I want a CD player with a USB port, what sounds better and has more volume, a Sony 540CDXGTUI or Kenwood KDC-MP345U?

 

I have that Kenwood deck in my XJ. It is strictly a wheeling rig and I don't get any radio reception at the trails so using a USB thumb drive for music is awesome. Plus I don't run the risk of breaking my expensive MP3 player. I looked at a similar version to that Sony deck and the reason I went with the Kenwood is that it can access a larger number of songs on a USB drive than the Sony (256 on the Kenwood, 128 on the Sony). Not sure if that is the case with the Sony model you are looking at. I also prefer the menu navication on the Kenwood over the Sony deck.

 

From what I've seen/heard/experienced first hand is that Kenwood has a bit better quality.

Hope that helps a bit.

 

Sony and I do not get along. Both of my Sony decks could not hold up to being shook around during hard offroading. Had them in my Datsun 720 and Nissan Hardbody. Ended up getting a Pioneer. Had it in the '97 for 2 years and still works good.
To get back on topic, the Kenwood decks always seem to be pretty tough. I wouldn't hesitate putting one in when the Pioneer finally goes.

 

I've been reading up on Alpine reviews and they seem to have the best feedback on sound quality which is my 1st concern.

 

I get what you're after. I didn't know if you were looking at the durability side. That was my biggest complaint with Sony. I've never really looked into the sound quality because of running Memphis speakers and subs with my head units.

 

Kenwood all the way. Easy to use, great looking, good qaulity

 

It's funny, I'm the exact opposite!! LOL!! I have a ton of Sony stuff that is bullet proof!! A couple of car stereos, and home components too, and aside from one VCR/DVD combo unit that went out rather quickly, it all still works great!! As far as sound, I can't be the judge of that. I'm not too wrapped up in that...if it sounds decent, that's good enough for me...

 

Love my Kenwood, about ready to buy another one for my 49 Ford.

 

I like Pioneer, any Sony ive ever had usually got pulled out and stomped on. I have a Kenwood in my Nissan, its been put through some rough ridin' and still works like a champ.

 

I've had sony's crap out very quickly, my kenwood with the USB has been around for about 5 or 6 years now.

 

Just trying to find the best CD deck to get clarity and volume, hopefully durability too, without an amp.

 

x2 on the pioneer. the pioneer premier in my truck is 6 years old now and i don't expect it to retire any time soon. i had it in my integra, and after i flipped it, i pulled the deck out and put it in my next vehicle. so far it has made it through every vehicle i've owned.
i've never had a sony, but i didn't think the kenwood menu was that easy to navigate through. i've hated almost all new style decks, where they combined the navigation and volume buttons into one. i liked it when the volume was on the left and menu navigation on the right.

 

x3 on the Pioneer. Had a couple of their head units last a very long time.

Right now I have a JVC KD-R310 in my XJ and love it. Its under 100$ now and has the Aux input and HD/Sat radio ready. Pretty slick unit for the price.

As far as the OP, I'd vote Kenwood over Sony when it comes to car audio.