JVC KD-R300 30K Color-Illumination Single-DIN CD Receiver with Remote Control and J-Bus Expandability Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This thing has more features than I'll ever use. It's expandable to work with bluetooth, HD radio, Satellite radio... I'll never use that stuff. Being able to fine-tune the colors and illumination is great. I burn MP3 CDs for this, and it reads them very well. The face is shiny and pleasing to the eye. The buttons are solid and responsive... not flimsy or clumsy at all. It puts out a decent amount of power for my 6 1/2" speakers. What I really like is the EQ. It comes with the typical presets - Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classical, Hip Hop... but it gives you the ability create your own. You can adjust the bass, mid, and hi levels, response, and even Q curve (look it up). Not necessarily as great as a 12-band pre-amp EQ, but pretty darn useful. This is a high quality unit.

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JVC's KD-R300 CD Receiver is a great way to kick off a new system, featuring MP3/WMA playback, a front auxiliary input, wireless remote, a 50 watts x 4 MOSFET amplifier, and 3-band iEQ. You get the basics with room to expand--add Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, HD Radio, and direct iPod control with JVC hardware additions.

Variable-Color Illumination Variable-Color Illumination lets you get just the look you want, or match your vehicle's interior lighting, offering 30 preset color choices--or customize your own from over 30,000 variations.
CD and MP3/WMA Playback Enjoy your favorite CDs or burnt CD-R/RWs, or get more bang for your buck with MP3/WMA discs--burn hours of music to one disc and get ID3-TAG support for display of artist and song info.
AM/FM Radio with HS-IVi Tuner Sometimes you just want to listen to the radio. The KD-R300's AM/FM radio features automatic presetting of strongest signals and 6 presets for each band.
The HS-IVi tuner features higher sensitivity, thanks to three IF bandwidths (wide, middle and narrow). It also includes AM Noise Canceller plus upgraded IF filters that help avoid the distortion caused by interference from adjacent stations.
To get even more from the airwaves, add JVC optional hardware for HD Radio or SAT Radio reception.
Dial in Your Sound Perfect your sound with a three-band parametric equalizer and Loudness control for low level listening.
Input and Output A pair of preamp outputs (rear or subwoofer) is provided for adding a little extra power to the KD-R300's onboard 50W x 4 amplifier.
A 3.5mm front panel auxiliary input is also included for use with iPods, MP3 players, or other external audio devices.
Bluetooth Ready Bluetooth Wireless Technology is available with an optional adapter. A maximum of five compatible mobile phones can be registered for hands-free calling. With voice-recognition mobile phones, you can dial by just saying the name in your phone book. The wireless functions work even if your mobile phone is tucked away in your bag or pocket. You can also stream music from a compatible digital audio player, for listening on your car stereo.
Ready for iPod You can listen to iPod music with an optional KS-PD100 adapter. The iPod can be controlled from the head unit, and song information is displayed with the same categories and layers as an iPod.
Wireless Remote A full-featured wireless remote is include for controlling receiver functions.
What's in the Box JVC KD-R300 Receiver, trim ring, sleeve, remote control, wiring harness, installation hardware, installation manual, instructions

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Planet Audio P265IU AM/FM/CD/MP3/Bluetooth Compatible Receiver with Full iPod Control Compatibility with Front USB Port and Full Detachable Face Plate Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The "normal" functions of the radio including AM/FM and the CD player work just fine. However, I purchased this car audio receiver specifically for its full IPod compatibility, along with blue tooth. In order to use it with my IPod Touch the unit required a special Ipc40 integration cable, which I also purchased and installed. Initially, when I only had about 4-7 gigabytes of music on the IPod, the unit worked great and provided control of my IPod directly from the radio display. Now that I've got about 21 gigabytes of music on the IPod, the radio is unable to complete the "searching" function and just hangs in that mode. As a result of that failure, I am extremely disappointed with the unit.

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AM/FM/CD/MP3/Bluetooth Compatible Receiver with Full iPOD Control Compatibility with Front USB Port & Full Detachable Face Plate *

