Car Stereo Opinions

mastacox · 07-09-2004, 08:42 AM

So, I kind of want a new stereo and here's what Im looking at, its a Sony CDX-F7700:

Anyone have specific opinions bout this deck or similar? Vibration resistance and such? I want to spend around $200.

OH, one more thing-

I don't want: "[That one] sucks, get [this one]."

I want: "[That one] is infamous for [specific problem], try [this one]..."

Thanks for any info.

X-AWDriver · 07-09-2004, 08:57 AM

My friend has the model a step up from that which I think the big diff is that it plays MP3s and it sounds good and to test it we went over some really rough washboarded roads and no skipping issues at all but off roading might be a little different.
I'm thinking of getting a new deck and this is the one I want and it's under $250 installed.

99runner4me · 07-09-2004, 08:57 AM

That looks like a higher model Xplod than I have. I have an older 3+ years Sony Xplod in my Runner. I've been happy with it. It started skipping about a year ago. I think they'll start skipping when they get old. Now, I occasionally run a disc cleaner through it when I start hearing it skip.

mastacox · 07-09-2004, 08:59 AM

Sweet, the one you're talking about is the F7700...

Is the MP3 reproduction good on it? I might decide to get that if it does well wit MP3's.

Epic Ed · 07-09-2004, 10:22 AM

Last year, Sirius Satellite radio had a promotion on all head units that were "Sirius compatible" (Panasonic and Kenwood units). They tossed in a free antenna and satellite receiver -- I only had to pay for the subscription.

Gotta tell ya, I'm completely hooked. I absolutely love the satellite radio stuff (I have an XM Roadie for my other vehicle) and think it's absolutley worth the $10 a month. So, my recommendation is any good head unit that allows you to get the satellite radio components for cheap (I have a Panasonic that performs very well). If you do a lot of road tripping to places where good radio stations are hard to find, you'll be grateful for the new toy. I rarely use my CD player -- there's just too much good stuff to choose from on Sirius/XM.

Ed

2001Millrunner · 07-09-2004, 11:29 AM

\ "That one sucks, get a Alpine." JK

SLC Punk · 07-09-2004, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epic Ed

Last year, Sirius Satellite radio had a promotion on all head units that were "Sirius compatible" (Panasonic and Kenwood units). They tossed in a free antenna and satellite receiver -- I only had to pay for the subscription.

Gotta tell ya, I'm completely hooked. I absolutely love the satellite radio stuff (I have an XM Roadie for my other vehicle) and think it's absolutley worth the $10 a month. So, my recommendation is any good head unit that allows you to get the satellite radio components for cheap (I have a Panasonic that performs very well). If you do a lot of road tripping to places where good radio stations are hard to find, you'll be grateful for the new toy. I rarely use my CD player -- there's just too much good stuff to choose from on Sirius/XM.

Ed

Same here, I have a Sony CD deck (about 4 years old) and a Sony 10 disc CD changer in my 4Runner. Since I got the Sirius, the CD decks rarely get used.

I am a fan of Sony, That's all I have ever owned. Go for it!

PhxRunner · 07-09-2004, 11:34 AM

The major complaint I have heard about Sony is the skipping. My buddy's Sony used to skip when he shifted. I have owned Pioneer and Nakamichi and neither of those have ever unless I really jolted the car/truck (which is normal).

This is not opionion, just stating facts.

Bigkahuna808 · 07-09-2004, 11:54 AM

sony sucks thier sound quality is not as good other brands in the similar price range. Go with Eclipse. They may not have all the fancy pictures, but the deck is worth it.

fourunnabilly · 07-09-2004, 12:05 PM

If that is the deck you want, i say go for it. i am not going to promote any sony products. if others can verify that it will do for you what you expect, then i think you have found your answer. there are many other brands of head units i would suggest to at least minimally explore...good luck.

Billy

X-AWDriver · 07-09-2004, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mastacox

Sweet, the one you're talking about is the F7700...

Is the MP3 reproduction good on it? I might decide to get that if it does well wit MP3's.

Actually I don't think friend or his wife has even tried an MP3 yet.

I'll go bug 'em and we'll try a couple out.

