Best Head Unit with Aux In and MP3?

[Bruise Lee]

What would be a good one for an Acura RSX? I don't want to spend a lot of money, definitely less than $200 including the wiring harness and installation kit. I defintely want:

1) an aux in for an MP3 player. It's not and iPod (I wish!), it's a Creative Jukebox 3. So paying more for an MP3 interface is a waste of money for me. FM modulation sucks!

2) the ability to play back MP3 encoded CD's.

One thing I don't want is a motorized faceplate. I heard they are apt to break down.

I'm not planing on adding an amp or anything else to my system. I have an AIWA head unit in my other car with 55 watts of power which seems sufficient. I may opt for Sirius satellite radio in a few years, but that's a big if, so satellite radio capability is a plus but not really a big thing to me.

I heard that the latest batch of Kenwoods is pretty good from some guys, but they are really into high end audio, so I'm not sure if their advice applies to the lower priced Kenwood head units. (BTW, who came up with the term head unit? Is it just me that finds it sounding more like a derogatory term for women?)

I've seen the Dual XDM6820 advertised at Crutchfield. At $99, it has all I want and seems to be a lot of bang for the buck. Anyone have any experience out there with the Dual brand?

Also, where is a good place to buy a head unit? I know Crutchfield has good service and selection, but their prices are hard NOT to beat.

Bruise

 

[chomo]

I have an Alpine CDA9825 in my truck, and it is great. Just a bit more grist for the mill...good luck with your decision
Sean

 

[Blisshead]

I have an Alpine CDA9825 in my truck, and it is great. Just a bit more grist for the mill...good luck with your decision
Sean

Another vote for the alpine.

 

[Bruise Lee]

I have an Alpine CDA9825 in my truck, and it is great. Just a bit more grist for the mill...good luck with your decision
Sean

I checked this model out. Unfortunately, it doesn't have an aux out or MP3 capability. However, I will check out some of the other offerings from Alpine based on your advice.

BTW, where did you purchase your Alpine from? Would you buy from there again?

Thanks!

Bruise

 

[chomo]

my mistake - the model I have is cda9830. :foot: fwiw, the cda9825 does have line in (via the KCA-420i optional accessory) -- this is how i plug my mp3 player into it. my apologies for the wrong model number.

purchased in my home town of Wellington, New Zealand. Probably not much use to you!

 

[bladefixation2]

I have a Blaupunkt Modena MP54 that does everything you want, but I dont think you would pick it up for $200. It needs an optional accessory cable to give it a line in and if you use it that stops you being able to use it with a CD auto changer (not that you need anauto changer when the head unit plays mp3's anyway...)

 

[Bruise Lee]

I have a Blaupunkt Modena MP54 that does everything you want, but I dont think you would pick it up for $200. It needs an optional accessory cable to give it a line in and if you use it that stops you being able to use it with a CD auto changer (not that you need anauto changer when the head unit plays mp3's anyway...)

One of the units I'm considering is the Blaupunkt Bermuda MP35. I can get it for $140 plus another $13 for the aux in cable. I know Blaupunkt used to be considered one of the top makers of car audio. Don't know too many guys running them these days, though.

Where did you purchase yours from Bladefixation2? I have to buy something SOON, listening to f-up FM modulated music is stress inducing! It really is!

 

[Blisshead]

Yep, mine has line in and out. I guess I'[d have to look at it closely next time I'm in the car to tell you the exact model.