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Dual XML8100 AM/FM Mechless Receiver with iPod Dock, BT Ready, SWI, iPlug, Remote (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Most of the features of this unit are thoughtful and work well. When the face is closed, you have access to all the unit controls. Additionally, the front face swings open to present an iPod dock and a second set of controls that handle most of the unit's functions. The iPod dock is nice and sturdy; my iPod Classic fits in it better than it does inside a Bose Sounddock. It has an aux input and programmable subwoofer/rear output, as well as a spare preamp output.
The EQ settings are not as detailed as I would like, but they aren't bad. There's bass and treble settings, no mid. There is also no built-in crossover, which I would prefer to see in any head unit with a dedicated subwoofer out, but again, for the price, this is to be expected.
The big fault, however, is in the programming.
One of the nice touches on this device is that you can set the EQ separately for each input - radio, aux, iPod, or bluetooth. However, unless an iPod is set in the dock, the iPod mode does not appear in the audio settings menu, so you can't adjust the EQ for it that way. And the kicker? When an iPod IS docked, there is no way to access the audio settings menu; the only button for that is on the front panel, which does not function when the faceplate is open to allow an iPod to dock. Effectively, it is impossible to adjust the EQ for the iPod, with the factory radio.
I've figured out one workaround; if you purchase a dock-extender cable, you can plug in an iPod, and then close the front panel. Alternatively, you can set your iPod into the dock, then plug the aux cable into it and basically use it in aux mode - you'll have the ability to change the EQ, and your iPod will stay charged, however you won't be able to use the remote to control the iPod.
EDIT Added 2/20/11: As many commenters have now pointed out, you can adjust the EQ using the remote control when the iPod is docked. Press the Audio Settings button on the remote to cycle through each EQ setting, and use the volume buttons to adjust that setting up and down. I still consider this a crappy solution to a problem that should have been caught in testing, but I also consider it way too minor for me to buy a different head unit. I still like this one quite a lot, more than a year after first installing it.


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Dual Electronics 200-watt mechless AM/FM in-dash Docking Station for iPod and iPhone devices. Securely dock your iPhone or iPod in the dashboard of your car, enjoy the convenience of a 'control center" that is right in front of you for easy and quick access from arm's length and switch easily and safely from iPod to AM/FM mode and the touch of a finger.If you own an iPod touch or an iPhone, you can now safely enjoy all the cool apps in the car - from listening to Internet radio through car speakers while navigating to a destination and exploring an area for places of interest, to locating the best deal on gas, checking movie schedules in the nearest theaters and finding a restaurant for dinner. You don't need a separate windshield mount, and you won't drain your batteries. And if you just want to listen to your favorite tunes or audio books from your iPod player, the Docking Station lets you do so safely and easily. It provides a 'home" for your iPod in your car, and you can browse your playlists and choose music directly from your iPod menu using the familiar iPod scroll wheel.So check your CDs at the door, as only iPods and iPhones need apply. Stay tuned for news about upcoming accessories for the Docking Station such as apps, a GPS Receiver and a Memory Storage Module with arecording feature that allows you to record music you are listening to on the radio.

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PYLE PLCD9MR AM/FM-MPX In-Dash Marine CD Player with Full Face Detachable Panel Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Installed the first one, left channel did not work. Neither did the CD player, it would not eject. Returned it, lost the CD.
Installed the second one, weird....FM would generally play for 10 seconds or so and drop. The power stayed on. Restart the vehicle, happens all over again. I would like to send someone a bill for 2 installations and my CD.
The good news is Amazon's return policy and procedure is top notch They just might want to re-evaluate selling "PYLE'S", if you know what I mean.
I went with the Pioneer 1300. Havent installed it yet....

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Pyle's Hydra series has the solution for your marine audio needs - this PLCD9MR white head unit is capable of tuning AM/FM, playing audio and MP3 CDs, and has an auxiliary input to plug in another device like an iPod or MP3 player. It's rated at 4 x 40 watts, so each speaker has plenty of independent power. And it comes with everything you've come to expect from a modern head unit: 3-beam laser tracking, anti-skip mechanism, loudness settings, and a 30 station memory. The LCD screen is backlit and shows relevant track info. A wireless remote control with display means you can change tracks without having to get up. For security, the anti-theft faceplate is detachable. Pyle's head units will have your music sounding great at the dock or in the middle of the ocean.

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Clarion CZ209 CD/MP3/WMA Receiver with iPod Control and USB Port Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This stereo has made a wonderful replacment/upgrade to the factory CD player in my 2003 Subaru Outback wagon. It was very easy to install, thanks to the friendly staff at Crutchfield who can provide you with a wiring harness.
The standard AM/FM radio isa available, but I honestly never use it these days. The ability to play MP3 CDs is excellent, and I keep one in the stereo with some of our favorites, for days we forget to bring the thumb drive.
The AUX port is a great feature too, for those who have non-iPod MP3 players. iPods can be hooked up directly thru the USB.
It's the USB that makes this unit awesome. The port is on the back of the stereo in the form of a ~18" permanently attached USB cable, with a Type A Female connection on the end (perfect for pluggin in things like Thumb Drives).
We routed our USB cable to a compartment below the stereo that has a flip open door. Simply open the door, puul out the cable, lug in the thumb drive, stuff it back in the compartment, close the door and enjoy.
This stereo will take a few seconds (5-10) to read your MP3 CD / USB drive. Once it does, you are set to go. If you unplug the USB drive, and don't plug any different USB drives in, the next time you plug in that thumb drive, it will pick up playpack right were it left off. Nice feature.
We couldn't play music on our Sansa MP3 Player from the USB connection, but it may be something we are doing wrong. At any rate, thumb drives are cheap and smaller, and multi-purpose.
The stereo will play WMA, MP3, WAV, and possibly others? Those are the three formats I've tossed at it so far.
The display is okay. Easy read, but because it has to scroll the titles and other information across, it feels like you have to keep glancing down to read it as you drive.
Asides from an amazing price and all of the features I needed, this stereo appealed over the slightly more expenisive models in one major area: There are buttons on the head unit to navigate and otherwise manipulate the stereo. Sure it comes with a remote, and sure you lose potential screen space when you start cramming on buttons... BUT, as the person driving the car and using the stereo, you'll want the ability to quickly and easily execute each operation. The idea of a joystick style master knob appeals to my inner-geek, but it'd be too frustrating to operate.
Speaking of operating, this stereo is a breeze. I've yet to look in the manual.
So far I have only one gripe. Last night while driving home, the wife was trying to find a song. The process was: skip to next track. See the 2 second display of the track number, then see the title begin to scroll. About that time you're in about 3 - 5 seconds and are starting to realize what the song is, and that it's not the one you want. It'd be nice to be able to "browse" the songs and then select one for playing, instead of surfing through them. Maybe if I read the manual I'll find that feature?
All-in-all, this is an amazing unit. I wish I had bought into one of these a couple years ago (although the prices are great now).

