Here is a way to limit interest of thieves and improve sound quality over MP3s and CDRs:

Buy a cassette deck w/remote CD changer.

WHY?

1. Thieves never take a second look - especially if you do a stealth installation.

2. The sound quality is very good for some models like my Eclipse 4502 with 5 volts preouts (won awards etc. too).

3. They are relatively inexpensive (although I know we all agree about the sound quality of particular CD players like the Alpine 7909).

4. If you have a relatively high end home system and cassettes you can actually make recordings that are superior to any MP3 or CDR - a warm but very detailed sound, not so harsh. However you will need a little more power since recording cassettes properly requires the db to be slightly reduced.

Note: I have high end cassettes from 20 years ago that I recorded off CDs and records and they still sound phenominal. I defy friends who come to my house to tell the difference between my recorded cassettes and the actual CD and they are amazed at not being able to tell the difference in sound quality. Also, my home stuff is equivalent to top-line Sony ES series equipment and Mission $1,000.00 speakers.

Great idea !

Here's a couple of other tips

1) Remove that //Alpine, KENWOOD, ROCKFORD RULES banner from your car. They look stupid and the only people they impress are theives who now know what's in your trunk.

2) Don't go boomimg as you pull into your driveway. Now everyone around knows where the car with that system will be parked tonight. This goes 2x for those who park in lots or garages cause its going to be all alone for 10+ hours.

3) Showing off your system in your highschool/college/local bar parking lot will eventually result in you finding a broken window when you return. You may feel "cool" for 5 minutes that you impressed some total stranger who asks to check out your system up close. He could also be the same guy who broke your window.

4)Take that nylon CD holder off your front visor. Again, you're just telling people there's 24 CD's worth stealing.

5) Lastly, be careful when a shop works on your car. Its sad to say, but some of those people are scumbags. While they're working on your car they may be inventoring what they or their "friends" can remove at 2am. It takes about 30 seconds to clone a remote for your car alarm, if they can't find the car then they can't get into it. I recommmend you remove the ownership and insurance before dropping the car off and if asked, give a friend's address for the bill. Hand them a valet key if possible, if copied these keys will not open the trunk or glove box.

And ALWAYS remove the faceplate. I know it's a pain in the arse, but the demand for a hu that the bad guys have no idea what it is, is minimal, and remember, an alarm is a deterrent, not a guarantee that your car will be safe. But remember, most thieves are lazy, so the more precautions you take, the less likely your vehicle will be broken into [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

I took the easy way out myself..

1. I spent the extra and got the 'camo' deck, (MP822) simply looks like a factory black panel where a radio should go.

If im unsure the area im in i remove the front plate (has the eprom chip), then it looks like a standard face off deck..

2. My speakers are all in the stock locations, no fancy pods or any of that stuff..

3. My trunk doesn't get opened, as there is no room in it anyway.

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97 Olds Cutty SL
American Bass 200.1
Kaption SPL-1200's
Sealed Sparetire Well @ 134db

weld your speakers to your door, take the faceplate...screw down boxes, and put some glue on the screws to your sub........so the screws dont come out without a fight!

make your car easy to break into through....atleast that way they dont smash any damn windows!

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A work in progress:<br />1989 Shelby daytona soon to be painted.<br />Alpine 7893/B deck<br />Orion 5 1/4" cobalt speakers.<br />Alpine 5x7<br />Inhuman 12" powered by jbl 1200.1

if you happen to catch the person in the act of stealing you stuff dont call the cops just call for someone to bring your bat. you become your own police force and court all in one package. results are quick and the lesson is learned.

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Check these links out people one is the truck I am slowly doing up. The other is for a bunch of good punk/metal bands worth a look.

http://www.cardomain.com/id/trk2loud
http://victoryrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/cav2loud

Keep the stock tape/radio in it's place, and stealth install your HU someplace else. also

DISABLE THE REMOTE TRUNK RELEASE

thievs will use it to get into your trunk, it may be convenient, but it will get your gear stolen. once theives take your HU, and see the RCAs hanging off the back, they'll assume you've got gear in the trunk, and try to get in there.

ya if you still want a power trunk button, wire it off ignition so that the key has to be on to pop it

My trunk pop botton was active wheather the keys were in or not, so I just removed it. So you need the remote or keys. Do you guys think Window tint all the way around helps blocking pods?
Of course, I you have a hatchback with a big window with visable gear and you don't black it out your retarted.

Really it comes down to common sense.
1. Lock your doors always.
2. Keep valuables (radar detector, CD's, sunglasses etc.) out of sight.
3. Park in well lit areas.
4. Get an alarm and always arm it.
5. Don't live in Surrey.