I’ve installed car stereos before, and even swapped out speakers. It’s a good first project for a car owner, but it’s also quite a hassle.
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For this unit, we decided to go with a professional install. It’s short money, less than $100, but the peace of mind is worth it.
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I like that:
– It’s cheap. (or should I say "affordable")
– It has a lot of options (Bluetooth, CD/MP3, USB stick, SD card, audio cable, and 30 slots to save radio stations)
– The microphone is embedded in the front of the device (I don’t use this often, but it’s nice)
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It’s a decent head unit. The sound is good – I’m not an audiophile, but the equalizer controls are definitely better than my old standard radio.
The controls are all right – you can figure out most stuff on your own. It sure is BRIGHT – but I bet there’s a setting for that which I have not yet found!
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Overall I like it a lot – short money, great options, remote control is nice to have on hand too.
– There is a wealth of source options. CD/MP3, USB stick, SD card, audio-in cable, Bluetooth, and 30 possible presets for the radio stations.
Cons:
– I find the control buttons to be a little small, especially the buttons around the knob. OK if you’re barehanded, but not at all glove-friendly. I would also be happier if the knob itself were knurled, but I have some grip issues.
– Because the microphone is in the faceplate of the box, it does what you’d expect a mic to do in the dashboard of a car – pick up all sorts of random driving noise. Ok for minimal use, or talking when you’re stopped, but if you’re one of those people who talks the whole time you’re driving you’d best have a really quiet car.