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The Clarion CZ209 is a great way to get the basics but still leave room to grow. Enjoy playback of CDs, CD-R/RWs, MP3/WMA files, and AM/FM radio. Connect your iPod or a USB device for more digital audio options. If you need more, add a Clarion Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling, an OEM steering wheel remote, or more power using the two RCA preamp outputs.

Detachable Faceplate The CZ209 features a detachable faceplate with white 8-character display. Blue key illumination makes control in the dark a snap.
CDs and More Play back your favorite CDs and CD-R/RWs, or burn your MP3/WMA files to a data CD and enjoy hours of music, complete with ID3-TAG display for displaying track info like artist or song names. You can also play the files back from an inserted USB thumb drive.
Direct iPod control The USB input on the rear of the CX609 lets you connect your iPod directly without an expensive adapter. Just use your stock iPod cable, and you'll enjoy your favorite iPod tunes, along with complete control and battery charging of your iPod. The unit also supports title display for the tracks playing on your iPod.
Front Panel Auxiliary Input Connect MP3 players or other external audio devices in a snap with the 3.5mm front auxiliary input.
Easily Expand The CZ209 gives you a 50W x 4 built-in amplifier to begin with, along with two RCA preamp outputs to grow your system.
It's also ready for Clarion's BLT370 Bluetooth interface or OEM steering wheel remote.
Magna Bass EX This circuit boosts bass at an ultra-low frequency of About 50Hz, creating a rich, deep, defined bass rather than the muddy, booming bass of a standard loudness control. What's more, boost levels are dependent on the system volume, resulting in balanced system response and dynamic bass reproduction.
Front Panel Auxiliary Input Connect MP3 players or other external audio devices in a snap with the 3.5mm front auxiliary input.
Remote Control Included Control the action with the included wireless remote.
What's in the Box Clarion CZ209, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, installation hardware, owner's manual, installation guide.

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JVC KD-R200 AM/FM Single-DIN MP3/WMA-Compatible In-Dash CD Receiver with Remote Control Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this unit to replace a Kenwood KDC-MP425 which served me well, but ultimately stopped ejecting CD's. Anyway while this one doesn't have the flashy graphics of the Kenwood unit it certainly outperforms it in function.
This unit let's you fast forward and rewind through MP3 CD's quickly. ID3 tags are read and the Aux input will be useful for when my friends with Ipods. Sound quality is very good, however I did not realize until installing that this unit only has one set of RCA outputs if you're going to hook it up to a four channel amp. The remote is a nice little bonus, as I had to buy my last one separately.
It was this or a unit with GPS built in for $200 more. I'm glad I went with this one and held onto my money during these tough economic times.

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The KD-R200 is a great replacement for bare-bones stock systems. Enjoy CDs and CD-RWs, MP3/WMA CDs, and AM/FM radio, or connect your digital audio player or other external devices through the front auxiliary input. The 50W x 4 MOS-FET power amp and 24-bit DAC offer solid sound performance. You can also adjust the settings with 3-band iEQ presets.

CD and MP3/WMA Playback Enjoy your favorite CDs or burnt CD-R/RWs, or get more bang for your buck with MP3/WMA discs--burn hours of music to one disc and get ID3-TAG support for display of artist and song info.
AM/FM Radio with HS-IVi Tuner Sometimes you just want to listen to the radio. The KD-R200's AM/FM radio features automatic presetting of strongest signals and 6 presets for each band.
The HS-IVi tuner features higher sensitivity, thanks to three IF bandwidths (wide, middle and narrow). It also includes AM Noise Canceller plus upgraded IF filters that help avoid the distortion caused by interference from adjacent stations.
Dial in Your Sound Perfect your sound with a three-band equalizer and Loudness control for low level listening.
Input and Output A pair of preamp outputs (rear or subwoofer) is provided for adding a little extra power to the KD-R200's onboard 50W x 4 amplifier.
A 3.5mm front panel auxiliary input is also included for use with iPods, MP3 players, or other external audio devices.
Wireless Remote A full-featured wireless remote is include for controlling receiver functions.
What's in the Box JVC KD-R200 Receiver, trim ring, sleeve, remote control, wiring harness, installation hardware, installation manual, instructions

