OK, I'm not an audio expert, but my stock unit skips entirely too easily. So I'm open to suggestions. Here's what I'm looking for:

1. Affordable: I'm cheap, nuf said.
2. CD with MP3 capability: Don't care about WMA, I have a Mac.
3. Auxilary jack for my laptop or iPod Shuffle. 1/8" mini please
4. Retains the S2000 left side audio controls, preferably without additional modules. Otherwise, Modifry it is.
5. Direct XM Radio reception: this is optional. Otherwise, I'd like the display to be able to interface with a hidden XM module. This isn't a big deal for me, but it would be nice.
6. Sound quality: I'm staying with the stock speakers for now, and no amp. Maybe later.
7. direct iPod interface, where my CH button will advance to the next song. Displaying the track and artist name would be cool too.
8. CD Changer: I'll probably never install one.

I've been combing through the Electronics section, and it seems like the Alpine 9856 + Modifry + XM Kit fits the bill.

Suggestions?

 

I've had the best luck at crutchfield.com. There are plenty of discount car audio websites out there, but I think Crutchfield has the best value when it comes to head units (but probably not much else). You can get all of the above for less than $150:

Search results

forgot to mention, you need an adapter to interface with the dash controls. Either wired or wireless. I bought the modifry dci.

 

Sony CDX-GT300. MP3 playback, Aux Input, Remote control, XM Ready, CD Changer ready, all for $150. The CDA-9856 is an "ok" model, but its $199.99 plus $29.99 for the ipod interface which won't work with your shuffle. You can add on an auxillary rca jack in the rear for about $35 though. Sony isn't my favorite, but for what you're looking for and in that price range, its a great deck.