Hi,

I currently have a 2004 Honda Civic Si Coupe and I would like to replace the head unit in the car. I've arrived to this decision after realizing that in 80% of the time the FM transmitter doesn't work.

On side note: I only recently bought this car and I don't know much about car mods, so I'll get the deck installed by 3rd party (store/mechanic)

I am looking for a good brand/model of a car head unit for the max of $200.
I am not interested in anything related to ipod functionality seeing how i dont have one and never will.

I have a Creative Zen Vision:M mp3 player. This brings me to the main feature set: AUX-in, USB-in, and "USB direct control".
I could run audio through a regular aux jack, but then deck's screen and controls will be useless.
From what i've heard, the standard USB-in port is meant for usb hard drives/usb sticks and the deck will work with songs as files.
Finally, ive seen "USB direct control" being mentioned, and from what I understood, it allows one to control the mp3 player through the USB cable using deck's controls. Note: i dont knwo if this applies only to ipods.

some decks have both aux and usb in front and some have only in the back/via cable. I'm guessing it'll cost me extra to get the mechanic to drill 2 holes in the dashboard to expose the usb and aux plugs and install them.

so, to sum it all up:
mp3 player (non-ipod) input. (either via usb or aux or both)
good built-in amp for all the speakers i have in the car (i think 6 in total)
easy access cd slot
remote control (not a deal breaker)

i am also curious about bluetooth/hands-free addons

thanks,
Serge

 

I would look at a Pioneer 4000uB or 5000UB and just hook a mini rca to rca wire into the back of the Aux.

They are decent decks for under 200$

 

Any ideas about Clarion DXZ385USB ?
(Id post a direct link but it seems like im not allowed...)
Thanks