Looking for a radio/cd player

I've been reading some posts here and noticed most of you guys are into fancy stereos (nothing wrong with that, but what I'm looking for is more basic).  Perhaps you can help me filter through to what I want.

I am NOT interested in fancy displays, moving displays, DVD, folding down faceplates, and a lot of what many stereos have these days.  I ***HATE*** displays that move around and stuff.  All I want to see on my display is stuff like:  radio station frequency, CD track, time, and other BASIC stuff.  If a head unit comes with all that moving stuff I want to be able to turn if OFF easily (and have it stay off).

I don't care about the latest and greatest technology.  I want a relatively basic 4 channel radio/cd (possibly satellite enabled... but not sure I want that).

I'll start by telling you my problem.....    My SUV's stereo ("head unit") is located very low.  It is difficult to see and reach the controls (due to distance and having to reach about gear shift lever).  I have thought about unplugging the faceplate, soldering an 8 conductor cable to it and the head unit, and relocating the faceplate in a more suitable place.  The only problem with this is the brightness of the unit is way too bright at night.  It not a remote capable unit.

I have seen Blaupunkt has a remote unit that straps to the steering wheel.  I LIKE THAT!!!!!!!  Anyone else have something like that?

I know all the following features will not be available to me, but perhaps you can suggest units that will have some of what I am looking for:

1.  A display that dims so it isn't bright at night.  (also I don't want any moving stuff on the display... no bouncing equalizer bars, etc)

2.  Volume and tuning controls that turn/twist (like in the "old days" of mechanical radios).

3.  Price range  $100 - $300

4.  CD - I prefer not having to open the faceplate to insert a CD.  I prefer to stick the CD in the slot without having to do anything else.  I am NOT interested in a CD changer.

5.  A radio that holds its settings if the car's battery is disconnected.  I can't believe these companies are still designing radios that don't have some type of memory backup (it doesn't cost much to do this).

If what I'm looking for costs big bucks, then I'm not interested.  But, perhaps you can suggest some units that might have some of the features I want in the $100-$300 price range.

Thanks in advance

I know that these guys ^^^^^^have been just waiting to see me respond. I would use the Eclipse CD3414 or CD3434 for your application. Eclipse is a no nonsense simple to use, great sounding (much better than the garder variety), no light show, simple design cd player. Dual rotary know controls, one for volume, one for tuning / cd track control. No detch faceplate to lug around and a 3 year dealer installed warranty with 1 year replacement if it is stolen. The CD3414 has no flip down, has a optional remote control and will do exactly what you need it to. The CD3434 upgrade is simple, a included remote control, a slightly different more efficient amplifier = a little cleaner and louder output, a dedicated subwoofer preout for system expansion should you ever want to add a sub (+ the front / rear preouts that all Eclipse models have) and finally something that you do not want, a fold down display. This unit has a fold down display for a couple of reasons. One it is slightly larger to hold more information (not some dude snowboarding though - real info only), it is motorized and can set at different angles, this way if the unit is installed lower in a dashboard and hard to see clearly, the faceplate tilts upwards making the display much easier to see and read (this just might apply to you and is the only reason why I recommended it against what you posted). Both units have a dimmer control wire to dim the display at night. It is hooked to the lighting circuit of the vehicle, this wire is usually found in the factory radio harness.

All in all these cd players should definitely make your short list. www.eclipse-web.com

They are not available on line as Eclipse has no authorized on line dealers. Need more info, drop me a line anytime.

About mids, interior speakers.  When running the interrior speakers, the deck alone will not have enough power to distribute to the speakers. When deciding to run an amp, and using a sound converter to have an RCA out put to insert to the amp. Which wire harness from the deck would you have to tap into?