Ok, so I don't actually have a mustang yet, but I'm looking to buy in the next month or so and upgrading the head unit is at the top of my to do list.
So in the interem, I figured I'd look at stereos.

Here's what I'm looking at for must haves...

DVD Playback cability
Mp3 disc playback
XM capable
bluetooth cellphone connectivity for handsfree dialing/talking
Wireless remote
and preferably the cabability to decode and output 5.1 (for use in mods down the road)

I don't care if the unit is double or single DIN, nor do I care about Nav, Ipod connectivity, or a rear camera.

I tried looking around on crutchfield but their site tends to be difficult when looking for specific features.

Any thoughts?

 

price range?

are there any features that aren't "must have" but are "would be nice to have"?

Any brand bias?

Speakers attached directly to the HU, or with an amp?

Do you prefer a screen that's motorized to tilt out some, or one that doesn't move at all. (I'm not talking about a single DIN unit that has a flip out screen..)

Are you particular about physical controls? Some people absolutely hate using buttons for volume control and insist on a real round dial.

Some generic notes: nearly all the DVD capable HU's support all the features you want (and the ones you don't care about) either built in or with accessories.

I was in a similar situation as you... I didn't want to pay for NAV (as I don't think any of the HU's route as well as my portable garmin.) In my case, I found the JVC AVX800 for 599 with an additional 10% off (AAA discount) and another $24 gift card on top... purchased locally. Adding on the bluetooth module ($99 on amazon), ipod interface ($23 on sale locally), sirius modules ($30 for the tuner locally and $40 for the interface module on amazon) and about $45 for install related adapters (harness, dash kit, etc.) At the time I was pricing things out, this was best value I could find for what I wanted and with a brand name I was comfortable with. (I don't trust Jenson, and I never heard of Dual before.)

I also tend to avoid purchasing something like this unless I can physically touch a sample of it first. Pictures on the internet don't compare to going into a store that has a display unit and pressing buttons.

 

Pretty open on the price end. More concerned with getting what I want than what I pay for it. as long as it's a good value, I'd go anywhere from $600 - $1200... providing the high endprice included nav or something of compareable value for that price point in addtion to my musthaves.

Basically what I listed is what I'm looking for. Nice to have a double din, but not required.

Nope, as long as there are enough solid reviews and testamonials to back up the quality of the unit.

Initially attached directly to the HU, but eventually going to amps.

Tilt would be nice to reduce glare, but I could live without it since I tend to do a lot of night driving.

No. This is basically why I want a wireless remote. I don't want to have to look and reach to do anything with it.

I'll take a look at the jvc models. Any others?

 

Other than the JVC AVX800, take a look at the double din kenwood's. The pioneer AVIC-D3 that has built in nav is very well respected (and for good reason), and can be had for $900 from Crutchfield with all the harnesses and adapters you need. In nearly every case, bluetooth and XM will be an extra module (or modules in the case of XM.) The JVC comes with a wireless remote, but I'm not sure with the others. (The remote is useless for me.) I'd suggest buying the extra modules from Amazon or even searching local stores for a cheaper price... Crutchfield seems to charge near MSRP for them.

I would strongly suggest touching and feeling before buying. The mid-range HU's are usually stocked by best buys or circuit city's... Only you can know what your application is, so only you can know what's perfect and what isn't. Screens vary between brands - some are more usable from various angles than others. Some interfaces are easier to use for some than for others.

You have space for a double din, and with your budget there is no reason to settle for a single DIN unit that has a flip out screen.

 

Pioneer Avic D3. I bought mine directly from CiruitCity installed for $1150. But theres other sites like Crutchfield where you can save some money and do the install yourself with instructions. Someone also mentioned cartronix.com. I went to there site and they got REAL good deals on speakers.