Electronics Any car stereo experts here?

**The Bad Guy** · 09-15-2012, 07:31 AM

My wife has a 2004 Honda CRV. Great car, runs great, but the CD player needs massive upgrading.

For her birthday, I want to get her a new indash unit that has hands free Bluetooth built in, aux in, and a USB interface. She has the factory disc changer in it now, but i doubt she'd be using many CDs if she had the audio control in the head unit.

I'd also like something that fits right into the opening now without brackets or a kit to install.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? I've checked out crutchfield and best buy, but not a huge fan of that selection.

Thanks for any help.

Silock · 09-15-2012, 08:53 AM

I picked up a Pioneer system that fit that bill exactly a couple of years ago. Model is most likely discontinued now. The best thing to do is head to a local stereo shop and pick it out, then get it online.

Crutch field is expensive, but their support is worth it if you're a novice installer.

Otherwise, the head unit is a fairly easy and straightforward install. Amazon and eBay both have great selections for reasonable prices, and would be the first places I'd look.

Luke Warm · 09-15-2012, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

I'd also like something that fits right into the opening now without brackets or a kit to install.

A Salt Weapon · 09-15-2012, 09:43 AM

After you find one that works for you, get the wiring harness adapter for your make/model. It will keep you from having to figure our which wires go where, and extend the factory wiring giving you more flexibity for making the connections.

**SAUTO** · 09-15-2012, 10:02 AM

I have found that a lot of the aftermarket wiring harnesses aren't right either.

Don't know that you can get a radio to fit without brackets either.
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**BigMeatballDave** · 09-15-2012, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silock

I picked up a Pioneer system that fit that bill exactly a couple of years ago. Model is most likely discontinued now. The best thing to do is head to a local stereo shop and pick it out, then get it online.

Crutch field is expensive, but their support is worth it if you're a novice installer.

Otherwise, the head unit is a fairly easy and straightforward install. Amazon and eBay both have great selections for reasonable prices, and would be the first places I'd look.

Crutchfield isn't expensive at all. You can get a nice head unit for $100.

**BigMeatballDave** · 09-15-2012, 10:05 AM

They give you the hardware for free, too.

Silock · 09-15-2012, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

Crutchfield isn't expensive at all. You can get a nice head unit for $100.

But you could get the same head unit elsewhere for cheaper, buy the necessary hardware and still come out ahead.

Like I said, though, if you need the help installing it, their guides and support are excellent.

**Saulbadguy** · 09-15-2012, 10:56 AM

Crutchfield is MSRP on everything.

**BigMeatballDave** · 09-15-2012, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silock

But you could get the same head unit elsewhere for cheaper, buy the necessary hardware and still come out ahead.

.

Nope.

**BigMeatballDave** · 09-15-2012, 11:11 AM

Crutchfield has lowered their prices, plus they still give you installation hardware.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130P140...rv=10852510585

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pioneer-Do...-1400/19898015

**BigMeatballDave** · 09-15-2012, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saulbadguy

Crutchfield is MSRP on everything.

Wrong.

Silock · 09-15-2012, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

Crutchfield has lowered their prices, plus they still give you installation hardware.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130P140...rv=10852510585

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pioneer-Do...-1400/19898015

It's not always like that.

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...ice_Comparison

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130P800...T.html?tp=5684

The hardware isn't $30. And that's also just one example. Like anything, you have to shop around. What you picked out is only available in two places that I can find, and you showed both of them. When the selection is larger, Crutchfield doesn't fare as well.

**BigMeatballDave** · 09-15-2012, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silock

It's not always like that.

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...ice_Comparison

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130P800...T.html?tp=5684

The hardware isn't $30. And that's also just one example. Like anything, you have to shop around. What you picked out is only available in two places that I can find, and you showed both of them. When the selection is larger, Crutchfield doesn't fare as well.

For the most part, it is very much like that now. I compared a few more units. All similar in price.

Installation hardware at Walmart, plus wiring harness(if they even have it)is around $30.

Wiring harnesses can vary greatly in price.

**BigMeatballDave** · 09-15-2012, 11:47 AM

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+...&skuId=4040138

$50 less than Walmart or Crutchfield, include harness and hardware.

Good deal.

09-15-2012, 07:31 AM
The Bad Guy Scott Pioli Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: The Copacobana Casino cash: $9373645	Any car stereo experts here? My wife has a 2004 Honda CRV. Great car, runs great, but the CD player needs massive upgrading. For her birthday, I want to get her a new indash unit that has hands free Bluetooth built in, aux in, and a USB interface. She has the factory disc changer in it now, but i doubt she'd be using many CDs if she had the audio control in the head unit. I'd also like something that fits right into the opening now without brackets or a kit to install. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I've checked out crutchfield and best buy, but not a huge fan of that selection. Thanks for any help.
Posts: 23,212

09-15-2012, 08:53 AM	#2
Silock MVP Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $10020882	I picked up a Pioneer system that fit that bill exactly a couple of years ago. Model is most likely discontinued now. The best thing to do is head to a local stereo shop and pick it out, then get it online. Crutch field is expensive, but their support is worth it if you're a novice installer. Otherwise, the head unit is a fairly easy and straightforward install. Amazon and eBay both have great selections for reasonable prices, and would be the first places I'd look.
Posts: 19,908

09-15-2012, 09:43 AM	#4
A Salt Weapon Rookie Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Alaska Casino cash: $2653539	After you find one that works for you, get the wiring harness adapter for your make/model. It will keep you from having to figure our which wires go where, and extend the factory wiring giving you more flexibity for making the connections.
Posts: 1

09-15-2012, 10:02 AM	#5
SAUTO Shit Join Date: Jun 2008 Casino cash: $10039067	I have found that a lot of the aftermarket wiring harnesses aren't right either. Don't know that you can get a radio to fit without brackets either. Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 55,715

09-15-2012, 10:05 AM	#7
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	They give you the hardware for free, too. __________________ 2015 Adopt-a-Chief: Tamba Hali
Posts: 59,997

09-15-2012, 10:56 AM	#9
Saulbadguy When a nightmare becomes real Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $2446966	Crutchfield is MSRP on everything. __________________ http://www.goemaw.com
Posts: 46,969

09-15-2012, 11:11 AM	#11
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	Crutchfield has lowered their prices, plus they still give you installation hardware. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130P140...rv=10852510585 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pioneer-Do...-1400/19898015 __________________ 2015 Adopt-a-Chief: Tamba Hali
Posts: 59,997

09-15-2012, 11:47 AM	#15
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+...&skuId=4040138 $50 less than Walmart or Crutchfield, include harness and hardware. Good deal. __________________ 2015 Adopt-a-Chief: Tamba Hali
Posts: 59,997