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Sony CDXGT550UI MP3/WMA/AAC Player CD Receiver with iPod Direct Control via USB Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm quite happy with the unit after a couple days. Surprised at how well it integrates with my iPhone (3GS) for music. It has two modes for using with iPhone, the default is it blanks the IPOD on the phone and you get full IPOD control on the deck (browse by artist-album-song). If you prefer you can set to 'passenger' mode which turns on the ability to control songs from the iPhone rather than the deck. Pandora works. You can navigate and do whatever you want on the phone while playing music through the deck; something two different 'geeks' at BB told me it couldn't do. Charges iPhone good. Cons - Silly triple beep I can't figure out how to turn off when ignition turns off, supposed to remind you to remove the faceplate - sheesh. No simple bass/treble adjustment for the wife, have to adj EQ from what I can tell.

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The Xplod CDX-GT550UI by Sony lets you play music from a variety of sources with superior sound quality. Connect, charge, and control your iPod, iPhone, Walkman player or other compatible digital music players with USB 1-Wire, an innovative feature that also displays song title, artist and track data.

Explosive Sound
Detachable Face With Front Auxiliary InputThe easy-to-read single line LCD display shows clock, station ID and track data when playing back your digital MP3/WMA/AAC files. The front auxiliary input lets you connect almost any portable audio device to your car's sound system.

MP3/WMA/AAC PlaybackMulti-format playback lets you play your MP3, WMA, or AAC songs. Hear digital music files in their original vibrancy with DM+ (Digital Music Plus), a Sony codec enhancer that reproduces detailed frequencies from compressed audio files.

Front USB 1-WireConnect, charge, and control your iPod, iPhone, Walkman player or other compatible USB devices via the USB 1-Wire jack in the front of the unit. You can also view metadata like song title and artist on the front display.

Intuitive Search FeaturesThe Quick-BrowZer feature lets you search and select songs by category, including artist, album, genre, or playlist. Jump Mode gets you closer to the song you want by fast forwarding through the music categories in 10 percent increments.

ZAPPIN track sampling searchThe ZAPPIN feature lets users play music samples in 6, 9, or 30-second clips until you find the song you're looking for.

Passenger ControlPassenger Control lets your co-pilot control the music playing from your iPod device via connected USB 1-Wire, and as they scan through your music, artist and album information is conveniently shown on the receiver display.

Satellite/HD Radio ReadyThe Satellite and HD Radio ready feature lets users connect and control your optional Satellite and HD Radio tuners to the integrated Sony Bus system to receive broadcast signals, providing device control directly from the receiver's front panel.

Advanced Sound EngineThe Advanced Sound Engine uses EQ7 equalizer, adjustable LPF/HPF crossovers, Listener Position calibration, DM+ advanced sound restoration, Rear Bass Enhancer, and Dynamic Loudness volume leveler to create an ideal in-car listening environment.

RCA Outputs for External AmplifiersWhen you're ready to expand your system, the CDX-GT550UI offers front and selectable rear or subwoofer preamp RCA outputs for external amplifiers. Set the built in electronic HPF/LPF crossovers to improve sound quality and reduce system distortion.

Wireless Card RemoteControl your Xplod CD receiver while keeping your eyes on the road with the included wireless card remote (RM-X151).

Blue or Green Key IlluminationSelectable Blue or Green key illumination helps complement the existing vehicle dash lighting so you locate buttons quickly during evening playback.

What's in the Box
CDX-GT550UI Receiver, Remote Control, Sleeve/Trim Ring, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, User's Manual, Installation Manual

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XMDirect XMD1000 Satellite Radio Universal Tuner Box Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Seems there are several people who are having problems related to either their install, or their head units and NOT the tuner itself. The XMD1000 works exactly like its supposed to. I use it with a Pioneer CD head unit and i get 3 banks of XM channels (XM1, XM2, XM3) and i can see artist, song title, channel name and number, etc. displayed on my head unit screen. I've owned my XMD1000 for almost 3 years in 2 different cars and it never once lost channel programming. If your XMD1000 tuner takes up the Auxillary port or somehow miraculously interferes with AM AND FM, then you should get a different head unit as this is not any problem with the XM tuner. My Pioneer head unit has a specific connection for the XM tuner and it's not possible for XM to interfere with AM or FM in any way at all.
This tuner was very easy to self-install, works perfectly and has no major problems.

