I seek the knowledge of car audio people.

[vpr]

Hello,

I would like to upgrade my car's stock cd player with something that is capable of playing mp3/wma on burned cds. I would also like it to have satellite radio capabilities (not sure which provider). I drive a 2000 Mercury Cougar V6 2DR Coupe, and would like to keep costs around the $200 mark if possible.

Would you also recommend replacing the speakers in the car as well? If so, what are some recommendations on this as well? Also what's involved in getting satellite radio - are there any indash players that have built in tuners yet?

I have no brand loyalty and would like sound quality and ease of use over useless novelties / gimmicks. I really don't like sony much, but if deemed worthy of a purchase I will certainly consider it.

I really have no clue to what to look for, or anything - i'm a complete n00b when it comes to this department.

Thank You,
vpr

 

[sonicbooom]

I'm an ex-audiophile, and I suggest you do some research on head units that you would like. The best thing you should do is to go over to the sounddomain and caraudio forums and ask questions. I used post there every once in a while, but haven't lately since I got out of car audio and more into home entertainment. I just made $850 selling most of the stuff that I stopped using and have put most of that money towards a new HDTV and DVD player. I still have a Tantrum 1200.1 that I can sell anywhere from $275-375 and a few other enclosures.

I personally like Alpine and Eclipse HU's, and you can pick up a other few excellent ones at around $200. Alpine and Eclipse are a few of the biggest names for head units. Check out their lines and whatever you see at your price range is definitely worth it.

As for speakers, stick with component set ups. One of the most popular companies out there right now in speaker sound is CDT, and I have a set and would recommend them. You can get an excellent set at an excellent price, which is where their reputation stems from. They are the best bang for the buck for speakers.

 

[ramatut4001]

well best buy had a bunch of satellite ready kenwoods for 120 on friday. you'll need a satellite tuner which should be 50 to 100 dollars. you might need a kit to adapt your dash to fit an aftermarket stereo. it's probably not worth replacing speakers if you're only willing to spend 200 dollars on this project. Oh yeah, and any stereo new enough to support satellite should play mp3s and definitely burned cds. crutchfield's website has a "what fits my car" feature thats useful to research with and then buy somewhere cheaper.

 

[btw1217]

[quote name='ramatut4001']well best buy had a bunch of satellite ready kenwoods for 120 on friday. you'll need a satellite tuner which should be 50 to 100 dollars. you might need a kit to adapt your dash to fit an aftermarket stereo. it's probably not worth replacing speakers if you're only willing to spend 200 dollars on this project. Oh yeah, and any stereo new enough to support satellite should play mp3s and definitely burned cds. crutchfield's website has a "what fits my car" feature thats useful to research with and then buy somewhere cheaper.[/QUOTE]

What he said.

I just replaced everything in my car not too long ago and installed XM. Ran me about $700+, I suppose. I didn't want to go with components, so I got a nice headunit (about $220), two Polk DB 4x6 speakers (half off for $35), two Polk DB 6x9s ($150), and a Kicker amp to push the 6x9s ($250, I think). Then, the XM tuner was on sale for $50.

If you want satellite radio, you have to have a satellite ready headunit (some are XM, some are Sirius, some are both) and a tuner which is basically a box you plug into the back of the headunit and an antenna. $200 isn't a terribly large budget when it comes to car audio. I wouldn't try to get a headunit and speakers for $200. For a nice headunit, satellite radio, and four nice speakers, I'd spend at least $300-400. Don't settle for sub-par and don't go with Sony. I'm somewhat of a Sony fanboy, but I despise them when it comes to car audio, as do most audiophiles.