Advice on car audio device (radio to be precise)

[KahHeng]

Can any of you, car gurus, advise me on the type/make/model of car audio device i should install in my car, pls?.. I am hoping to find one with USB port which allows mp3 to be played via the port (i.e plug in thumb drive and the audio device would be able to play the music from the thumb drive)..

Would I be able to get a decent one for a budget of below RM500?

Many thanx in advance for the advices

[ceo684]

Pioneer head unit (aka CD player) would be good.

Something like the 4xxx series (4050UB model) and higher series has USB ports.

Around the 4xx-5xx price range i think

[KahHeng]

Thanx Budiman ceo684

i'll go check them pioneer models you proposed out

[bslee]

Whatever USB capable player is not quite the issue. Ensure the player can be tested to see how fast its USB port reads the thumbdrive file system.
Say if you have a 8GB or 16GB thumbdrive filled to the brim with your stuff, the player may take a longer time to read the drive before ready to play.
I experience my own a 8GB thumbdrive filled with up to 70% of stuff ripped from my CD albums, mp3 and wma format, it takes up to a minute or more to read, then only play. My thumbdrive is arranged with about over 30 individual folders each of different artist or album and may pack in more later on. I'm already thinking about a 16GB thumbdrive later on (when price drop lah).
Then again, I think there's head units there may be much much better than mine. Test before buying.

The main point is, I find USB port feature and Bluetooth feature exceptionally useful for car entertainment. Bluetooth is useful for cell phone hands free feature. Lets not mingle this with DVD features...that'll cost much much more.
With USB, no need to carry a stack or handle CD discs anymore.

Another great brand (maybe pricy) but superb is Alpine.

[Hiliary]

What HU do you have now? Most brands have ipod/mp3 adaptors so all functions are controlled from the HU. Also there are after market display units/adaptors. Search for Alpine or Harman Kardon to get an idea of how they work. Most will charge as well. (Alpine KCA 420i is one model)

I am thinking about removing the HU and plugging the ipod direct to an amp.

[Hiliary]

or get a pre amp with a USB for less than RM200

[Mayang]

Go have a look at Brothers Auto Accessories Shop in Kelana Jaya - huge selection there.

[VeeJay]

Then again, I think there's head units there may be much much better than mine. Test before buying.

I'm not sure about high-end brands which cost more than RM700+ but low-end brands do really have difficulties reading thumbdrive when it is filled more than 70%. I have a 16GB and read time could be more than one minute or at times fail to load on some players.

So, do test prior purchasing. I'm even planning to get a 1TB portable drive to test with my player...since price had dropped....hmmmm

[fRaNkY]

My Nero software can convert mp3 files into audio files you can compiles your own favourite songs into a CD.

[VeeJay]

My Nero software can convert mp3 files into audio files you can compiles your own favourite songs into a CD.

I have 1TB of songs and movie....imagine the number of CDs one need?!

[fRaNkY]

I have 1TB of songs and movie....imagine the number of CDs one need?!

I shall report u to the police... and MACC.... for piracy