Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio deck

if i was to buy a deck for my contour sport mtx what would be the most for my buck?

tks

-bRs

Something used, and reliable? Alpine? Nakamichi? Kenwood? Either way though, anything is better than stock

It's hard to do wrong in this area. Assuming you'll be spending $150-200 on a HU (not quite entry-level with nice features and room for expansion), performance is very similar. It'll depend mostly on features and aesthetics.

If you held a gun to my head and said to pick one, I'd probably select a JVC KD-SH55. I've heard nothing but high praise for it, and it's got pleanty of nice features and looks pretty nice too.

[image]http://www.mmxpress.com/jvc/images/KDSH55.jpeg[/image]

That JVC KD-SH55 would probably work well. I have the KD-SH99 and have been really happy with it. The main difference between the two is that the SH99 will play MP3s burnt on a CD (if that is important). There are some othe differences (listed on the JVC site):
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/digifine21/lineup.html

You'll see that the KD-SH99 is now the KD-SH909 - pretty much the same thing with new aesthetics. That may mean you could find a good deal on an "old" KD-SH99 somewhere (it looks exactly like the KD-SH55).

I just ordered a Pioneer DEH-P7944MP CD/MP3 player. Everything I have read on it has been very good and it was only $229 from www.sounddomain.com. I havent been able to find it under $300 from any retail store and shipping was only $10. Also, it has a built in MOSFET 50x4 watt amp.

http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/PIODEHP7400MP

This seems like a pretty good buy.

If you are planning on expanding later to subs, and amps. I would suggest a HU with Sub-level RCA Preamp outputs. This allows you to control the level of the subs with out adjusting the gain on the amp itself. It also allows you to keep the bass down on your interior speakers.

I just purchased a Pioneer P8400-MP from Buy Digital Direct for $319.00 with shipping. These HU retail for $600.00.

You could go with a lower priced HU, but I would suggest making sure you are getting 3 sets of RCAs(front, rear, and subs).

Just My Opinion.

Joe

I also highly recommend the JVC Digifine line of head units. I have the KD-SH77 (identical to the 99 except MP3 capability) and love it. The 55 doesn't have as many features as the 77/99, but it has the same basic specs and capabilities.

I love my KD-SH55, for now anyway. I want to upgrade to one with a rear auxillary input. I'll sell you mine if you're interested.

I got my Nakamichi CD-40Z for $141 from ubid It has front and rear rca outs as well as a sub out (rca) aux input and a remote.

Haven't heard anything about the digifine series that I would say is bad. I have a 4+ year old JVC HU that I threw in the Taurus and it's still kickin.

-Pete