Sub-$150 MP3 decks from FutureShop, which one?

[sonick]

I'm lookin for an MP3-capable deck for my 1990 Pontaic Grand Prix.

The website lists the following:
Clarion BD357MP
JVC KD-G310
Pioneer DEH-2800MP
Sony CDX-GT200
Panasonic CQC3301MP3

Nothing fancy required (after all, it IS a 1990 Pontaic Grand Prix), but it would be nice to have an Aux-In.

Whats the best brand there, I'm thinking Pioneer, then Panasonic, then JVC, then Clarion then Sony?

Also, how much do MP3 Alpine/Eclipse units start from, and where could I find them?

Im looking at FS coz I have a $50 gift card, and am looking to pay under $150 taxes in. So if you know of any other places that may have decent quality brand-name decks for about $130 or lower before tax, lemme know.

Cheers,
-nick.

[turanuk]

if aux-in is a must, go with the GT200 from sony. You'll hear a lot of bad things about sony xplod though, but I hear that they've gotten better, and the GT200 has pretty decent reviews. As long as you aren't an audiophile, it should be fine.

edit: plus, since I'm assuming you're only changing a deck, it's not going to make that much of a difference in sound quality anyways....it can't be worse than stock. Also, if aux-in isn't a must, then just pick whatever deck looks the best in your car (or you think would look the best) or has the best interface (after all, you will be using this while driving). No real point in trying to compare sound quality for this price range and for what you're doing; most of the big brands you've mentioned should be absolutely fine.

[sonick]

Is there much difference in the reliability between the brands?

[Alvito]

clarion and pioneer are my picks.

[dowzer]

I've been very happy with my Pioneer deck. Great sound and haven't had any problems.

[turanuk]

Is there much difference in the reliability between the brands?

I think they all get the same 1-year warranty. As for reliability, JVC, Alpine, Clarion, Eclipse, and Pioneer have always been solid, no real data for the new Sony generation, and Panasonic isn't popular enough for an accurate assessment (although judging by their other products I'm sure you won't have a problem). People have had problems with their Sony decks in the past, but apparently Sony has "gotten better". How much you believe them on that is your call.

[sonick]

If only the pioneer had a rotary wheel, it would be a lock :mad:

[bluetroll]

whatever u do, do NOT buy a Sony. Their car audio products are horrible. i regret buying my Sony deck, the CD player is dead after about 3.5 years.... it cost me $400 new.

go with Alpine or Kenwood.... absolutely Solid products.

[Canuck_2005]

whatever u do, do NOT buy a Sony. Their car audio products are horrible. i regret buying my Sony deck, the CD player is dead after about 3.5 years.... it cost me $400 new.

go with Alpine or Kenwood.... absolutely Solid products.


x2. and I would add clarion to that list

My deck in the Insight is a Kenwood Excelon Z828 and that thing has been solid and sounds awsome still.

2 days ago i just bicked this deck up the Alpine 9855 for my golf

http://www.hondasucks.ca/best/stereo.jpg

And so far i am EXTREMLY please with sound quality


JVC and Sony i have heard nothing but bad things from my friends who own them. Pioneer is an ok choice but hearing the pioneer side by side with the alpine there is no way they are in the same league.


Alpine, Kenwood, Clarion :)

[sonick]

Hmm, I've been reading opposing opinions for Kenwoods :confused:

[bluetroll]

if you're stuck with the choices at FS... go with either Clarion or Pioneer.