i am looking at getting a new car audio system i really like the idea of a dvd-Mp3 player. i do not wish to watch dvds in the car just play mp3's. (flac wma and ogg would also be nice but...) i would like an, aux-in so i can plug in a portable player. and a sub-out. i am working in australian (aus) dollars around $1000 for the head unit. i don't think i need to get an amp but i do need new speakers i have found this at sony and looks pretty good to me.

http://www.sony.com.au/xplod/catalog/produ...ategoryId=23004

does anybody ahve any comments about this player or any other recomendations?

That looks to be only a mp3 cd head unit...I'm not aware of any standalone DVD units for mobile purposes that can be purchased without a screen...

I have the new Pioneer DEH-P7750MP, excellent unit, plays MP3s and AACs encoded with iTunes. RRP is about $800 I think, but I got mine off eBay for significantly less than that. No DVD facility. Pioneer provide an adaptor to connect the iPod with. With something like that youd have the ability to play ALAC files, rather than FLAC. The iPod adaptor allows full control of the iPod from the head unit face and remote control too.

Anybody know of a head unit that will play mp3's off of DVD?

sorry guys i don't know whats wrong with that link, i can't get it to show you the one that i want. the one i want is MDP WITH 52 X 4 S-MOSFET DRIVE SHX MEXR1
there is a link on that page on the right hand side towards the bottom it is the last one that is priced at $799 the introduction says:

"Sony Xplōd takes multi-disc playback to a new level with the MEXR1! Equipped with DVD, MP3, JPEG and VCD, you've got complete playback flexibility, and the capacity to fit an astonishing 1000 MP3 tracks* on a single DVD±R/RW disc! Also, the new Zone x Zone feature lets front seat passengers tune in to the radio or playback CDs from a CD Changer, while passengers in the back watch their favourite DVDs with headphones. *When average track length 4 mins, bit rate 128kbps, average file size 4mb"

i had no idea what you guys were on about but does any body know of any other units that claim to do this ("a head unit that will play mp3's off of DVD?") i would like to look at others.

also are there any technical issues with this unit that any body has issues with? any feedback on this hed unit is welcome.

JVC KD-AVX1
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/car/euro/av/avx1/

Try JVC new one here at Crutchfields site
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-5vW1mQOM5G0/c...arch=257kddv510

Alpine does two, I don't know how much they are.
DVA-9965E
DVA-9860E

Now all we need is OGG Vorbis support, so we can have gapless playback....

Has anyone put money into one of the units that interfaces with the ipod?
I was specifically looking at the Alpine & Pioneer units. I really just want a simple unit but I would like to have as complete control over the ipod as possible.

I've read that some units are difficult to navigate and some of the head unit can't display much of the ID tag information.

In my honest opinion, the amps are what make the system. Not because more power = loudness, but because the amplifiers make the speakers so much more efficient, thus you get the full potential out of the speakers. Don't let the power rating of the head unit fool you, some manufactures boast "High Power outputs" when delivering a meager 15 - 25 watts, this isn't enough to drive any 4 ohm speaker effeciently! From what I've found, you'd be better off investing in higher voltage pre-amped output(3-8volts) into an after-market amp.

I just recently made a "project" out of upgrading my car system and what a joy it now is to drive and listen to! If you do the install yourself you'll save around 30 - 40% which you could apply to the purchase of an amp?

Just a suggestion?

That JVC looks nice but the resume function is crippled according to reviews (resumes from beginning instead of at specific time)...I couldn't live with that.

I had a friend who had a Sony Xplod unit years ago...it had a horrible reputation for heating up, so much so that it heated up to the point of no return. Xplod was a good name for them then...I generally avoid Sony like the plague. The Alpines above are most likely the best money can buy (and that second unit is appropriately priced. :X couldn't find the 9965E after a cursory froogle search).

I seriously considered getting one of these sometime ago. Best Buy had them, and probably still does. It's not a high end stereo, but it does what you're looking for. Instead, I got the lesser model that supports only CD formats. I love it, though.

I have the Pioneer unit and adaptor, just have to get the iPod. When I do, if I think of it, I'll post a report here.

All headdecks get way too hot when you use the amps in them in my experiance, nothings more worrying then pulling a CD-R out and the thing is "hot" - the issue will not happen if you use external amplifiers so are not putting current thru the internal one.

IMHO the first upgrade to any car stereo should be an amplifier, followed closely by swaping the factory speakers out for something better. Otherwise you are just putting rubbish signal into nice speakers. dont be too fussed about pre-out voltage - an 8v pre out is only 3dB over a 4 volt one, and if you have a noise problem on the 4 volt, the 8 volt wont make it a hell of a lot better, instead fix your grounding etc to make the 4 volt one work properly.

Isn't a doubling of voltage a 6dB gain? But I agree - even 1-2v is plenty in many cases.
I'd say that the first upgrade should be some quality front speakers - the sound quality of all brand name decks is fine, so the only advantage of an external amp (besides letting the headunit run a little cooler) is the extra power - and not everyone requires that extra volume.

Even only a new headunit can make marvellous difference. I know this because a friend of mine bought a new cd player to replace his old factory installed cassette player and now the speakers have come alive.

So my recommended order would be
1. New headunit (with good internal amp)
2. New speakers
3. External amplifier

This was years ago, this friend may have already had an external amp...I don't recall. In any case, I agree completely with the use of an external amp and replacement speakers. My Kicker Impulses are approaching 10 years of age and are emitting signs of wear.