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Decent Ipod/CD head unit for around 100?

S

solomon7

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Portland OR
I've searched for a while and most of the threads I've come across are old.

As long as the unit can charge the ipod I will likely be running mostly it, but also have many CDs, so no skipping offroad would be awesome.

Ideally, it'll be easy to operate the ipod and have good sound adjustments and a nice EQ. I'm only running 2 5.25 Fosgates in front but would like to add rear speakers, and a small sub & amp down the road, budget (wife) permitting lol.

Any suggestions?
 
If nothing more than checking what will fit you XJ, check out Crutchfield.com

Enter you Jeep info and price range, and you'll get some decent selections to choose from, that will fit. You can also enter other preference such as Ipod options, USB options, RCA inputs, etc....

I'm in search of a new head unit myself. But I'm also looking for Bluetooth capability; so that my head unit will serve as a hands free cell phone system, and to be able to play stored tunes off my cell phone too. I guess I could also stream internet radio too and play it thru the head unit as another source of entertainment...

Prices at Crutchfield are decent for what you get in your selected price range, plus in most cases you get a free install kit to make the install almost plug 'n play....
 
I like the JVC's because they have a rear usb input and they're cheap.... allows me to run the wire for my ipod up through the center console and out the ash tray for a nice stealth install.

I picked up my last one from amazon.com in their open box section... cost me 65 bucks shipped, works great.
 
More than $100, but you get what you pay for IMHO...


I have been very happy with my Alpine HD137BT deck... Bluetooth pairs to multiple devices (I use my tablet for music and my iPhone for phone calls) and the Bluetooth works quite well. The mic has a little trouble in my jeep for phone calls, but that's to be expected in a jeep with 35's and loud exhaust etc.

Also has a USB outlet for playing music off a usb drive, but can also charge and control an iPod through it. Does HD radio, has subwoofer control (I like how alpine does their sub control, other decks either don't offer it or the function is buried deep in sub menus and tough to get to).

Its a very nice deck all around. My brother bought one because he liked mine so much and my wife wants me to put one in her land cruiser now too :)

Alpine does sell a cheaper model that has lower voltage pre outs that would probably suit you just fine.
 
IslanderOffRoad said:
I like the JVC's because they have a rear usb input and they're cheap.... allows me to run the wire for my ipod up through the center console and out the ash tray for a nice stealth install.

I picked up my last one from amazon.com in their open box section... cost me 65 bucks shipped, works great.
Click to expand...


I also like JVC equipment. the price cant be beat for the features/qualtiy/amp power you get.
 
I've had my eye on this unit from JVC... http://www.crutchfield.com/app/cart/default.aspx

And here is an excerpt from my conversation with one of their service advisiors.

Agent: "Welcome to Crutchfield Online Chat. How may I help today with your product selections and purchases?"
Jentry: "Hi Paul. I'm trying to determine if the JVC KD-X250BT head unit is compatible with my factory stereo. I have a 2001 Jeep Cheroke with the Infinity stereo and external amp."
Agent: "There are no issues with using your stock amp with an aftermarket radio. We carry the mounting kit and harness needed to install a new radio and those parts get discounted to $15 together when purchased with the radio."
Jentry: "What are their part numbers? I would like to look at their cost unless you can quote me all parts needed."
Agent: "Their cost would be $15 with the purchase of the radio. You can buy them without the radio with the kit here:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?I=120306229"
Agent: "And the harness here:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?I=120701817"
Jentry: "Is it possible to bypass my existing amp with this unit, or does it have to remain inline?"
Agent: "This harness is designed to keep the stock amp in line and working. I do not have a harness to bypass it. The only way I know to bypass it would be to run new speaker wire."
 
JPs01XJ said:
I've had my eye on this unit from JVC... http://www.crutchfield.com/app/cart/default.aspx

And here is an excerpt from my conversation with one of their service advisiors.

Agent: "Welcome to Crutchfield Online Chat. How may I help today with your product selections and purchases?"
Jentry: "Hi Paul. I'm trying to determine if the JVC KD-X250BT head unit is compatible with my factory stereo. I have a 2001 Jeep Cheroke with the Infinity stereo and external amp."
Agent: "There are no issues with using your stock amp with an aftermarket radio. We carry the mounting kit and harness needed to install a new radio and those parts get discounted to $15 together when purchased with the radio."
Jentry: "What are their part numbers? I would like to look at their cost unless you can quote me all parts needed."
Agent: "Their cost would be $15 with the purchase of the radio. You can buy them without the radio with the kit here:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?I=120306229"
Agent: "And the harness here:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?I=120701817"
Jentry: "Is it possible to bypass my existing amp with this unit, or does it have to remain inline?"
Agent: "This harness is designed to keep the stock amp in line and working. I do not have a harness to bypass it. The only way I know to bypass it would be to run new speaker wire."
Click to expand...


My experience with a grand cherokee with the infintiy amp says this is all accurate. I would question the pricing on the harnesses though. I have purchased from crutchfield about a dozen times in the last ten years and have never been charged for dash kits and wiring harnesses. Usually if you buy the head unit they provide the necessary goodies for free.
 
JPs01XJ said:
I've had my eye on this unit from JVC... http://www.crutchfield.com/app/cart/default.aspx

And here is an excerpt from my conversation with one of their service advisiors.

Agent: "Welcome to Crutchfield Online Chat. How may I help today with your product selections and purchases?"
Jentry: "Hi Paul. I'm trying to determine if the JVC KD-X250BT head unit is compatible with my factory stereo. I have a 2001 Jeep Cheroke with the Infinity stereo and external amp."
Agent: "There are no issues with using your stock amp with an aftermarket radio. We carry the mounting kit and harness needed to install a new radio and those parts get discounted to $15 together when purchased with the radio."
Jentry: "What are their part numbers? I would like to look at their cost unless you can quote me all parts needed."
Agent: "Their cost would be $15 with the purchase of the radio. You can buy them without the radio with the kit here:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?I=120306229"
Agent: "And the harness here:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?I=120701817"
Jentry: "Is it possible to bypass my existing amp with this unit, or does it have to remain inline?"
Agent: "This harness is designed to keep the stock amp in line and working. I do not have a harness to bypass it. The only way I know to bypass it would be to run new speaker wire."
Click to expand...

I put that same exact head unit in mine, a few months ago. I LOVE IT! I'm not even a iPhone carrier; I use Android based phones. It immediately connects when I start the Jeep and I have full function, whether I am using the radio as a phone or using the phone as the radio.
 
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