Hey, I'm looking for a new stereo head unit only. I want something that I can plug my mp3 player into (it's NOT an iPod, it's a Dell DJ). Of course I would like to play CDs. It being satellite radio ready doesn't matter to me. I'm just looking for one that will look good (like factory) in a Crossfire. I've tried starting looking around online, and it's just hard to get an accurate idea.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
DetroitHokie

 

~ you will find quite a bit of stereo info under a "search" in the tool bar.

many have made this change.

 

Ya, I've actually gone through all 8 pages, and didn't see many mp3 comp. one's mentioned. I probably missed some threads though. My bad, I'll keep looking through, but if anyone has bought something recently that they like, I would love to hear.

Thanks,
DetroitHokie

 

anything with an 'aux in' will work for your MP3 player, but you won't be able to control it from the headunit. i went with the JVC 500 mp3 player, for the following:

- it plays MP3s on disc
- the silver matches the dash
- the illumination can be set to match the dash lights

good luck!

 

Hey, I can't seem to find any information on the JVC 500 online. Do you know the exact model name/number?

Thanks,
DetroitHokie

 

the one i bought is JVC KD-LHX500 but its since been discontinued... the replacement was the JVC KD-LHX550. i searched crutchfield and sounddomain but its not on there anymore... you should try ebay if you decide to go that route --

 

Thanks for the info. After doing a more thorough search through the forum, it looks like JVC and Pioneer both are good products to have. I'm probably going to get the Pioneer DEH-P4800MP. It has an AUX input, in the back though, have to make sure I can still get at that, and it "glows" green, to match the speedometer. Plus, the price is right for a poor college student (~$150).

Thanks,
DetroitHokie

 

Hey Detroit Hokie! Good to see another Hokie on the board. I'm an alum but still make it to all the home games.

I'm in the same boat. I hate playing CDs (Such 80s technology! Yuk!). I want to yank it and put in a new receiver as well but am looking at the following options:

1.) Buy a JVC (or other brand) Receiver that has a front USB port. The new JVC (don't know model) will play MP3s right from a jump drive! so you don't have to hook up an I-pod. This is great because Jump (or thumb) drives are cheap, hold up to 2 gig and don't need formatting. However.. I think the JVC will only read up to a 128MB drive (which sucks). The other beauty of a USB port is you can hook other computer peripherals up to it like Laptops, I-pods, etc.. plus the JVC unit is Sat-ready so you can add a Sirius or XM Adaptor and control the sat radio through the head unit

2.) Buy a Sony (or other brand) receiver that has a front Aux input and is Sat-ready. This gives you the ability to hook up your Dell player or other brand stuff or your laptop if you run Winamp or Windows Media Player or some GPS program like Delorme (which I use). However, you are stuck with having to bring your Dell DJ everywhere, mount it, have a charger, etc..

3.) Buy a third party Adaptor for your vehicle to connect to an I-pod which controls your I-pod with the radio controls and charges it for you. This is great because you can keep the stock head unit and only add the $100 adaptor. The bad part is that I don't think most of them work with any brand but the Apple I-pod line... meaning you need to check with Dell or buy an apple.

Good luck... and PM me before football season. Maybe we can have a Hokie/Crossfire Tailgate?

 

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to do more "research" this summer and find one I really like.

I'll definitely be down to meet another Hokie who owns a Crossfire! In Blacksburg, there is only one other one I know about.

Thanks,
DaHokieBird