hi, was just down at Vision audio in Tuggeranong ACT and they had the DB456 CD/MP3 head unitfor $280.
Its got the music catcher function on it, which can record 3cds worth of music onto its inbuilt memory.
Just wondering if anyone has one and what they think of it, its appearance isn't that flash by todays stds but features do sound handy.
I took out the standard Clarion CD because it didn't always work, put in my old Sony CD head unit and though it always goes it has started skipping a lot these days so I am thinking of putting another unit.
Any recommendations for under $300 for CD/MP3

Stephen

I am not familiar with that exact HU, but that inbuilt memory sounds cool. Clarion HU's are very good, however I have known some of the cheaper ones to have issues with the MOSFET but that was a few years ago. Will go have a trawl and see what I find out about these HU's.

Standard buying of electronics equipment applies - never buy the base model.. always go one level up.

Recommendations are a bit hard without knowing if you want to run amps, screens etc. Any more info on what sort of a system you are after?

I will recommend for a standard "fronts & rears amped with a 4 channel/subs with monoblock" style system - the JVC KD-G425 - $250 RRP (JB's are keener, $seen them go out at $200 flat), got 3x preouts (front/rear/sub), WMA, MP3, everyting you need in an entry level HU. Looks a little plain compared to some, and the single rotary knob for everything is often annoying for some people. I still think that this is the number one value for money HU going around, hence I always recommend it.
http://www.jvc-australia.com/products/_products_sub_group_details.asp?ID=1503

There's not alot else that really grabs me under $300, I dislike any Kenwood stuff, any lower end (sub-$500) sony gear, and the Pioneer stuff I really hate the look of although it is fairly reasonable.

I prefer Alpine but you won't get very much for your money at a $300 limit. You'd need to spend $500 on Alpine to get the same as that above JVC.

EDIT: FHRX has an Alpine 9831 ex-demo unit for $300 - RRP $700 - GET IT NOW!!!!!
If you wanna ring him, PM me and I will p*** on mobile details...that unit wont last!

EDIT2: the censored word is p a s s

That Clarion HU looks very different :P

Everything looks good until I saw "2ch RCA Line Level Output"
So that means:
1) no sub with the front and rears amped; or
2) Fronts and subs (running of rear RCAs) amped, rears powered by HU.

You could use an amp with "Line Through" (outputing what it is fed, my Audiobahn 4x75W has it) to on-send the signal to a sub amp and get around that problem, or even an RCA splitter (Y cable)

The JVC has 3ch RCA line output, and the sub level is controlable from the HU - none of those awful sub amp remote gain boxes to be seen.

But yes, that clarion will do the job. Especially nice is the CD Text/Title and Radio Text capability (I have that on my 5 year old Alpine HU's), MP3/WMA....

THEN I NOTICED: "Magna B A S S EX" :shock:

If you wanna be different (I haven't seen that one in any car before) then go for it.

also ask around and see if they have any of the older models still available, i know most places i've talked to have mentioned older models (as the new ones just came out) and so u can save a packet! u might end up with a $500 deck for under $300 or something.

or theres always the end of financial year sales coming soon, could get a good deal at jb hifi or something

Thanks for replies, I am only looking at a head unit at the moment. Just want some reasonable music in my car when travelling, something that plays MP3's and CD's without skipping or playing up and would also like line in if possible. I am not really into hifidelity in my car, I have a really good stereo at home to listen too ...when the misus and the kids are out.
The Clarion seems quite a good deal, and I have seen some units with line-in for around the same money. Will probably wait a bit longer till tax time and some of those really good deals.

Hey Steve, JVC make some good gear, I put one in the Daewoo and its great, also have a Blaupunkt unit in the Magna and its another step up, thoroughly recommend them, nearly all the stuff these days plays mp3 and wma unless you go mega cheapie.

So those old speakers still pumping at home hey?lol
I thought you would have blown them by now:D

The Clarion doesn't look like it has line-in, but I could be wrong.
The JVC's have them for sure.

Only one line-out isn't too much of a problem. There are quite a few relatively cheap EQ's and electronic crossovers which will split the one output to 3.

heydude - yep, speakers still pump really good. Only get to shake the house down when I'm home alone - which isn't often. They are still so clear - most people are impressed by the clarity of sound. no fast car anymore but still got the good sounds. Still dreaming of a projector...