I'm looking for suggestions for a replacement audio receiver. My Panasonic cassette player is not quite up to doing what we would like. We are not audio freaks but would like good sound, CD capability and an iPod input port (AUX).

I have heard some bad stuff about some brands and would like to hear from someone who has had good luck with their choice.

Also, I am assuming that the faceplate will have to be modified to fit the new receivers. My opening is about 2" x 4.5" and has two shaft holes at each end of that opening. I suppose I will have to cut it to about 2" x 7" in order to fit a modern sleeve that holds the radio.

I have Pioneer DEH-X7500HD units in both my van and Barth. They're both solid performers. The only gripe is that they have to be "programmed" for face colors, etc. The HD FM is noticeably crisper than standard.

The units were on sale at Crutchfields. They have excellent customer service and advice, and all mounting dimensions are clear. Most contemporary units use standard DIN mounting cages, so you will indeed need to enlarge the opening.

At the moment I cannot remember the brand but we installed an HD radio, maybe the same as Rusty's. It also has the annoying color option and generally is smarter than the listener but! it gets the HD stations and provides many options for input. Search HD radio and pick one with a good review. Generally available for less than $200 and less aggravation than sat radio.
Tim

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rusty:
I have Pioneer DEH-X7500HD units in both my van and Barth.

The units were on sale at Crutchfields.
Reply:
I see that Crutchfields no longer offers this model. Pioneer still has it on their site and there are quite a few on eBay so maybe they are still available. Prices are around $90 - $100 so it is in the ball park.

I have a Pioneer receiver at the house which has been great.

BTW, I will give the original Panasonic radio to anyone who is restoring a motorhome and wants original equipment. I also have a Audiovox cassette unit that I removed from my 1998 Airstream that I will give away.

Don

I ended up buying a Kenwood KDC HD458U receiver. It is HD capable, has USB and AUX inputs on the front and does the rest of the things like color change, etc. I was swayed by the size of the speaker harness wires on the Pioneer vs the Kenwood. It is probably not an issue but bigger is better as far as speaker wires are concerned. Now all I have to do is modify my dash so the DIN configuration will fit.

Don

Just to update the audio situation. The Kenwood HD system sounds great with the original Panasonic speakers. It is also much more sensitive and I get many more stations even with the rig under our metal covering. I am waiting for a new ABS plastic dash board to be fabricated then I will permanently mount the radio.

Now, if my A/C only worked!!

Don

http://www.peachtreelearning.com/Barth/SONY_Barth.JPG

This has been a terrific SONY unit. No problem fitting it in. Sounds great on original speakers (I think there are about 20 or so) and has a remote, which is nice while driving.