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The Terk XMD1000 XM Direct Universal XM Satellite Radio Tuner makes it easy to get XM satellite radio in your vehicle. You can use this tuner in conjunction with a brand-specific XM Direct Smart Digital Adapter, such as Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood, and others.
To connect the XM Direct tuner to your compatible receiver, you'll need to buy the adapter that matches your brand of receiver. Install the super-compact tuner and the adapter behind your dash, and you're ready to receive the XM signal. XM Direct even includes the required XM antenna.
Once the XM Direct universal tuner is connected, you can use your in-dash receiver to select channels (by category or station number) and view station information (artist, album title, track title, channel number, or channel name) on its readout.
For more information about XM Radio digital-quality sound, coast-to-coast coverage, and more than 150 channels of satellite radio entertainment, visit XMradio.com.
What's in the Box XMD1000 XM satellite radio tuner, antenna, antenna cable, 4 plastic wire ties, installation guide, and XM101 channel guide.

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Belkin TuneBase FM Transmitter for iPod with Dock Connector (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Strengths: All-in-one solution for docking, charging, and FM transmission; adaptable to all iPods and vehicles; versatile FM tuning options
Weaknesses: Sound quality issues typical of FM transmitters; no auxiliary audio input or output
Let's face it: using your iPod in your vehicle just isn't as simple as it should be. Unless you're driving a 2006 model year or later vehicle, chances are that your vehicle's stereo head unit doesn't provide any easy way for you to connect your iPod (or any other digital music player, for that matter). That means that you only have three options for listening to your iPod through your vehicle's stereo: direct connection to your head unit via an auxiliary input, a cassette tape adapter, or an FM transmitter. Most automobiles don't offer an auxiliary input jack on the front of their receivers, and connecting your iPod to a rear aux input--if your unit even has one, that is--is a complicated process that involves removing your receiver and (sometimes) part of your dashboard as well. So even though this setup offers the best sound quality, installation can prove difficult...or impossible. On the other hand, cassette tape adapters provide a far simpler and good-sounding method to connect your player, but they only work if your vehicle has a cassette player. So if neither of the above solutions are an option for you, then you have to begin considering either (1) purchasing an aftermarket, iPod-friendly head unit or (2) looking for an FM transmitter, and that's where the Belkin TuneBase FM for iPod comes into the picture.
If you decide to go the FM transmission route, you really can't lose with the TuneBase FM. Not only does it transmit the audio output from your iPod to an FM frequency you select, but it also provides a convenient dock for your iPod that even charges your iPod while it's in use. Many all-in-one solutions such as this are poor performers all around, but the TuneBase FM fulfills all of its duties superbly.
It goes without saying that the most important element of the TuneBase FM's performance is sound quality. After all, it doesn't do much good to dock and charge your iPod in the car if you can't listen to your music. As FM transmitters go, the TuneBase FM does an admirably good job getting audio output from your iPod to your vehicle's stereo, but it is plagued by the same sound quality issues that affect all FM transmitters. I live in an area that has a pretty crowd frequency spectrum; there are only a few frequencies that are relatively free of other transmissions. Despite this, however, the TuneBase FM still manages to transmit a clear audio signal to my receiver most of the time, although static can be a problem from time to time. I commute almost forty miles one way to work everyday, and I rarely have to switch frequencies, which is pretty impressive. Your results may vary depending on how crowded the airwaves are in your region. Compared to my last FM transmitter, a highly-rated iRock! BeamIt model, the TuneBase FM transmits a slightly clearer and more powerful signal. You won't get a much better FM signal from any other FM transmitter.
The TuneBase FM's other features are what really make it stand out from the rest of the crowd. Its docking solution, utilizing a flexible steel "neck" to support the cradle, is much more elegant, flexible, and pleasing to the eye than other solutions that use a series of thick, jointed plastic connectors. This allows you to position your iPod just about any way you please, and it also virtually guarantees that this dock is adjustable to fit just about any vehicle on the road. The dock is secured by inserting the base into a free power or cigarette lighter outlet, which is also how the device receives power for charging the iPod. Included in the box are plastic and rubber outlet adapters to ensure a snug fit in just about any outlet, and this seems to work quite well; even over bumpy roads or terrain, my iPod remains firmly upright in its cradle. It would be nice if the adjustable neck were just a couple inches longer (this unit includes a four-inch neck, the TuneBase FM for iPod nano includes a seven-inch neck), but a longer neck would likely be too flimsy to support heavier iPods such as the 60GB and new 80GB 5G video iPods.
The TuneBase FM automatically pauses and powers down a docked iPod when it the power supply to the device is interrupted, and it powers up the iPod and resumes playback when power is restored. One note about this: there is no on/off switch on the device, so it remains powered as long as the vehicle's power outlet is powered. If your vehicle's power outlets deactivate when you remove the key from the ignition, then this is not an issue. However, if your vehicle (like mine) powers your outlet(s) continually (even when the vehicle is off and the key is removed from the ignition), you need to remember to manually turn off your iPod when exiting your car or risk draining your car's battery.
Tuning to different radio frequencies with the TuneBase is a simple exercise. The device interfaces with the iPod through its dock connector, so it is able to display frequency and present information on the iPod's own display, which is much easier to read than a separate LCD readout. Tuning options are very flexible. In addition to four presets (which, if you sync with the presents on your vehicle's receiver, makes channel-hopping a breeze), the TuneBase FM allows you to to any frequency from 87.9 to 107.9, including broadcast-free even-numbered frequencies such as 88.8, 96.2, etc.
I only have a few minor complaints about the TuneBase FM for iPod. As I mentioned earlier, there is no on/off switch to accommodate vehicles with continually-powered outlets and cigarette lighters. I haven't experienced any difficulties with leaving my TuneBase plugged in for extended periods of time as long as I manually power down or remove my iPod, but it's an unnecessary extra step that I shouldn't have to take. It's also unfortunate that Belkin does not include auxiliary input and output jacks for direct connection to supported receivers or the ability to use the TuneBase for other digital media players and not just iPods. There's even a spot on the cradle specifically for an auxiliary jack; Belkin just decided not to include it with this model. That's really too bad, as I would have been more than willing to pay an extra five dollars or so for the added functionality of an auxiliary jack.
Overall, however, the TuneBase FM for iPod is an excellent product. If you have decided that FM transmission is your only option for in-car iPod connectivity, then this product is definitely worth considering and will perform admirably.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Belkin TuneBase FM Transmitter for iPod with Dock Connector (Black)

