[shrink]

I can't stand the quality of FM transmitters and the stock headunit in my Acura RSX bites, so I've been looking for a new headunit with a front aux input for my iPod. I don't need to blow the windows off my car, nor do I really need a changer. I just want something decent below $200 with which I can easily use my iPod. The leading candidate so far is the JVC KD-SX990. Check it out here:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-nbrQD6C...p?i=257KDSX990

I've found places selling it as low as $140 + shipping. What do you guys think? Is this thing decent? I don't know much about car stereos. Can anyone recommend any other systems? Thanks in advance.

[ulmer]

This Clarion has rear RCA aux inputs. You could just run a RCA to miniplug cable and you'd be all set. It'd be easier to hide than a cable coming right out of the front of your head unit too. You can also add Sirius satellite radio and there's a $100 rebate on the tuner right now...

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...c=01&avf=N

Etronics has it for $125 + shiping:

http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?...amp;svbname=30

[Bennylen]

I have the JVC 707 model and I love it. I also bought the JVC adapter that converts the rear CD input to a line in input and I ran a cable up to the seat so I can hide the cable when not in use.

Check out Highway MP3 for a look at most current car systems.

[mikellanes]

where did you get the JVC adapter from?

[israces]

You might want to try this place

[shrink]

Originally posted by Bennylen:
I have the JVC 707 model and I love it. I also bought the JVC adapter that converts the rear CD input to a line in input and I ran a cable up to the seat so I can hide the cable when not in use.

Check out Highway MP3 for a look at most current car systems.

I've heard good things about the 707. The cheapest I've found it is for $239, which is a little more than I wanted to spend. First, do you think that's a good price, and second, Is it worth $100 more than the SX990?

[shrink]

Thanks for the rec on the Clarion, but I'm looking for front inputs. I don't want to deal with the hassle of the wiring that rear inputs would require.

For aux input adapters for many different stock and aftermarket headunits check out:

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/

They've got a bunch of stuff and their customer service is great.

[subego]

Originally posted by shrink:
The leading candidate so far is the JVC KD-SX990.

I have one.

Can't say I really like it, but it functions.

My problems are:

1) It's ugly, and does not match my black/grey interior well (YMMV obviously).

2) Last I tried, it won't read an MP3-CD ripped in iTunes (not an issue with an iPod, though if it worked it would be a nice backup).

3) You have to put your miniplug in the front panel input just right, or you won't get a signal in both channels (this could be specific to my unit).

When I got it, it was the only model I could find with both a front panel input and a detatchable face-plate, so at least it (minimally) fufilled all my requirements.

[shrink]

Originally posted by subego:
I have one.

Can't say I really like it, but it functions.

My problems are:

1) It's ugly, and does not match my black/grey interior well (YMMV obviously).

2) Last I tried, it won't read an MP3-CD ripped in iTunes (not an issue with an iPod, though if it worked it would be a nice backup).

3) You have to put your miniplug in the front panel input just right, or you won't get a signal in both channels (this could be specific to my unit).

When I got it, it was the only model I could find with both a front panel input and a detatchable face-plate, so at least it (minimally) fufilled all my requirements.

Wow - thanks for the tips. I think you've done enough to sway me in a different direction. It sounds adequate, but unsatisfying.

[delrossi]

I have a JVC KD-SX990 and iTunes ripped MP3 cds play flawlessly
yeah the color stinks but so do so many of the after market CD players.
other than that I realy like it and it's great . I got mine a circut city.

[vasu]

I have a higher end model from JVC, the KDSH77 (now replaced by the KSH9700). Front inputs are thee way to go, and I really love this JVC unit

[Bennylen]

Originally posted by mikellanes:
where did you get the JVC adapter from?

I don't remember where I got it from. I think I went straight to JVC. But, I found it at Crutchfield.

[shrink]

Thanks for the feedback everybody. For anyone else who's interested I found several current car stereo models with a front aux input for easy iPod connectivity for under $250 (all prices are from http://www.crutchfield.com ).

Aiwa CDC-X237 $140
Aiwa CDC-X30MP $180
Aiwa CDC-X437 $150
Aiwa CDC-X937 $200
Aiwa CDC-Z137 $130
Aiwa WD-X500M $250
JVC KD-SX990 $200
JVC Arsenal KD-SX8350 $200
JVC Arsenal KD-SX9350 $230

In no way is this list exhaustive and there are a ton of other models out there with aux inputs on the back. Crutchfield is a bit more expensive than other sites, but you can always use pricegrabber to find a lower price on a model that interests you. I ended up ordering the JVC Arsenal-SX9350 after finding a $20 off coupon at dealcoupon.com if you use a mastercard as well as an additional $20 off through crutchfield's refer a friend program ($20 off first purchase over $200).

If anyone's interested in buying from crutchfield for the 1st time, e-mail or PM me and I can get you an additional $20 off the price through the program.

Thanks again for everybody's feedback. Maybe I'll post some quick impressions of the model I got and how well it works with the iPod after I install it.

[waffffffle]

Originally posted by shrink:
Thanks for the rec on the Clarion, but I'm looking for front inputs. I don't want to deal with the hassle of the wiring that rear inputs would require.

So you're saying that you don't want to have to go inside your dash board to remove your head unit but you do want to go inside your dash board to remove your head unit and replace it with a whole new one? I don't see the logic in that.

