

I also am digging the CDE-9852

 

ever look at the eclipse HU's? simple to use, great sound but doesn't look that great...kinda looks like a factory HU.

 

Eclipse CD2000 $200. 3 5Volt pre-outs, Ipod, Sirius, and HD radio ready, plays MP3/WMA, 24-bit DAC, sub control. I have the Eclipse CD8445 in my car, I love it .

 

I like Pioneer and I just got a Kenwood, verrrry happy with it.

 

WHATEVER YOU DO
dont get the 9856

in fact dont get any of Alpines new line
They suck ballz!!!

Anyone know whatsup with Alpine discountinuing the good stuff....

Are they getting ready for a new line release?

9831
9856

 

For less than $200, you can get a good quality entry-level head unit from Sony (ESRP $120) and it has good quality for the price, as well as CD-RW/MP3/WMA/ATRAC CD playback capability.

 

My last unit was a sony xplode, was 100 bucks like 2 years ago, and it was a damn good unit. Just upgraded this year. The sony never did break, produced decent sound quality as well.

 

I don't know why people razz on Sony's stuff all the time...Sony's car audio stuff is actually great stuff...Quality is great for the price, and reliability exceeds that of most American brands.

 

Sony is cheap...Especially their xplode line

They make too much stuff & dont perfect any of it.

If you want a Quality Deck get a Pioneer Or Alpine

 

badguy, notice he said a $200 budget...That's why I said Sony.

 

well you can get a great used alpine or pioneer for that much

or Alpines CDA-9856 its $199 Brand New

But I wouldnt get it if I were you because its EQ is sucks

 

i'm actually trying to get an alpine cda 9831 off ebay right now. from what i see on the specs, seems to be better than a lot of the newer decks. But, I am still open to suggestions. Thanks for the help

 

yeah alpines new line is nothing compared to older stuff

the 9831 would defintely be better than the cheap 9856 & anything sony has