Need a new stereo for my car

[bakku]

So my car was broken into the other day and my deck was stolen. Talked to the insurance company and they're giving me $250 to spend on a new deck at wholesale prices which is about $300-350 at retail prices depending on the brand.

What is/are the best brand(s)?
Any suggestions for specific models? (MP3 player is a must)

Keep the price limit in mind please, I'm not willing to go over what the insurance company is giving me.

[edtost]

alpine/eclipse for brands, but the head unit won't make too much of a difference in sound quality anyway. it's been a couple of years, so i don't have any model # info, sorry.

i have an alpine that plays cd's with mp3s on them, and the user interface is really good, but i usually take the source from my ipod now anyway.

[fluxrad]

Also don't forget Kenwood and Pioneer.

[Leo99]

They just came out with HU's that can control iPods with an optional $100 adapter. I just ordered a Pioneer cause all the places, from CircuitCity to Crutchfield, recommended Pioneer. You can get JVC decks that will accept SD cards for about $300. Check our www.cardomain.com (http://www.cardomain.com) for good selection and low prices.

[peachy]

i always get pioneer

[wacki]

www.nakamichi.com/ (http://www.nakamichi.com/)

http://www.eclipse-web.com/

Everything else is just a poor imitation.

[sfer]

A ghetto blaster for the backseat and a dozen rechargable Ds.

[MarkL444]

[ QUOTE ]
but i usually take the source from my ipod now anyway.

[/ QUOTE ]

do you mean with a FM transmitter or do you have some kind of direct digital input? i tried using an itrip and it sucked, but id loved to get a direct connection if at all possible.

[edtost]

i used a headphone -> rca adapter and plugged it in to the aux input in the back of my head unit - ugly wire, but at least it sounds good. the fm transmitters blow.

[edtost]

mmm, forgot about nakamichi, though the one i had in my first car had a defect that made it skip all the time. i think macintosh was making a hu for a while too, but its most likely overpriced and really hard to find.

[daveymck]

I've just got one of those tape adaptors to hook up my MP3 player the sound quality isnt that bad.

[SomethingClever]

[ QUOTE ]
i tried using an itrip and it sucked,

[/ QUOTE ]

Can you elaborate? I was looking into these.

[astroglide]

i would want a replacement head unit to have audio inputs on the front (or somewhere else easily accessible), hopefully several of them