Car Stereo Unit That Isn't Blingy And Complicated
 

Anyone have a rec for a car audio unit that is:
- Simple and old-school looking; not blingy
- Knobs and buttons instead of menus
- FM, CD, and some way to plug in a smartphone; don't need Bluetooth
- Fits in standard DIN spot
- Doesn't need to have lots of power
- Fairly cheap
- Used is okay, even preferred

Will go in my Vanagon.

As an example, I have this in the 911, it fits the bill but these Beckers are too expensive for the Vanagon.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-PORSCHE-911-CARRERA-996-1-BECKER-RADIO-STEREO-HEAD-UNIT-CD-DISC/232982491118?hash=item363ed6afee:g:NaAAAOSwdutZg89 A:rk:37:pf:0

I always start with Crutchfield: https://www.crutchfield.com/g_300/All-Car-Stereos.html?awcr=77309415708134&awdv=c&awkw=after market+radios&awmt=e&awnw=s&awat=

I don't know if they have a Vanagon suitable model...I used the site a few months ago when doing research for replacing a radio in my daughters FJC.

Found what I wanted then went and negotiated with the local folks.

There are some neat things out there today. They have Single DIN radios with "fold out" screens with navigation, Satellite, hand free cell phone calling and provisions for backup camera, all for under $500. I am considering putting one of these into my dad's 2003 Exploder, and it will increase the value by 25% :D

Sad, a 2003 Exploder, V8 engine, with less than 50K miles.

Agreed, Crutchfield is great. I purchased basic Pioneer head units for my son (2000 Ford Explorer) and my 2004 Wrangler. They came with the wiring harness adapter and trim plate. Easy peazy to install. Sure they have all kinds of fancy graphics but you can turn that stuff off and choose a backlight color to match your car. The ones I bought don't have CD player (we don't do CD's anymore) and have both a front and back USB port. That was great to be able to wire the USB port from behind and keep the install clean looking. We both stream music from the interwebs or iPod. I paid ~ $175 for each with all the install gear and shipping. No regrets.

this "marine" Kenwood doesn't seem too obnoxious, and is reasonably priced

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113D375BT/Kenwood-KMR-D375BT.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1543873026.jpg

I've been considering one of these for my ancient MB. It interfaces with your smart phone via an app! Brilliant design IMO.

Pioneer SPH 10BT ... Simple when you want it to be and blingy???

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1543874004.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1543874018.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1543874030.jpg

A lot of the guys on the Benz board like the Continental_https://www.ebay.com/p/CONTINENTAL-Radio-USB-Mp3-WMA-12v-Car-Tr7411u-or/15018163046?iid=173274657119&chn=ps

I always buy vintage Eclipse head units for any of my cars that take a single DIN. I typically get 2001-2003 vintage, copper chassis, true SQ head units with no internal amplifier, but they don't have connectivity.

For connectivity, I would recommend something like this then John:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Eclipse-CD3200-CD-MP3-WMA-Receiver-Remote-USB-Bluetooth-Wireless/332905843211?hash=item4d82bc0a0b:g:rRcAAOSw8JZbrH4 q:rk:56:pf:0

This is probably better built than most head units on the market today.

Something to consider.

Crutchfield has a simple noaa radio that caught my eye. Marketed towards tractors and stuff like that. I ended up just living with a crappy stock radio.

I have two Kenwoods and they are simple to operate (buttons), play CDs, have USB ports and can stream Pandora, etc have ample power and both were less than $100.

Clarion has been kicking out some pretty good looking stuff for older cars lately. No idea how they fit the budget though

I use this Pioneer PRS-80 in a couple of cars (has a bunch of illumination colors you can choose that suits any dash) :

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1543912700.jpg

I went through this a couple of months back for the 996. I went with this Kenwood from Crutchfield. One of the things that I wanted was buttons for the preset stations. All in, including having Crutchfield pre-wire the harness it was $134.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KMBT522/Kenwood-KMM-BT522HD.html

I was able to set the display to be the same orange as the rest of the dash. Ir looks great and sounds very good. Crutchfield support was fantastic. One of my cell phones wouldn't pair (it supports 2 connected at the same time). After about 45 minutes with no luck he said "I just Googled this, lets give it a try". He had me clear the Bluetooth cache on the phone and it connected right up. I would definitely give them my business again.

Seems to fit all your requirements except CD, but may have the ability to wire in a separate CD unit. Multiple finshes and configurations available to fit the interior including all black. Prices range from $160.00 to about $390.00 depending on options like, Bluetooth and Sirius

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1543918389.jpg

There are a couple threads in the 911 Technical forum on this exact topic. For my current RSR-ish GT project I am running an early 70's Blaupunkt 8-track player/radio that's been modded for Bluetooth. :) Bought it for $50 bucks.

The Kenwood unit in my '87 has an app too. Never use it, mostly because it is crap. I DO use the bluetooth connection all the time though.

This.
 

However, you will pay for it. It also requires an external amp, setup is a real PITA BUT. There is nothing that sounds this nice with a CD..

I have one from my STI which I kept (along with all my other gear)

https://images.crutchfieldonline.com...99R-f_mt2.jpeg

Kenwood have always made great head units but this Pioneer has a phone mount. That alone got my attention.
It's a lot better than using some stick on contraption.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vDweDSRJoyk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Prob won't matter with a single din...but some double dins have on-screen sliding controls for often used functions..volume/tuning..etc. Not fun while driving...imo

looks like the Pioneer sph-c10bt isn't sold in the US. Sure looks cool!