The versatile Belkin F8Z049-BLK TuneBase FM Transmitter for iPod plays your tunes through your car stereo as it powers and charges your compatible iPod. By seamlessly integrating an FM transmitter with the versatility of a car power adapter, the TuneBase FM Transmitter for iPod offers the outstanding convenience of an all-in-one solution on the road.
The Belkin F8Z049-BLK features improved FM transmission that delivers crisp, clean, best-in-class audio performance for an unsurpassed listening experience in your car. The built-in FM transmitter wirelessly connects to your car stereo on the full range of FM channels, from 88.1 to 107.9 MHz, letting you choose the best available frequency so you are sure to find a channel without interference.
This unit lets you use the iPod display for quick and easy tuning, and features four single-touch, programmable preset buttons that let you find the clearest frequencies and toggle among them for optimal performance. The TuneBase's holder provides a secure and stable connection to your iPod with a custom-designed swivel cradle, and features an innovative, flexible steel-neck construction that allows for easy repositioning inside the car.
With tray adapters allowing compatibility with most iPods with a dock connector--including the iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 4G (click wheel), iPod color, and iPod 5G/5.5G video--the F8Z049-BLK comes in black and is backed by a manufacturer's three-year warranty.
What's in the Box Belkin F8Z049-BLK TuneBase; interchangeable trays for iPod video, 4G, color, nano, and mini; user's manual; and warranty information.

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Kenwood Kdc-Mp245 In-Dash CD Receiver with Front Aux Input Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This deck is simple as is the interface control scheme, accessible features like subwoofer output levels and a convenient aux. input on the face. A good deck to build a clean stereo system on a budget. I love mine and the remote works awesome too. Worth the money.

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Kenwood Kdc-Mp245 In-Dash CD Receiver With Front Aux Input With Wireless Remote

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JVC KT-HDP1 Universal Car and Home HD Radio Tuner (Turns any Stock Car Radio / CD Player to High Definition Radio) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The tuner works well and picks up AM and FM as well as or better than a standard receiver. It works for what I needed. The issues I have with it that would make it an ideal receiver are; 1. You need to buy accessory packages for use in an auto or indoors 2. It runs a little warm. 3. Tuning is somewhat difficult because there is no way to manually tune, it only searches and if you want to pull in a weak station you must try and stop the scan right in the station you want as it passes it. The remote does not have the ability to manually tune either. 4. The preset buttons don't always work right away when press them which means sometimes I must press a button 2 or 3 times. 5. I cannot find individual parts of accessories only kits. (For example I may want an additional auto power cord but I have to buy the entire auto kit for that one part. 6. The tuner graphics are not changeable and its monochrome display looks like old technology.
It works. I had a specific use for the tuner so it does what I need. If i wanted to convert my car radio to a digital (HD) radio, I think I would be better off buying a new full car radio with HD. I needed one for my car and for use in my house for occasional special use so it fits my bill. It works but I would spend more for a better radio if I needed to use it more.

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JVC KT-HDP1 Universal Car and Home HD Radio Tuner (Turns any Stock Car Radio / CD Player to High Definition Radio)

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JVC KD-HDR40 CD Receiver with Built-In HD Radio Tuner, Front AUX Input, and Bluetooth/Satellite Radio add-on capability Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just purchased one of these units at a local merchant and so far so good! I just wanted something cheap and simple to upgrade my factory stereo. I wanted bluetooth but there are too many head units that have horrible bluetooth capabilities so I decided to go without (I may add the extra unit later on this one).
This unit is equipped with a 7 band EQ as well as a subwoofer level control, both are MUST haves in my book. So far after one day I am very pleased with the sound quality! Crisp Highs and zero distortion that I can hear. I have been out of the car audio game for about 10 years now so I was clueless going in and for $125 I wasn't expecting much but I must say I am pleasantly suprised! I still have my factory Dodge speakers in and also added a 12" Orion Sub/Amp in the trunk. The menu's can be a bit tricky but after only one day (2 hours) I think I have them down pat. If you're looking for something simple for an up-grade to your existing factory tunes I would definitely recommend this unit. A Kenwood deck with similar features goes for almost $100 more and I can't see that there would be that much of a difference in sound and I'm not looking to enter any sound competitions anytime soon. Bottom line: if you are looking for an upgrade from the factory head unit (junk) installed by the manufacturer..for the price, this head unit is a steal!