Gringo · 07-09-2004, 12:45 PM

I have run kenwood, sony, Alpine, Pioneer---of all these alpine has been far better. Sony is has a big name and lots of marketing. Anyway if you are interested in a Alpine I found a new one shipped to your door for $206--here is the link--good luck with your choice.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_g...sterid=1805790

the above is a mp3

for a cheaper version with XM compat. 50x4 $148 delivered

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_g...sterid=1790915

mastacox · 07-09-2004, 12:48 PM

Hey thanks a lot man

I'll definitely check it out, I have heard lots of good things about Alpine.

Sweet

WT · 07-09-2004, 12:57 PM

I also say if your looking to replace the headunit look for one that will play MP3's and WMA's maybe even support for XM or Serrius (spelling) , that way you can carry several 100 songs per CD..
I recently replaced my Kenwood deck with a Alpine that does both MP3's and WMA's and I got to say on long trips one CD can play forever and it sounds good too.

mastacox · 07-09-2004, 01:29 PM

Sony CDX-F7700

Alpine CDA-9827

So now the issue is comparisons,

Shipped Prices-Pretty darn close
Sony- $209.89
Alpine- $206.82

Max Power- Approximately the same
Sony- 52x4
Alpine- 50x4

EDIT-
Sony RMS Power- 23 Watt
Alpine RMS Power- 18 Watt
So the Sony has better sustained power, an important consideration

Both are Satellite Ready, support Mp3s and CD Changers, both have removable faces...

IMO the Sony is a better looking player, but Im not too concerned with that if the Alpine is clearly superior in audio clarity and what not. I don't have any special eqipment (Amps, changers), but may get a sub a few years from now.

I get the feeling the Sony will have better visibility in most situations, T/F?

Both of these will fit easily into my DIN in my 2nd gen I assume.

So, what say the masters of audio?

Edit: Another thing, the Sony's CD slot is covered by the face, less likely to get clogged with dust?

lee · 07-09-2004, 01:33 PM

i have an alpine... and it is SO sick. i love it, it even made my stock speakers sound good.

my alpine's face covers the cd slot as well... and it angles which is awesome.

kevin444 · 07-09-2004, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee

i have an alpine... and it is SO sick. i love it, it even made my stock speakers sound good.

my alpine's face covers the cd slot as well... and it angles which is awesome.

You might wanna check out a panasonic cq-8300u i have that for my 4runner that kicks ass.

mastacox · 07-09-2004, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee

my alpine's face covers the cd slot as well... and it angles which is awesome.

What kind of Alpine do you have, just curious...

MvCrash · 07-09-2004, 05:00 PM

1,,,,,,2,,,,,Cha cha cha...............................

MV

boraxman · 07-09-2004, 05:34 PM

Personally ive had nothing but problems w/ Sony car audio. I have since been running Alpine and I feel its a superior product. One other consideration should be Nakaminchi (sp?)

2wd1stgen · 07-09-2004, 06:50 PM

I would look for the least expensive sony that plays mp3's and purchase it. That is what I did. To me a stereo is a got to have it yesterday type item unlike brakes, shocks, or tires that can be put off for years.

07-09-2004, 08:42 AM	#1 (permalink)
mastacox Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Los Alamos, NM Posts: 2,474	Car Stereo Opinions So, I kind of want a new stereo and here's what Im looking at, its a Sony CDX-F7700: Anyone have specific opinions bout this deck or similar? Vibration resistance and such? I want to spend around $200. OH, one more thing- I don't want: "[That one] sucks, get [this one]." I want: "[That one] is infamous for [specific problem], try [this one]..." Thanks for any info. __________________ Brian 1998 4Runner SR5 Last edited by mastacox; 07-22-2004 at 12:34 PM.

07-09-2004, 08:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
X-AWDriver Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Littleton,CO Posts: 9,659	My friend has the model a step up from that which I think the big diff is that it plays MP3s and it sounds good and to test it we went over some really rough washboarded roads and no skipping issues at all but off roading might be a little different. I'm thinking of getting a new deck and this is the one I want and it's under $250 installed. __________________ '99 4Runner Highlander 4wd E-locker,rear diff and deckplate mod * 265/75/16 Nitto TerraGrapplers * Yakima Load Warrior rack * clear corners/signals * Tacoma skidplate * Silverstar lamps/fogs Alpine CDA-9831,Bazooka EL Series 250w amp,MTX 10" sub

07-09-2004, 08:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
99runner4me Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 156	That looks like a higher model Xplod than I have. I have an older 3+ years Sony Xplod in my Runner. I've been happy with it. It started skipping about a year ago. I think they'll start skipping when they get old. Now, I occasionally run a disc cleaner through it when I start hearing it skip. __________________ 1999 4Runner SR5, V6, 2WD - LIFTED & LOCKED for backcountry adventures. 1997 Land Cruiser 40th Anniv. - Family Hauler. If it was my choice, "it would be lifted already!" "Don't laugh, they're both paid for!"

