mp3 head units

[predator]

I just got a JVC S785 mp3 head unit for $300 for JB hifi in ringwood but i still need to install it before i can tell you how it runs.

$300 - sheez... bargain.. maybe i'll pick one of them up before i go full steam and buy a pioneer one + new speaker setup - because i'm missing my cd. What is the quality like...what is the quality of the amp? When does it distort (% of top volume).

Most importantly how is the functionality? Can it read in directories and just a directory to play that cd? and play full id3 tags?

Alpine, Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood, and JVC now all make mp3 units.

Apparently the Sony is a bit of a bitch in selecting tracks off directories (and i'm not a fan of Sony car stuff just in terms of sound quality)... so kinda wondering which is best bang for buck. If its going to have mp3 and i'm paying a few hundred bucks more i want the mp3 to work damn well!

[The Tool]

Originally posted by Red Sky II

I have read on this and other posts about an antenna switch on the series 2 R33 - where is this switch and what does the button look like as I can't find one on mine and my antenna doesn't go up when the radio is on

Cheers, Al

It's a rectangular switch, just to the left of the steering column on the lower dash area with the symbols:

__

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Haha! How good is my artwork!

[The Tool]

Aww, crap. Didn't turn out so good after all...

[predator]

no.. it's pretty safe to say that looks like nothing at all

Or maybe it looks like this??

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//||

:bahaha: :bahaha:

[Greg]

$300 - sheez... bargain.. maybe i'll pick one of them up before i go full steam and buy a pioneer one + new speaker setup - because i'm missing my cd. What is the quality like...what is the quality of the amp? When does it distort (% of top volume).

I'll let you know when i install it (will probably do in the next week)

Most importantly how is the functionality? Can it read in directories and just a directory to play that cd? and play full id3 tags?

The manual says it can do all this.

Apparently the Sony is a bit of a bitch in selecting tracks off directories (and i'm not a fan of Sony car stuff just in terms of sound quality)... so kinda wondering which is best bang for buck. If its going to have mp3 and i'm paying a few hundred bucks more i want the mp3 to work damn well!

yeah the salesman told me jvc were the best on the market in terms of speed of trach selection etc, but i haven't seen any others operate myself.

[predator]

Course the sales person is going to say that Thing is i've listened to upteen cd players in my time, but have yet to play around with an mp3 face unit to see what its like. Sound kinda groovy, never been into stackers so its like the next generation. I'll have to take in a test CD or something of tracks to play around.

Let me know how it goes - might pick one up in the sales in a week or so!

[predator]

Yeah, i picked up a JVC S785 for $300 as well yesterday (+ 50 blank cdr's - too good!). About an hours work installing it...very easy in an R33. Hardest part was figuring out via trial and error the wiring for the speakers. Seem to have got everything right and its working well.

Sounds ok, hard to tell a bit because just running thru the standard speakers at the mo. Distorts at higher volume but i'm pretty sure its just hte standard cheap ass speakers.

Might write a mini review or something here.... handles mp3 very well and the ID tags, quite impressive. Remote is pretty useless, but it works.

Overall not a bad unit for a bargain price... One day i'll upgrade to a good Pioneer mp3 or something when i get around to the rest of the system. It gives me CD sound in my car which is what i'm happy enough with for the moment.

[T0nyGTSt]

I'm installing the JVC S985 in my r33 tomorrow hopefully.

Should be dead simple. The JVC decks are a bit no frills IMO (no wnak EQ's etc.) but great SQ and the features it has are sensible.

Remote + detach face + mp3 + dual outputs + sub out + clock and no wank graphics.

Can't beat it.

T.

[Sumo]

how much did you pay for your 985??

Cheers

Sumo

[d0p3y]

Of the Mp3 unit's ive seen & heard, the JVC's and Alpines are the best by far. The Alpines are also quite fast when it comes to seeking through Mp3s etc too.

[Red Sky II]

Does anyone in Perth know where you can take a look at the JVC units that have been talked about here?

I am currently looking at one of the following to replace a Sony MD Tuner (no CD function) and Sony DSP unit that came with the car:

- Panasonic CQ-DFX572 (about $600)

- Panasonic CQ-DFX972 (about $1,000), bit much though

- Pioneer DEH-7450 (about $1,000) pricey and their lowest priced MP3 player

and now of course, the JVC ones mentioned here. They don't look as good as the others IMHO but for half the price or so, you can't go wrong. Just gotta find me one to look at.

I would have expected the Alpine units to be around the $1K mark and above.

Tried the JVC site and they want you to fill in a form. Maybe we should approach JVC for an SAU group deal since they seem to be selling lots of them :lol:

Cheers Al

[T0nyGTSt]

The JVC s985 is under $400 in Sydney if you look around.

Ironically, I bought mine with another SAU member

T.

[Sumo]

Im in for a group buy on a 986

Cheers

Sumo

[MM2death]

I got the JVC KD-S785 for $345 at JB Hi-fi about 6 months ago. I'm quite happy with it...no troubles with it etc. Good quality sound!

[Gester]

So where can you get the JVC S985 for under $400? JVC has them listed for $529. What about JB would they have it?

[eliter33]

you probably won't be able to get one for that price unfortunately ... the lowest i have ever seen or sold one for was $470... they are a good unit though

[eliter33]

good luck though. if you find one let me know thanks

[hippy]

if u want to lower your price down ... just keep showing them the money ... and prolong the buy as long as possible ... my friend did this when he got his pioneer ... it took him over an hour of haggling ... but he did it ... he got the current pioneer oled one... without mp3 for like 600. the guy was only doing it for 680 before ... so take your time

[funkymonkey]

i got an AIWA mp32 unit. Plays WMA files, MP3, preouts 4 channel etc etc. for US$125 which is about $250, and is much betta than a JVC by far. It also has a flip out face (like the kenwoods) which is kewl when ppl jump in...

Hop in... "hey where's ya CD player?"

Turn car on... *flip* "ooooh bright colours"

Nother thing i noticed about ALL mp3 players (Alpine, kenwood, pioneer included) is that when they're playin 192kbps mp3's the standard these days, their bassline is a bit squarer than with CDs. I reckon its becaused its oversampling is common on Audio CD's and not on MP3s.

Other than by features its really hard to pick a good mp3 player from an average one these days.

[Ghodde]

I have a Pioneer DEH-P940MP. Pricey, but seriously worth it. Pioneer have also just released their new range of MP3 players. You can get one for US$250.

Try this link:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pioneer/...4010600,00.html

If it fails, go to:

www.pioneerelectronics.com

Choose counrty as USA, then hit "For Car" (at top), then Car Electronics Products (Not Premier).

Then, on left, Single CD Players.