My sister has an RSX with the same crummy radio. No other stereo is going to match your interior like that one so you might as well stick with it. You can have the adapter cable run from behind the dash to somewhere visable. That's what I'm planning to do with my Celica with an adapter from rcainput.com.

[shrink]

Originally posted by waffffffle:
So you're saying that you don't want to have to go inside your dash board to remove your head unit but you do want to go inside your dash board to remove your head unit and replace it with a whole new one? I don't see the logic in that.

Hmmm...not sure I quite follow you. First of all the stock radio sucks so I want one with more power and clarity. Second I don't want some random wire coming out from behind the dash. It's difficult to do, I'm not skilled enough to set it up tastefully, and it would look stupid when it's not in use. I actually did that with my previous car (a Camry) and wasn't too crazy about it.

A new headunit with front inputs offers two main advantages for me: better sound and easy iPod connectivity. Everything will look clean after installation and without a cable sticking out of the dash. Front inputs are just so much more convenient.

You are right about the stereo lights not matching the red interior lights of the RSX, but I'm hoping they might add a nice contrast. I'd also rather have better sound and easy iPod connectivity than stick with that awful stock head unit.

Off topic and briefly: how do you like the Celica? I test drove a 2003 Celica, as well as a V6 Accord, and an Eclipse. It was a tough decision, but I got a great price on the RSX and simply liked it the best.

[subego]

Originally posted by waffffffle:
So you're saying that you don't want to have to go inside your dash board to remove your head unit but you do want to go inside your dash board to remove your head unit and replace it with a whole new one? I don't see the logic in that.

For me, the hassle would have been coming up with an elegant way to have a cable poke out of my dash, not removing the head unit.

Removing the head unit was hassle-free since I paid someone else to do it.

[waffffffle]

Originally posted by shrink:
Hmmm...not sure I quite follow you. First of all the stock radio sucks so I want one with more power and clarity. Second I don't want some random wire coming out from behind the dash. It's difficult to do, I'm not skilled enough to set it up tastefully, and it would look stupid when it's not in use. I actually did that with my previous car (a Camry) and wasn't too crazy about it.

A new headunit with front inputs offers two main advantages for me: better sound and easy iPod connectivity. Everything will look clean after installation and without a cable sticking out of the dash. Front inputs are just so much more convenient.

You are right about the stereo lights not matching the red interior lights of the RSX, but I'm hoping they might add a nice contrast. I'd also rather have better sound and easy iPod connectivity than stick with that awful stock head unit.

Off topic and briefly: how do you like the Celica? I test drove a 2003 Celica, as well as a V6 Accord, and an Eclipse. It was a tough decision, but I got a great price on the RSX and simply liked it the best.

My Celica is a 2000, my sister's RSX is a 2001. My car is much more of a sports car (I also have a 5-speed manual transmission while my sister's is a boring automatic). The Celica is lower to the ground and the racing-style seats are extremely comfortable, more comfortable than any other car seats I've been in (and I've driven a lot of cars since I used to be a valet parker). The RSX is very much a Civic. It feels like a Civic and drives like a Civic. While it may look like a sports car it most certainly isn't. I would say the only drawbacks of the Celica are that it is fairly noisy inside while driving on the highways (so it's hard to hear the radio sometimes) and that the engine is a little weak (but it gets good mileage).

So you used to have an adapter for a Toyota radio? Do you still have it? rcainput.com wants $98 for this one. Are you willing to part with yours for less?

[shrink]

I put a Pioneer HU in my Camry, hence I used an aftermarket pioneer adapter. Try logjam for some Toyota adapters. I think that might be a bit cheaper than rcainput.com.

Off Topic: I know many who would disagree with your opinions on the RSX (and your sister's must be a 2002 because that's when they were first released). It's been one of Car and Driver's 10 Best for 2 years in a row (every year since its release). The type-S is quite powerful (200 hp) and the stock sequential sportshift of the automatic base (160hp) is a really nice feature. They also come fully equipped. The only option I added was leather. The RSX was also rated as best in its class. That's not a knock on your Celica, which I like, but it's just that I think the RSX is less Civic-y (which is solid car, too) than you think. Nonethless, they'll both work with iPods just fine, whatever why you decide to hook them up .

[waffffffle]

Originally posted by shrink:
I put a Pioneer HU in my Camry, hence I used an aftermarket pioneer adapter. Try logjam for some Toyota adapters. I think that might be a bit cheaper than rcainput.com.

Off Topic: I know many who would disagree with your opinions on the RSX (and your sister's must be a 2002 because that's when they were first released). It's been one of Car and Driver's 10 Best for 2 years in a row (every year since its release). The type-S is quite powerful (200 hp) and the stock sequential sportshift of the automatic base (160hp) is a really nice feature. They also come fully equipped. The only option I added was leather. The RSX was also rated as best in its class. That's not a knock on your Celica, which I like, but it's just that I think the RSX is less Civic-y (which is solid car, too) than you think. Nonethless, they'll both work with iPods just fine, whatever why you decide to hook them up .

Yes you're right it's a model year 2002 RSX but she got it in 2001. She doesn't have an S, and the S is VERY overpriced (as is the Celica GTS). My sister's RSX has leather. My Celica doesn't and it isn't needed because the apholstery surface is very nice.

I personally do not enjoy driving my sister's car. It looks like a sports car yet it doesn't feel anything like one. It drives like a Civic sedan and believe me, the car IS a Civic, chassis, engine and all.


I'll check out that site for Toyota adapters.