I've got most of my audio setup in mind, except i don't know where to start w/ the headunit. These are the things i want.

- Under $250
- has mp3 cd playback capability
- has knobs for volume and settings (like factory unit), not up/down buttons
- has interface/backlighting that looks good in SOP Element....not a high priority but i don't really want any purple and blues....i want a red/orange or something that looks decent or at least the ability to toggle between the two.
- don't care for graphics, bells and whistles, etc.


needs to be a good unit to power setup like Element J's.....4 Infinity 62.5 door speakers, Infinity 1001t tweeters, and eventually an amp and 10 or 12" Infinity Sub.

I've heard this pioneer (http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=piodehp750mp&svbname=48)
and the Eclipse 3403 were good....not sure about the colors of the buttons, etc.

let me know what you guys think.

any suggestions overall for my audio setup?

any good sites on good pics on how to install a headunit for the layman?

- Mike
mooremr6779@yahoo.com

I'm using the DEH-750MP. Covers *most* of your requirements, including volume knob, but the tuning and other settings are set all via left/right/up/down control. I'm also annoyed that the cellular-mute signal doesn't pause the CD when it mutes the unit. The display is slightly blueish which matches my empeg, and the backlighting of the buttons isn't too offensive, except maybe the two EQ and EQ-EX buttons - they're purplish. ick.

Otherwise, to your other questions, search for my name in other threads, you might find interesting (or not-so...) ramblings.

-brendan