So... I installed my rear speakers from LucidAutomotive (.com) today. Actually, I am lying; I didn't feel like doing it myself so I paid someone to do it ($45 seemed a fair price for an hour's work -- they did a good job, too. www.soundsdeluxe.com for anyone who is interested).

Sound improved noticeably, and not only because you can actually feel the base in your kidneys when you turn up the volume.

Anyway, I started talking to the guy about MP3 players for the car. Has anyone here installed one, and if so, what make/model? How do I have to picture this; is it a CD player that can recognize MP3 files on a disc, or is it more like one big hard disk in your trunk that you load up (kind of like the RIO portable players)?

 

I have the Kenwood MP919. Great head unit, fast loading, plenty of functions, and good price.

All you have to do is burn the disc as a data disc. The songs are burned as *.MP3

 

The MP819 or MP919 by Kenwood are impressive and fine choices. You'll get about 30-40% more power vs an 02 output by these decks without the need to rewire the door speakers. The MP919 has an edge with features but its motorized face bumps the radio door when you turn off or on the car so You have to leave it open when you do it. You will be impressed by the difference in sound quality in any case.

Any MP3/CD deck will play CD's as well as MP3 discs you burn on your PC. They show the artist and song scroll across and hold about 10 hours of music.

The new 2002 decks are better than ever with read speeds equal to a regular CD and LCD screens with 3-d effects.

 

I haven't really had a chance to look at the different options that are out there, but the model that the guy at Sounds Deluxe was suggesting is from Alpine, CDA-7894. I think he said it would cost $299 or thereabouts. The other alternative could be an MP3/CD changer for the trunk (Alpine CHA-S634), but he wasn't quite sure if it could be hooked up to the OEM radio, or if you'd need some kind of FM modulator to transmit the sound to the radio.

Aside from Alpine and Kenwood, what other brands and models are recommendable?

Oh, and when you burn MP3 discs, do all the files have to be in the root directory of the CD, or are the players smart enough to find their way through various folders/subdirectories?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ulrich
[B]I haven't really had a chance to look at the different options that are out there, but the model that the guy at Sounds Deluxe was suggesting is from Alpine, CDA-7894.

 

I want better sound in my s2000 and have looked over the LucidAutomotive ad closely. What they sell looks quick and easy and I like their directions. I just can't imagine "better" sound coming from behind a seat that is jammed up against the speaker. I know what base is and there is a lot more to better sound than feeling the base in my kidneys. Do you feel this is really worth the investment???

 

Rocket, you ought to so a search on "Lucid" - I think you'll find a very long list of compliments from satisfied customers. While it may not be "right" in car audio theory, you just can't argue with the satisfaction rate of people that have gotten the rear speakers.

Oh and it's bass, not base. And even then, it's not bass unless it makes your scalp tingle, your chest cavitate, and your vision all blurry...

Jason

 

Ok, Ok.....jeez I hate people who can't spell. If the people have spoken then I'm in. But I still can't see putting speakers behind the furniture in your house. I guess they are putting them in the trunk and that just don't seem right either. Thanks for the reply. I will look at the feedback.

 

Okay, completely different idea. I just bought an iPod (beautiful little gadget!) and I'm wondering if there are any car radio/CD combos that also have a line-in plug? If I could hook up the iPod to the car's stereo, I'd get everything I wanted and more...

Hell, so far I stored about 750 songs and it's still only half full.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ulrich
[B]Okay, completely different idea.