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The KD-HDR40 is a great way to get HD Radio with room to grow. It plays back CDs, MP3/WMA files from disc, and features a front-panel auxiliary input for use with external devices. Easily add satellite radio for more entertainment options, or Bluetooth for hands-free calling and other benefits.

Discover More Content and Listening Options With HD Radio HD Radio is a Digital Broadcast technology that enables high-quality sound with crystal clear reception, low noise, and no audio distortion.

Multicasting allows more accesible stations that contain additional music format, genre, and talk radio options that have, until now, never been heard through other radio broadcast mediums.

HD Radio is being broadcast in over 200 major U.S. Markets and growing. It is completely free of charge--all you need is a HD Radio-enabled stereo.
And of course, you can still tune into your favorite AM and FM stations.
Detachable Control Panel The KD-HDR40 features a detachable face for deterring theft, along with a standard DOT display and blue key illumination.
CD, MP3, and WMA Playback Enjoy your favorite CDs or throw in burnt CD-Rs. You can also listen back to MP3/WMA data CDs, which allows you to throw hours of music on a single disc, with ID3 tag display of artist and track info.
An advanced multi-bit analog-to-digital converter provides a solid sound base, and you can perfect it with the seven-band EQ. For quiter listening, a Loudness function is provided, to ensure you still get some low-end and dynamics.
MOSFET Power You'll get plenty of volume with the built-in 50W x 4 MOSFET amplifier, along with clean, efficient power and performance. 2.5V front and subwoofer preamp outputs are also provided,
Auxiliary Input A 3.5mm front-panel aux input lets you connect most any device, such as MP3 Players or iPods/iPhones, for enjoyment through the receiver.
SAT Radio Ready If you'd like to add still more entertainment options to your vehicle, add an optional SIRIUS/XM Satellite radio solution from JVC.
Bluetooth Ready You can also add the JVC KS-BTA200 Bluetooth adapter to enjoy hands-free calling, voice recognition, phonebook transfer, and other great features for your cellular device.
What's in the Box KD-HDR40 Receiver, Wireless Remote, Sleeve/Trim Ring, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, User's Manual/Intallation Manual, Warranty Info

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VR3 Roadmaster/VR3 HD Radio Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a very poorly designed product, all the way around. It has the cosmetic appearance of a very low-end electronic product. The cable from the remote to the base unit is bulky & short. Lousy design making it hard to install. The base unit is massive and hard to conceal under the dash. Power needs to come from your 12v accessory/cigarette lighter on the dash. Again, making it hard to conceal/install. To sum up.......Save Yourelf Plenty of Frustration, and AVOID this product.

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Dual MXDM70 AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA Weather Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this marine stereo for my Jeep, since in the past stereos have sub-come to rain or even a little dew settling on the interior. Overall I like it. I gave it four starts because it seems to skip a little more often than I'd like. However in a Jeep, you feel every gum wrapper and cigarette butt in the road as it is, so I can live with it. What makes up for the occasional skip, is the MP3 player plug-in (who cares about skipping CD's, when you have an iPod anyway) and the weather band is a great feature also. The display is super bright, which is good for open air driving when the sun is overhead. Another nice feature is that the power button stays lit when the stereo is off, a nice detail when glancing at you dashboard in total darkness. All in all, it's a good stereo and I recommend it for Jeeps, motorcycles, and even for you boaters.

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Designed for life on the open water, the Dual MX-DM70 marine CD player/receiver makes a great foundation for a boat-based stereo system. The receiver features a powerful built-in amplifier (50 watts peak x 4) that powers a quartet of speakers, along with a host of marine-ready extras, such as clear-coated circuit boards, a rust-resistant chassis, and a detachable UV-resistant face with a negative white display. As a result, the stereo stands up to light rains, ocean spray, scorching sun, and almost any other weather condition. The CD player, meanwhile, is compatible with CDs and most CD-Rs, including discs loaded with WMA and MP3 files. The unit even displays track names and artist info on its black-and-white LCD screen, making it easy to find your favorite songs in the midst of a cross-lake cruise. And don't fret when you hit a huge wave, as the MX-DM70 includes an anti-shock mechanism that guarantees smooth playback in rough water.
Further versatility stems from the system's quintet of preset tone curves--which let listeners customize the audio settings based on genre and taste--and the built-in AM/FM radio with 30 presets (20 FM and 10 AM). Plus, the radio picks up several weather bands, so you can check the weather conditions before you head out. And finally, the system includes an auxiliary input with a mountable "iplug" adapter that connects to such audio sources as an iPod, MP3 player, or satellite radio receiver. It's never been easier to haul along your entire music collection while boating.
Additional features include a single set of 3-volt pre-amp outputs (for integrating an external amp or powered sub), selectable European and U.S. tuning, independent bass and treble controls, and a built-in clock. The MX-DM70 fits in most pre-installed dash openings and carries a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box CD player/receiver, installation and mounting hardware, user's manual.

