Alpine IDA-X100
The IDA series of source units has been revamped for 2008. The ida-X100 still displays album art and features a large double-action rotary Encoder Knob for accessing multiple functions like QuickSearch for finding songs. An iPod-dedicated source unit with a 24-Bit Burr Brown d/a converter guarantees the best sound quality for your high bit rate aac files. add the Hd radio module and utilize the iTunes tagging feature to find songs you hear on Hd stations. www.alpine-usa.com
Sony MEX-BT5100
Sony's MEX -BT5100 has three preouts, is Hd radio and satrad ready and features Bluetooth hands-free functionality with a2dP audio streaming. its integrated hands-free microphone plus noise and echo reduction signal processing enhances phone call clarity. Plus, you can import phone numbers into the head unit so you can make calls without even accessing your cell phone. MSRP is $330. www.sony.com/xplod
Parrot RK8200
Parrot delivers something a little different for single-diN source units with the rK8200. it offers the required connectivity, e.g. iPod and flash drive, but also reads Sd cards. and it wouldn't be a Parrot source unit without Bluetooth a2dP music streaming or Bluetooth hands-free phone functionality (it has a 12-key numeric keypad) and the 2.4- inch screen. There's even a storage compartment behind the faceplate where you can hide your phone. www.parrot.com
Kenwood KDC-X792
Part of the Kdc lineup of cd players, the Kdc-X792 has a four-line color display (including their graphic motion analyzer), seamless iPod integration via the one Wire direct control and is Bluetooth-ready (in conjunction with the KcT-BT200 adapter). The flagship X991 offers 512mB of internal memory for cd ripping, but the X792 with its $300 mSrP gives you connectivity and extra features at a more affordable price. www.kenwoodusa.com
JVC KD-AVX44
The new El Kameleon Kd-aVX44 a/V multimedia receiver brings back the cool, trademark black-out faceplate and is loaded with new technology features such as a 3.5-inch- wide monitor with built-in Bluetooth technology, a USB connection for iPod audio and video playback, headphone surround sound in dolby 5.1 and more. With an easy to stomach mSrP of $549.95, this should be a hot item for summer. www.jvc.com
Pioneer ASR
The new Pioneer and Premier branded single cd players offer connectivity and improved sound quality. With aSr, or advanced Sound retriever, a patented technology that restores musical detail lost when compressed music files (mP3, Wma and aac) are created, your music should play back sounding fuller and more faithful to the original recording. Searching your iPod is more intuitive and easier, as is browsing through music files from your memory card. www.pioneerelectronics.com