07-09-2004, 10:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
Epic Ed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 655	Last year, Sirius Satellite radio had a promotion on all head units that were "Sirius compatible" (Panasonic and Kenwood units). They tossed in a free antenna and satellite receiver -- I only had to pay for the subscription. Gotta tell ya, I'm completely hooked. I absolutely love the satellite radio stuff (I have an XM Roadie for my other vehicle) and think it's absolutley worth the $10 a month. So, my recommendation is any good head unit that allows you to get the satellite radio components for cheap (I have a Panasonic that performs very well). If you do a lot of road tripping to places where good radio stations are hard to find, you'll be grateful for the new toy. I rarely use my CD player -- there's just too much good stuff to choose from on Sirius/XM. Ed __________________ '95 4Runner\|32x11.5 BFG TA KOs\|Hi-flow Cat\|Dynomax muffler; 2.25" exhaust\| Downey Headers\|4.88 gears \|Detroit EZ locker \|Detroit TruTrack\|BJ spacers\|Downey HD coils\|2" rear spring spacers\|Rancho RS9000X/RS5000s\|WARN hubs\|TJM T15

07-09-2004, 11:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
2001Millrunner Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Lynnwood, WA Posts: 1,187	\ "That one sucks, get a Alpine." JK __________________ 01 4runner 4x4 SE (stupid Cntr lock diff,VSC,TRAC) Stuff I've wasted my money on front/rear chicken fence clear corners Hella 500s Lexus HID PIAA LED bulbs ISR, Breather,DP Mod Amsoil filter husky cargo liner Cobra STX II SE badge Griot's stuff Alpine CDA-9815+Infinity Reference+12"Fosgate Punch/amp BFG A/T 32s Bilstein HD *Perforated Leather Seats...Buncha other stupid things "Uh....I dont know what I'm doing" -Ray http://community.webshots.com/user/ray0227

07-09-2004, 08:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
mastacox Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Los Alamos, NM Posts: 2,474	Sweet, the one you're talking about is the F7700... Is the MP3 reproduction good on it? I might decide to get that if it does well wit MP3's.

07-09-2004, 11:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
PhxRunner Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 27	The major complaint I have heard about Sony is the skipping. My buddy's Sony used to skip when he shifted. I have owned Pioneer and Nakamichi and neither of those have ever unless I really jolted the car/truck (which is normal). This is not opionion, just stating facts. __________________ 2001 Titanium Limited Nakamichi 45Z - PPI 60x4 Amp - Alpine DDDrive 6.5" Comps JL Audio Steathbox - Delphi XM Radio - Sylvania Silverstars

07-09-2004, 11:54 AM	#9 (permalink)
Bigkahuna808 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Oahu, Hawaii Posts: 768	sony sucks thier sound quality is not as good other brands in the similar price range. Go with Eclipse. They may not have all the fancy pictures, but the deck is worth it. __________________ '97 Sr5 2wd 4runner. I have NO lockers, NO Sliders, NO TRD, NO 4wd and I still decided to lift my 4runner.

07-09-2004, 12:05 PM	#10 (permalink)
fourunnabilly Guest Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Last stop on the westcoast line Posts: 738	If that is the deck you want, i say go for it. i am not going to promote any sony products. if others can verify that it will do for you what you expect, then i think you have found your answer. there are many other brands of head units i would suggest to at least minimally explore...good luck. Billy

07-09-2004, 12:45 PM	#12 (permalink)
Gringo Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Mazatlan Mexico Posts: 158	I have run kenwood, sony, Alpine, Pioneer---of all these alpine has been far better. Sony is has a big name and lots of marketing. Anyway if you are interested in a Alpine I found a new one shipped to your door for $206--here is the link--good luck with your choice. http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_g...sterid=1805790 the above is a mp3 for a cheaper version with XM compat. 50x4 $148 delivered http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_g...sterid=1790915 __________________ 00 5spd, lightforce 170 s, IPF fogs, heavy duty wire harness w/ phillips vision plus, Optima blue top, TJM-15, 285 Revos, 1 inch RB, SAW s, OME, Panhard drop, diff drop, deckplated, Alpine 9813, Alpine Type S, husky, diff breather, AOR SS brake lines, 3 million cp light, Infinity basslink For Sale......

