searching for alternative good mp3-unit

hey folks!

of course the mk2 is the best mp3-unit available - that's the reason why I have one.

BUT:
a friend of mine is searching for a good mp3-unit (mainly for use in car)
he knows the mk2 (i have one ;-) but he doesn't want to by one, 'cause it's too expensive for him and he would have to buy an extra amp, cause his factory-radio doesn't have a line-in.. that would be an extra cost..

so could anyone tell what would be the best solution for him - except the mk2 - and how much it would cost and maybe an url..

thanks in advance,

i can't suggest a mk2 okay i suggest a mk1

But seriously all i can think of is either sit and wait and see what appears over the horison or go for a small portable hard disc based player and an tape adaptor.

I have never seen one of the MP3 cd player units in action so i don't know what they are like or if they support ID3 tags or anything else.

Err.. if he's unwilling to install an amp, how the heck does he plan on connecting up WHATEVER he gets ?? The Mk1/Mk2/Mk2a can all use the same kludgey "cassette tape adaptors" that folks use to plug in smaller MP3 players, so why not one of those?

He could get an in-dash MP3 CD player from Kenwood, Aiwa, or any number of other brands. It will probably cost more than a Mk.2 right now, but it will have a built in amp and tuner.

In terms of functionality it will be in the dark ages, and he'll need a CD writer as well.

Rob

What type of factory radio does he have. Is he sure he doesn't have a factory installed amp?

I have a pioneer that has a plug for a cd changer in the back. Pioneer makes a RCA to IP-Bus Interconnector (part#CD-RB10) to fit into this plug in the back.

You can probably pick up a car stereo in the $120-$200 range with this feature.

Personally, I have a Pioneer head unit using the IP-bus to RCA interface and am delighted (Pioneers have great tuners built-in ). I don't know if they have a low-end CD-R/MP3 playing unit yet or not--though I'm sure they will soon.

I have had experience with a Jensen (I think it is 4010) which is not an MP3 player but has Aux-In's and Awia's MP3 player. The Jensen unit runs really hot and seems to have an unreliable record of perfromance (jams and intermittent operation/interface with the face plate). The Awia seemed to play OK. I didn't like the flashy (useless) graphics and the consturction seemed cheap. Word I've heard is it doesn't survive well on the road.

But like the others, I'm left wondering why search anywhere else? You can guide him to the best why consider the rest?

- tim

He could look at the Neo/m station which can go over fm radio in the car and it has a wee remote that glues on to the dash.

it is crap but it is the closest to the empeg.

he's got a sony. i don't know the specific type.
it's a cd-changer (so he has some line ins but only working with the cd-changer and sony has a very special cd-changer cable.)
all speakers are connected directly to the head-unit.

ok, he has a small amp, but that's only a 2channel-amp which is bridged so that he can connect a sub.. but no amp for the other speakers..

oh.. i didn't know that.... someone some experiences with the soundquality via those casette-adapters?
that would be pretty cool for him i think...

errmm... there's another thing.. he doesn't have some space in the dash where he could mount the empeg.. and he doesn't want to have too much work with install.. so he wouldn't see the display if he installed it somewhere else..
i know... it's not easy to find a good solution...

well - the cd-writer is not the problem.. but he said he doesn't want to have cd's.
he wants to have a similar solution like the empeg is - just cheaper.. something like the neo car jukebox.... i just wanted to collect some hints for him..

in my opinion of course it would be the best for him to get an empeg and a cheap amp (would be enough for starting and it could be replaced if it wouldn't be enough..)

well... maybe i'll make it to persuade him of buying a mk2... let's see..

by the way.. how much units are left for sale and whats the current price?

well... i've seen some of the mp3-cd-players in action but they are pretty weak.. but I think they seem weak 'cause I'm spoiled that much of the empeg

I thinks there is nothing similar to empeg and cheaper: oh yes, there is one, the empeg in liquidation If you've catch the deal, you could have the empeg at the price of the Neo.

But of course if you miss the moment, you could get the Neo... it's not too bad, only you could not compare it to the empeg!

The ONLY option for your friend is the PhatBox from PhatNoise. They currently don't support Sony, but it's on their short list. If your friend had a Kenwood deck he could install it in no time at all (or even buy the Kenwood version of the same box from Crutchfield).

Is it as good as the empeg? Not by a long shot (in terms of features and function - sound quality will be good).

Take a look at the matrix I put together a little while back: www.mypocket.com/mobilematrix/index.php

Bruno

I think it best that you steal his credit card then lock him in a room order him a mk2 and be done with it.

Hell you can buy a cheap snot amp for a hundred pounds or so. I picked up a top class 6/5 channel sony amp second hand for a hundred.

If he has seen an emepg he won't be happy with any other solution as most of them are flawed in one way or another.

If the Rio Car is still too expensive an option at this stage, I think I would just give up on trying to convince him!

Rob