OK, I know this subject has been covered ad nauseum many times before, but as you all know, the world of consumer electronics is a constantly moving target.
I have been perusing the internet and local stores for a new in dash CD player for my non-Porsche (2001 Toyota 4Runner). I've got an Alpine 5 channel amp, 10 inch sub, and the 'Runner came with Infinity Reference separates in the doors (that was a nice find after getting her home from Carmax!). All that's left is to find a new head unit to replace the factory piece.
I'm partial to Alpine as I've always been impressed with their build and sound quality. Unfortunately, no one, including Alpine seems to make a unit that has everything I'm looking for. Here's my "wish list":
Single CD/MP3
AM/FM/HD Radio
RDS
iPod controls
Bluetooth
3 pairs of line outs (Front, Rear, Subwoofer)
"Knob type" control for volume
"Intuitive" controls
I don't necessarily need satellite radio.
"Bling-factor" not necessary
The closest thing I've found to what I'm looking for is the Alpine CDA-9885, which isn't out quite yet. They make you buy separate accessory modules to add HD Radio and Bluetooth. RDS isn't even an option on any Alpine unit. I've played with the CDA-9857, and it seems decent, but I'm not crazy about the way the face just "flops" open to insert or eject a CD. Seems kinda cheesy compared to the motorized units that they used to make.
I've looked at everything that I've been able to find (Alpine, Kenwood, Eclipse, Pioneer, Panasonic, JVC, Sony, etc.) and nothing is grabbing me, let alone knocking my socks off. Anybody got any input before I "settle" on something?
