Thread: stereo advice for car

Clarion aren't too bad - not the same sort of over-the-top-ness and brand appeal as Rockford Fosgate, but similar to Pioneer or Sony or any of the other mainstream Japanese manufacturers.

But for that price (unless iPod compatibility or wma/mp3 playback is a big purchase decider) you aren't going to get all that much improvement, sound wise, over your OEM head unit.

All in dash units are limited to around 45 watts peak output (this is a size constraint; you can't fit the required circuitry for high power outputs into a DIN size chassis) so it's not going to get much louder, either.

Don't know the specs for that model, but you might want to consider if it's got new inputs -- USB, SD, Ipod.
Last one I bought, a few weeks ago, doesn't have a CD player. Don't need one because I play MP3 files from either the USB or SD card input.

its not bad for a run out model front right has a door you open and connect ipod/usb which is appealing as you dont have to carry a heap of cd,s anymore although it has a cd player aswell

Sounds pretty good for the price.

Nothing wrong with Clarion. Sold them at autObarn when I was there. Stick with a name brand, you cant go too wrong. It's a pretty good 'value for money' unit too, with full ipod control compatability, IR remote, and 3 RCA pre-outs.

i bought the clarion, nice sound,and i am still reading the instruction manuel on how to set the radio stations.i also picked up some 4 inch alpines $52 and 6x9 pioneers $21 of ebay
the auto elec charged $90 to fit the stereo and wire the alpines in and i made some new side panels for the 4 runner out of ply and fitted the pioneers myself
i actually impressed the wife so that made my day