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Boss 765DBI In-Dash Solid State MP3 Receiver with Internal iPod Docking Station Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As described on the website, this receiver looked perfect for my needs: built in bluetooth compatible with my iPhone, and a hidden iPod connection, which means no ugly wires dangling from the front of my dashboard to hook up my tunes. iPod is controllable from the front panel -- also what I wanted. Great that it had a radio, but I like to listen to the iPod and make/receive phone calls; no need for a CD player (which this unit does not have).
Unfortunately, the iPod interface is really pretty awful. I have hundreds of albums on my iPod, and there is no way to search through them other than alphabetically, and that requires turning the knob on the front of the unit. No acceleration to get you there faster. Can't search by composer, (although you can search by playlist, genre, artist, album or song) which would have been nice as I am a classical music fan. The WORST feature, however, is that the unit drops the first second of every track as it starts playing, which is totally unacceptable. I've packaged it back up and am returning it.
Oh, and the display is unbelievably coarse-- looks like maybe 100 pixels on the whole thing; the result is blocky letters reminiscent of early 80's electronics. Not worthy of the $150 pricetag.

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Solid State MP3 Receiver w/Internal iPod Docking Station, Bluetooth, Full Detachable Front Panel, USB/SD Card Slot, Front Aux-In AM/FM/RDS, 80W X 4

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Pioneer DEHP4001HD Car CD Receiver with HD Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First off, the sound quality is remarkable. I had an old Pioneer head unit that was about 6 years old. It just played a single (normal) CD and AM/FM. This unit is not only capable of obviously having HD radio with the included external HD radio module, but, you can actually daisy-chain other modules to that. So, basically, this thing is infinitely expandable. I'm seriously considering purchasing the BlueTooth module as well.
My iPhone 3GS works perfectly with the USB interface. You cannot control the audio with the iPhone, however, all the other functions of the phone are still functional. Pandora does work over USB as well (and you can control the audio with your phone).
The reason I mentioned that this unit is "a bit of a pain" is because of the navigation knob. You get used to it but every once in a while you have to actually press the dial IN. So, this dial can click UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, and IN as well as rotate left and right. So, you can imagine there are some "typos" everyone in a while.
The installation was pretty easy if you have any experience with installing car stereos. Don't forget your wiring harness, and possible antenna adapter and dash kit.

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Now you can enjoy new music and improved radio station quality without hassling with monthly fees. HD Radio is the exclusive system for digital AM and FM broadcasting in the U.S. Currently more than 1,000 radio stations are broadcasting primary signals in digital HD Radio technology, as a free service. Hear the detail, warmth and clarity, the way the artist intended it, from all of your highly compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files stored on USB memory device, iPod and portable digital players. By restoring data (especially higher frequencies) that tend to get lost in the digital compression process, Pioneers Advanced Sound Retriever technology enhances audio reproduction nearly all the way up to 20 kHz frequencies. Pioneer's DEH-P4001HD is ready to roll with capability for direct connection to your iPod . USB 2.0's speed and capability allow an elevated iPod experience in the car, and nearly limitless expandability for portable media players and USB memory devices. Use the optional CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones for easy, safe, and hands-free operation, including talking via the headunit's microphone and your vehicle's speaker system. The system automatically mutes any other audio during incoming or outgoing calls.

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Pyle PLCD4MRKT Complete Marine Water Proof 4 Speaker CD/USB/Mp3/Combo w/ Stereo Cover (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Everything came in great packaging. We installed all four speakers but when trying to install the player it would not work. We troubleshot everything possible, then went to another store to pick up another cd player. The new one works just fine. So basically we payed for four expensive speakers.

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Pyle's Hydra series has the solution for your marine audio needs - this kit includes a head unit, four black 150 watt 6.5" speakers, and a splashproof tinted cover for the head unit. The head unit is capable of tuning AM/FM, playing audio and MP3 CDs, and has an auxiliary input to plug in another device like an iPod or MP3 player. It's rated at 4 x 50 watts, so each speaker has plenty of independent power. And it comes with everything you've come to expect from a modern head unit: 3-beam laser tracking, anti-skip mechanism, loudness settings, and a 24 station memory. The LCD screen is backlit and shows relevant track info. A wireless remote control means you can change tracks without having to get up. This kit will have your boat rocking!

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