I have the Sony XR M550 and I love it! It's a cassette receiver and if you get the latest sony CD changer with it that plays MP3 as well, you can basically play cassette/CD/MP3 all with this setup, still hungry, add an XM receiver :-)

BTW, it has enough power that I've been lazy in installing the amp for the focals I have in the front. Fits perfectly, has the active black flip down pannel that does not touch the shifter. 2 channels for fronts, two for rear and one for sub. Built-in X-overs for all channels, etc...

If you wanna check it out let me know, I spend a lot of time in Mboro

Good luck with whatever you decide on, just make sure to choose one that gives you the number of channels you want.

 

The DMASK decision is annoying me, so I may just say "screw it" and go with one of the Alpines...they have a lower model that has a non-motorized flip face but still plays MP3 discs. I'd prefer to go with one of the higher models, but that motorized face clearance problem is a problem...I keep that door closed most of the time, and I don't want to break anything (even though I'm currently running the Sony CDX-M750).

Anyone want to buy a 1-year old CDX-M750? Make me an offer I can't refuse and it's yours!

 

I'd go with this one...I like pre-amp only decks...

 

Oops, I mispoke....the one I'm leaning towards is the Kenwood KDC-MP819. It plays MP3s on CD-R and CD-RW as well as reading ID-3 tags. I'm leaning towards this one because the faceplate isn't motorized, but will fold down...no chance of me screwing up and leaving the door closed when turning the engine on (something I like about my Sony). I don't want to flip for a separate amp (nor do I have the time to install it just yet), but when I do, the internal amp can be switched off. XM radio controls are included (although I don't see myself installing a system).

Crutchfield lists for $380, so I'm sure I can get it for under $300 online.