Tara W's 2004 Honda CRV
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Items installed:
- Sony CDX-GT930UI CD receiver
Tara's Story
Tara, a Crutchfield copywriter, keeps all her tunes on her iPod. She used to listen in her car using an adapter, but quickly realized she was looking for more options and flexibility in her listening experience.
She considered all the options available, and decided that in order to get what she wanted, like the ability to search iPod menus using the receiver's controls, she'd need to replace her factory radio with an aftermarket stereo that featured built-in iPod control.
Tara settled on the Sony CDX-GT930UI CD receiver. She liked the idea that she could control her iPod from the stereo, keep it charged, and stow it in her glove box while driving. And it even exceeded her expectations in some ways. "The Digital Music Plus sound enhancer really works," she says. "I noticed new details in the highs and lows."
"I've also noticed that the stereo imaging is better," says Tara. "I can make out the separate instruments and where they're coming from."
Q&A Section
What made this stereo the right choice for you?
I wanted something that let me connect my iPod but also let me change albums while driving. In the past, I had an iPod adapter where I'd have to disconnect the iPod, change the album, and then reconnect it again. With the Sony receiver, I can quickly scroll through artist names or albums on the display, and pick the one I want.
What's the first thing you show people about your car audio system?
How easy it is to jump between songs — that's essential to me because my iPod's full of music, and it takes too much time to jump around in there.
Why did you choose these products?
Lucky for me I work at Crutchfield — I got a recommendation on this model from a co-worker. Plus Sony is a trusted name, and it had the iPod-friendly features I was looking for.
What was the most difficult part of the installation?
The toughest part for me was finding a way to route the iPod cable from the back of the receiver into my glove box. The wiring and actual receiver installation were pretty simple, thanks to the kit and harness provided by Crutchfield.
What plans, if any, do you have for future upgrades?
I'd really like to upgrade my speakers. I think the system sounds ok now, but I imagine it'll be even better when I get around to new speakers.
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by Crutchfield's
Meet Zak Billmeier
I'll do my best to make videos that are helpful and interesting.
I've been a camera nut since I was a kid. I got really into it around age 12, when I got hold of a Pentax K1000 35mm camera. My father is a photo nut also, and we had access to a darkroom. Ever since then I have delighted in trying out new cameras, lenses, and photo techniques. Working here at Crutchfield, I get to handle all the new and cool camera gear I can get my hands on.
I'm also into audio, from car audio to home audio to headphones. I'm a music lover, and an eye-opening moment for me was discovering just how much more there is to musical recordings when you listen using high-quality gear. It's an experience I try to pass along to others as often as possible. I truly believe that having good quality gear in your car or home can really enrich your life.
I started getting into the video side of things early on in my Crutchfield career while I was a copywriter for car audio products. In those days our video program was just getting started, and many of us pitched in when our writing and editing duties allowed. Today, we have a dedicated team that makes hundreds of videos a year, including spotlights on products and product lines, how-to videos, videos that shine a light on our company, end everything in between. I am proud to be a part of that team and of the work we do.
My job is a lot of fun because I get to play around with all the cool stuff you see on our website while I'm making videos. Getting hands-on with the gear helps me see what I should show you about a product, and I look at our videos as a way of having a conversation with you when you are considering a purchase. If I do my job well, you should come away from a Crutchfield video understanding why you do — or don't — want that product. In the end, it's gotta be something you enjoy.
More about Zak
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