Which stereo should I get?

[JeffM T/A GT]

I am looking to get a new stereo. I am trying to stay under $150 and would like it to have usb input. I have it narrowed it down between a Sony Xplod (CDX-GT420U) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=320338073443 and a Legacy (LD33M) dvd player http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-LEGACY-CAR-I...d=p4634.c0.m14. I trust Sony because I have had sony receivers in the past, however I do like that the legacy has a dvd player and screen while putting out 320 watts. What do you guys think? Any other suggestions?

[MN6WS6]

Legacy is Pyramid. If you don't know what that means, think Pawn Shop or Fairground blowout specials or flea market. Cheap stuff. No radio on the planet can put out 320 watts of pure power, it's more like 320 watts when struck by lightning, touched by the hand of God, downhill on an icy road with 20 eighteen wheelers pushing it against a generator that puts out 319 of the 320 watts while distorted.

You have to go high end Sony to get anything of any decent quality from them. If they are offering the radio AND two speakers for $120, you ought to know it's a POS (and so are the speakers). It would be like buying a bag-of-crap from Woot when they tell you in advance that it is literally a bag full of poop. I'd stay away from both of them.

I personally run the old Pioneer P77DEH or whatever they are labeled that are GM-fit. They don't have MP3 or all that pretty lights and graphics stuff that the new ones have. But it fits my vehicles, it sounds great, and it has more features than most people are aware of (50 disc changer capability, XM radio capability, built in crossover with adjustable crossover points, etc.) People call that old school, but it plays any CD that you put in it and it does not break. I've had one in my Firebird since 2000 and one in my Astro since 2004 and neither one has ever given me any issues. But you aren't going to get one for $150, and we're talking about a 10 year old radio that Pioneer STILL sells because they are just that dang good.

If you want other opinions, I'd go with a mid-level up Kenwood, Alpine, or Eclipse. Even JVC's are better than that Legacy, so stay away from it at all costs.

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

There's a guy selling one right now here: $145

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=665253


It's actually the same one I'm using as well...solid piece. Might not be the "cat's meow" anymore with features, but fits perfectly and is a really nice radio. It can be easily expanded as the above poster stated.

[JeffM T/A GT]

Finally decided on a receiver. I went with a kenwood kdc-mp738 http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...DC-MP738U.html.