Well, OK, the truth: I'm 42, don't give a shit about graphics, but I am an audiophile, and professional musician, so...
I'm looking to spend in the $150 to $250 range (think e-bay volume discount) for a dash unit for my 82' Mercedes 300TD Turbo Wagon. Single cd/cdr fine - sub controls - easily yet fully tweak-able eq - GOOD FM reception - GOOD d/a converters - and well powered...
DON'T need: fancy graphics - ipod/mp3
The last "good" car stereo I purchased was in '86 - a KRC-2001 - everything I've bought since has been shit reception - shit power/sound, etc, so I'm trusting you all to steer me in the right direction.
The 300TD currently only has 3 1/2" speakers (4), but I'm looking at putting together a pair of 6x9's along with a small (6 1/2") powered sub tube to sit upon the back seats when their folded forward (I'm usually hauling sound equipment - and so have little room for additional amps and/or speakers)... but that's almost another post...
---more background: 8 years ago, I went shopping for a replacement for the KRC-2001, which had cost around $280 in 85'. What I found was a market flooded with cheap (not necessarily inexpensive) stereos - and more money simply bought more features - not better build or sound... The McIntosh at that time ( 2 knobs with cassette) cost a grand... I was willing to spend in $400 range at that time, but found nothing to fit the bill. I ended up with a Kenwood - detachable face w/ graphics - was a typical POS...
Musical tastes: Swing - Rockabilly - Jazz - Western
Anyway, what brands/models may fit my bill? I hate the menus and small buttons on all the new gear - (hello - I'm driving!) but what choice do I have?
Goldenvoice