07-09-2004, 12:48 PM	#13 (permalink)
mastacox Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Los Alamos, NM Posts: 2,474	Hey thanks a lot man I'll definitely check it out, I have heard lots of good things about Alpine. Sweet

07-09-2004, 12:57 PM	#14 (permalink)
WT Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Virgina Posts: 722	I also say if your looking to replace the headunit look for one that will play MP3's and WMA's maybe even support for XM or Serrius (spelling) , that way you can carry several 100 songs per CD.. I recently replaced my Kenwood deck with a Alpine that does both MP3's and WMA's and I got to say on long trips one CD can play forever and it sounds good too. __________________ 96 4Runner SR5 SC \| 3" Revtek Front/OME 891 Rear,Diff/Panhard Drop\|AirLift bags\|285/75/R16 Nitto Terra Grappler\|Eaqle 121 w/TRD Logo\|Bilsteins\|Cross-Drilled PS w/PF Pads\|Silver Reverse Gauges\|Custom Grill\|Catch-All Floor Mats\|Sylvania SilverStar\|Weather Tech Visors\|Clear Corner/Fronts\|Alpine MP3/WMA/CD\|99+Headlight/Console Mod\|K&N FIPK W/Drycharger\|Optima Redtop\|Trans-Cooler\|Remote Start\|PICS\|PICS2\|

07-09-2004, 01:29 PM	#15 (permalink)
mastacox Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Los Alamos, NM Posts: 2,474	Sony CDX-F7700 Alpine CDA-9827 So now the issue is comparisons, Shipped Prices-Pretty darn close Sony- $209.89 Alpine- $206.82 Max Power- Approximately the same Sony- 52x4 Alpine- 50x4 EDIT- Sony RMS Power- 23 Watt Alpine RMS Power- 18 Watt So the Sony has better sustained power, an important consideration Both are Satellite Ready, support Mp3s and CD Changers, both have removable faces... IMO the Sony is a better looking player, but Im not too concerned with that if the Alpine is clearly superior in audio clarity and what not. I don't have any special eqipment (Amps, changers), but may get a sub a few years from now. I get the feeling the Sony will have better visibility in most situations, T/F? Both of these will fit easily into my DIN in my 2nd gen I assume. So, what say the masters of audio? Edit: Another thing, the Sony's CD slot is covered by the face, less likely to get clogged with dust? __________________ Brian 1998 4Runner SR5 Last edited by mastacox; 07-09-2004 at 03:41 PM.

07-09-2004, 01:33 PM	#16 (permalink)
lee Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: boston, ma Posts: 6,766	i have an alpine... and it is SO sick. i love it, it even made my stock speakers sound good. my alpine's face covers the cd slot as well... and it angles which is awesome. Last edited by lee; 07-09-2004 at 01:35 PM.

07-09-2004, 05:00 PM	#19 (permalink)
MvCrash Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 342	1,,,,,,2,,,,,Cha cha cha............................... MV

07-09-2004, 05:34 PM	#20 (permalink)
boraxman Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: So. Cal. Posts: 190	Personally ive had nothing but problems w/ Sony car audio. I have since been running Alpine and I feel its a superior product. One other consideration should be Nakaminchi (sp?) __________________ '96 Tacoma 4x4 SR5 Xcab 3.4 5spd ARB Rear Locker Bilstein Shocks Center Line Wheels w/ Cepek FC2's Deckplate & ISR Mods K&N Filter JBA SS Cat-Back System B&M Short Throw Shifter(I like it) Alpine Sound System w/ XM Radio

07-09-2004, 06:50 PM	#21 (permalink)
2wd1stgen Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: durham, nc Posts: 139	I would look for the least expensive sony that plays mp3's and purchase it. That is what I did. To me a stereo is a got to have it yesterday type item unlike brakes, shocks, or tires that can be put off for years.