Hi All-

My B day is coming up and I am asking the wife to buy me a new HU to replace the stock one. Budget is $200.

The speakers are original and I would like to be able to play CD/MP3.... also XM radio would be nice, and also iPod connectivity and a USB port on the front.

I want something that does not cheapen the S2000's sexy interior look, so no "dancing dolphins" or raver disco lights on the display. Just keep it simple. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

Umm... Anyone? Seriously guys...

 

you can't get all that for under $200 unless you want used or some crappy brand

 

If thats the case, I am willing to settle. I see there are some Alpines out there for around that price point. I may be willing to push a little on the price if necessary. I don't want some AutoZone special in my car; as long as it sounds good and doesn't look out of place in the S.

 

the usb upfront steps it into a wierder realm of possible HUs, i got this cord from walmart for $15 that allows you to plug any type of usb device into any other, it has different plugs, for micro, mini, etc.

the HU i have now has USB on the back, i plugged that cord into the back, and then have the hook up sitting in the passenger net by the tranny tunnel

 

Kenwood - KDC-BT945U

http://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-Kdc-Bt945U-U...85706810&sr=8-1

it has bluetooth calling and audio, aux, usb. features are easy to use.

doesnt have xm though

you dont want the front usb trust me. i considered this too. having the back one keeps cords from bundling up in the front and looking messy. u can run a cord anywhere u want and hide it somewhere when your not using it. i just use a flashdrive.

 

I think there are plenty of HUs you can get for under $200 which meet your needs. Check out Crutchfield's Car Stereo Recommender and just put in the options that you are looking for (good place to research, not the cheapest place to buy). I just did a quick search and ~30 of them meet your requirements. Here are a few listed below. I also included a few without a front USB jack since I think it looks a bit cluttered. My USB jack runs out of the back of the HU and the memory stick just sits in the cargo net by the passenger's leg. Hope these help!

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158GT740UI/So...740UI.html?tp=9

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDE102/Alp...E-102.html?tp=9

http://www.crutchfield.com/s_113KDCX494/Ke...-X494.html?tp=9

A couple just over $200, without front USB jack...(you'll definitely find these cheaper elsewhere)

http://www.crutchfield.com/s_500CDA105/Alp...A-105.html?tp=9

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113MP745U/Ken...P745U.html?tp=9

 

I just ordered one of these off of amazon:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158BT3800U/So...0U.html?tp=5684

 

You don't mention this but it's a much easier install with Alpines if you want to retain the dash controls since Modifry makes a PnP harness for Alpine head units (in addition to the DCI itself).

 

i know everyone seems to be crazy about alpine. dont get me wrong they are nice stereos but the same alpine that i looked at for $200 didnt have as many features as the kenwood i ended up buying. plus reviews said that u cant see the screen when the sunlight is bright.

my kenwood has a 5 line display the alpine only had a 1 line display. also the alpine couldnt stream music through bluetooth. which is a really nice feature.