THSCC Forums

I'm thinking about getting a new head unit for the Miata. Anyone have any on-line resources that you would suggest (like Crutchfield) that I can check out? I'm well versed in stereo speak and can wire up just about anything. However I've been out of the loop for a few years (been spending my extra money on other car stuff) and don't know what's out there. Probably looking to spend less than about $300.00

_________________
Vincent Keene
'06 Ford Mustang GT (track rat)
'15 Dodge Charger R/T (yeah, it's got a HEMI!)
'07 Ford Fusion SE (205,000 miles and counting)
'98 Chevy Z-24 (retired)
'93 Acura Integra (Team SWB 24HOL Car)

Vincent... I've just recently put a new head unit and speakers in my Protege, and Crutchfield is still the way to go. I know over the last 6-8 years I've spent nearly $10k there, buying stereos, home theater, TV's, etc., and I still believe they are the best. Their pricing isn't always the lowest, but the service and the little things make a big difference. A good example was the addition of free mounting plates to fit the 5.25" speakers in the 6x9 cutouts for the rear deck of the Protege... as well as all of the free wiring harnesses. Crutchfield rocks. - AB

_________________
'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

ditto

_________________
Has no responsibility whatsoever.

I recently used www.onlinecarstereo.com to purchase a bazooka tube for my prelude, and a head unit for my wife's beater.
I only saved a few bucks on the head unit. It didn't include a harness and mounting plate like crutchfield, but I already had them so no big deal. The bazooka tube on the other hand, I saved over a 100$ off crutchfield's price. Crutchfield does have better service no doubt, but if you already know what your looking for then no need pay crutchfield's prices.
-Mike-

I also recommend checking out www.epinions.com. You should be able to find reviews for whatever your looking for.

_________________
2001 Honda S2000 - SOLD
2012 Boss 302
2003 BMW 330i

J & R Music world often has good prices, as does Amazon. If you want to pay the least, just do searches for a particular part number and pick the cheapest place. I've actually had good luck doing that, sometimes you can get burned though.

Got a Yamaha sub for much cheaper than the bigger stores...

Scott

Try a good local shop:
http://www.autoacousticsnc.com/

I picked up an Eclipse 3403 for around $200 from them for my '94 Miata.

Check out the specs on that unit (or equivalent unit). It isn't very bling-bling, it has the essentials to output sound and not much more, but...they concentrate on making the sound output/processing circuits the best that they can for that price level (instead of the cool display that shows videos). It actually is a better deal than the head units two or three levels up the model line.

After I bought and installed mine, all my friends who were shopping for a head unit that looked at mine and others, bought the same unit. It is incredible bang for the buck and it isn't a "fast-food electronics" unit. That unit was recommended by a friend who did the competition audio installations a long time ago but has scaled back to just "something nice" for his vehicles.

Only catch: you MAY have to have them install it to get the full warranty on the unit.

Oh yeah. Audio in an M1 Miata sucks compared to a non-'vert vehicle. Don't expect to get really good output unless you osme time redoing the speakers. The only reason I even have the CD-MP3 in mine is because it is my daily driver and I hate radio, otherwise, I would say it isn't really worth it to do a "low-end bolt-in" setup (I'm told that you really need to have tweeters on the a-pillar to get better quality output).