Best Bang for the buck
 

O.K., I think I'm gonna cut my dash, and was wondering what the best bang for the buck out there is. I want a USB port, a real iPod port, and CD player.
It needs to be simple to use and reliable, being in an old truck. Right now I'm looking at a Clarion 585, Memphis power refence coaxial speakers in the kick panels, and an amp to make it sound a little better. Installed it'll run around $730.00, which is probably at the top end of what I want to spend right now. I like to listen to bluegrass, southern rock, country, jazz, and definitely no rap or dance music - I don't want tons of bass. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Re: Best Bang for the buck
 

I bought an Eclipse 5100. It's got all the bells and whistles any average guy could want, as far as I am concerned. Got it on sale for under $250. It's the nicest HU I have owned so far in my life, and it's pretty easy to use. It's also got a lot of options to add onto in the future. Built in USB, two outputs for Ipods or CD changers, and lots of RCA outputs, and a lot o tuning built into the head unit. Plus it has an internal 200 watt 4 channel amp if you want to utilize it. I'm sure that last bit is pretty standard now, but my last head unit has about half the output, and maybe 1/3 of the other options if I am lucky.

Re: Best Bang for the buck
 

Probably the best bang-for-the-buck headunit out there right now is the Pioneer 510UB or 610UB.

I think that they fit best given your criteria.

The Eclipse 5100 is also a good choice as well as the Kenwood KDC-MP438U.

As far as an amp, I would find something cheap from a good brand for now until you decide to upgrade. Look for a small two channel amp from Alpine, Arc Audio, Rockford Fosgate, or Zapco.

Re: Best Bang for the buck
 

Speaking of Rockford Fosgate...
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1506/p1010870ob6.jpg