Want a new car stereo, which do I choose and what do i need?

[Link127]

I want to get a new car stereo for the fiance's car as a birthday present. I wanted something that has not only traditional radio, but also is a nice CD player, ipod-compatible, Sirius satellite ready, and possibly HD radio ready. HD radio is more of a just in case thing, as I have no idea if that will catch on or when. It's much more important for the ipod and Sirius support. One with a Sirius tuner built in would be even better.

Anyway, there are way too many to choose from, so I came to you guys for help. Here are a few I had been looking at:

Kenwood Ez900HDS

Alpine CDA-9857

Panasonic CQ-C8303U

Panasonic MXE CQ-C7203U

Alpine CDA-9856

I was looking at a fewer cheaper models as well. I just don't know what to choose with so many available. What makes/models are best?

Lastly, what exactly do I need to install? I've never installed one before, but I plan on buying from Crutchfield because of all the good things I've heard of their customer service and support. They also throw in Mastersheet instructions tailored specifically to the vehicle you own so I guess I should be okay. What I was getting at was, it seems when installing it I must choose to crimp or splice the wires. It also seems like I might need stuff like a crimping tool, crimping caps, etc. What exactly should I need?

Please help!

 

[Hi Ho]

I like the Alpine and Panasonic head units out of the ones you listed. Panasonic is my favorite mainly because they have above average egornomics/ease of use, which is very high on my list. I love my Panasonic head unit. It's a basic unit but it works great.

 

[3x10^8]

I'm personally a bit partial to alpine, but those panasonics have sub pre-outs which is nice if you want to add one on later.

 

[Link127]

I like the Alpine and Panasonic head units out of the ones you listed. Panasonic is my favorite mainly because they have above average egornomics/ease of use, which is very high on my list. I love my Panasonic head unit. It's a basic unit but it works great.

what brands do you like that i didn't list?

to anyone - feel free to rank the top few brands. i think that would help narrow my search.

lastly, no one mentioned the Kenwood one. is Kenwood not a good brand? the reason i had been thinking about this particular Kenwood model is that it includes both a Sirius radio tuner and HD radio tuner built into the head unit.

 

[Hi Ho]

I've never used Kenwood but I hear they are good. Eclipse and Clarion also make good head units.

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

I use Pioneer and have been very happy with it. It is very simple to use, and has all the right hookups for what I need.

~Chuck