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No CD head unit that isn't junk


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So, it's not 1994 anymore.  CDs are obsolete, kaput, like the Dodo.  I still have some somewhere but I assure you I don't miss them.

 

Is there a head unit that does not play CDs (and thus is hopefully a little more shallow), is well built, has a decent amp in it, has a user interface that isn't retarded, has front USB/Aux in, and isn't lit up like a goddamn Christmas Tree?

 

And no, not looking to mod a factory radio.  I just want something that will drop in and work, that I can just order from Amazon/Walmart/Best Buy, without me having to mess with it too much beyond sorting out the wiring.

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10 minutes ago, Strokermjcomanche said:

 

Could be okay.  I'd have to see it in person.  It still plays CDs, like I said, obsolete, no idea why anyone wants that.  I'd like a unit without it since then there's no moving parts, it should be cheaper, and it will likely survive being vibrated on gravel roads better.

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There are lots of options out there for radios without a CD player these days.  The rediculous lighting is harder to deal with.  

 

You should look into the cheaper brands like Boss, JVC, and Sony for the lighting issue.   Generally these radios on the lower end of the price scale have much dimmer lights that you just outright can't see during the day at all.  As long as you're not an audiophile wanting the absolute best audio quality, these radios do just fine.  I honestly can't tell the sound difference between a $50 Sony and a $300 Kenwood but that's just me. (I think the expensive ones "sound better" because the thinner wallet your sitting on brings your ears down closer to the door speakers). 

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I have a Kenwood "media player" stereo in my MJ.  It looks like a standard Kenwood stereo, but is only half as deep since it doesn't play CDs.  I was able to fit the little add on Alpine amp in behind it (tight fit) for a neat package.  However, it does constantly change colors (which can be turned off) and I'm not sure it would meet your light requirements.  I like it, although I am considering putting in a modded original tape player since I like the factory look and listen to my iPod 99.9% of the time.

 

I could find the model number if you wanted.

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I've got a Sony from Walmart for $100. 

 

Bluetooth is excellent, does play CDs though, lighting can be lived with. 

 

I'll be looking for a good head unit in the distant future, last on list. 

 

I never listen to terrestrial radio nor CDs.........would really just love to have a simple BT unit. 

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1 hour ago, Strokermjcomanche said:

Looks like it might fit in the clock delete panel

 

Quite possibly.  Then throw a aux in and USB pigtail on it and hide them in the center console or something...

 

It's not really the solution I'm looking for, but it could be neat.

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2 hours ago, Jeep Driver said:

I've got a Sony from Walmart for $100. 

 

Bluetooth is excellent, does play CDs though, lighting can be lived with. 

 

I'll be looking for a good head unit in the distant future, last on list. 

 

I never listen to terrestrial radio nor CDs.........would really just love to have a simple BT unit. 

If you want just a BT unit, get this. 

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Car-Stereo-Radio-Bluetooth-In-dash-Head-Unit-Player-FM-MP3-USB-SD-AUX-for-iPod/311852556576

I bought one for one of my XJs just to plug the hole in the dash.  The radio sucks and only receives 1 station in my area and plays it on all frequencies.  HOWEVER this unit has the best BT I've ever heard in a regular car stereo.  Calls are super clear and music sounds great through it.  I've used it more than a few times and am actually extremely impressed with the BT quality.   As for the rest of the unit, well you see the price tag. 

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I got a sony DSX-A400BT I got for $60. It is Bluetooth, no cd, HD tuner and mp3. stream from phone or from a usb. I got a small usb with 1000 songs that plays over and over. It is much shorter then other units so lots room behind it. Also have it plugged in a cheap 1000 watt amp 4 channel. that is mounted on cab wall behind seat.

 

The Bluetooth calls work great, and it is one touch calling no need to pic up phone. Also has a sony streaming and tuning app for android. I had it about 3 years now and good cheap radio.

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50 minutes ago, Noriyori_Kudo said:

I got a sony DSX-A400BT I got for $60. It is Bluetooth, no cd, HD tuner and mp3. stream from phone or from a usb. I got a small usb with 1000 songs that plays over and over. It is much shorter then other units so lots room behind it. Also have it plugged in a cheap 1000 watt amp 4 channel. that is mounted on cab wall behind seat.

 

The Bluetooth calls work great, and it is one touch calling no need to pic up phone. Also has a sony streaming and tuning app for android. I had it about 3 years now and good cheap radio.

 

How is it as far as the lighting goes?  I find most of the cheap stuff is blindingly bright.  If it can be set to be reasonably dim, it sounds like a unit that would work great.

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you can shuffle, play in order of alphabetical or from modified date. 3 choices of playing. it will also do mp3, wma, wav,  mepg-4, ogg, and flac. I may play more, but not used any other file format. It will stream any audio from you phone or tablet since it is just aac from android and apple. works on my older phone android  4.4.2 and my newer phone that is android 7.1. works with my sons iPhone as well.

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I was in the same boat a year ago looking for a similar set up and settled on a Pioneer MVH-290BT. This thing is 1/2 depth as a normal radio and has built in radio/Bluetooth/usb with outputs for speakers and pre amp. The buttons light up as dull red and the white display is far from blinding in the night. 

 

My only complaint about this unit is the font used for the text on the buttons. It screams late 1990's GM. The radio reception is just as good as the next radio and the Bluetooth connectivity is reliable and not fussy at all. I don't use the phone call options or the usb (yet) but I do listen to 'terrestrial radio' and music stored on my phone via Bluetooth. The radio does have a glossy appearance, but it does not reflect light like the photo shows.

 

IMG_20171022_091733.thumb.jpg.bd1d9f560ec7700a635796eef4a8f9c3.jpg

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I was in the same boat a year ago looking for a similar set up and settled on a Pioneer MVH-290BT. This thing is 1/2 depth as a normal radio and has built in radio/Bluetooth/usb with outputs for speakers and pre amp. The buttons light up as dull red and the white display is far from blinding in the night. 
 
My only complaint about this unit is the font used for the text on the buttons. It screams late 1990's GM. The radio reception is just as good as the next radio and the Bluetooth connectivity is reliable and not fussy at all. I don't use the phone call options or the usb (yet) but I do listen to 'terrestrial radio' and music stored on my phone via Bluetooth. The radio does have a glossy appearance, but it does not reflect light like the photo shows.
 
9787b95cf6656aef49cdfd196a997bb6.jpg


I went simple on it with a $20 Sony Walkman CD knockoff that has surprisingly decent sound and unless you drop it, it hasn’t skipped yet. Plugs right into the factory radio in the wife’s Kia.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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