Car CD Player..HELP! Any Suggestions?

[SueInCali]

Hi all,

 

I think I wanna surprise my hubby and get an AM/FM/CD player for the car. :)

 

Of course, it's a surprise. SHHHHH! So, I need some help. Does anyone have any ideas where I can find a nice one for a great price? Any special features I need to keep in mind?

 

Thanx in advance!

[RossMAN]

Very nice gift and what a lucky husband you have.

 

What price range?

[SueInCali]

Ummm...I am thinking maybe in the low $100's? Don't really need all the bells and whistles, just a reliable model that can play CD/CDR/maybe MP3 (not ventured into that arena yet). I am leaning towards a Pioneer or maybe a Kenwood. They seem like the leading brands?

 

I will look at the BB flyer tomorrow, I was there today just to get a looksee. Thought maybe you kind people could find me a better deal.

 

Thanks :)

[Brad]

For a basic unit I'd recommend the Pioneer DEH-P2600:

 

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Pioneer-In-Dash-CD-Player--DEH-P2600-/sem/rpsm/oid/87378/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

 

If you want MP3-CD playback, go with the P4600 model for a little more.

[motoXmom]

Heck I'm still trying to talk my DH into letting me get a better sound system with MORE speakers for the Explorer! He doesn't think I "need" them. Oh I beg to differ... I like it loud but with good quality and coming from all sides!

[Aaron]

motoXmom, VERY nice way of putting that.

[SueInCali]

Despite seeing the Overstock low price for one of the Pioneer's, I just couldn't get myself to buy a "factory reconditioned" unit.

 

So, I think I will get down to BB today (the HORROR!) and use a 12% off coupon for being a "rewards" customer(expires today) and use the $40 BB bucks that I have from a previous purchase earlier this year.

 

I will then take Brad's advice and get the Pioneer DEH-P2600. They are also offering a set of free speakers and free installation as well. I think I can get a co-worker to install it for me (appointments are backed up a week). Seems like they can throw in little extra charges during installation, so I trust that my co-worker can do it (used to install them for a living).

 

So, thanks to all for the ideas. And, thanks Brad. :)

[Guest beatmix01]

beware the free speakers, they could be worse than your stock ones.

[SueInCali]

Well, not to worry about the speakers. Because I used my ENTITLED 12% off coupon and my BB bucks, they decided to charge me for the speakers. No big loss, as I really am not interested in changing them anyway. I told them to keep them and secure them somewhere special.

 

Just the idea that they can take away something that they say is free with purchase is a reason I am not a huge BB fan. If I didn't have those BB bucks that were expiring, I would have gone elsewhere.

 

I guess I am one of them there "devils"? :)