Head Unit Suggestions?

[diablo5969]

I'm going to get a new head unit for Christmas, and my dad and I are going to start shopping around for it next week. I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions for me to look for before I start.

Also, for a head unit, is it alright to head to Hi Fi Buys and places like that, or should I check actual car audio places?

 

[leenjen]

you will find better quality headunits at a local shop. and if you buy there often, they will usually cut you a deal.

if you want a really good HU: go for Eclipse, Alpine, Kenwood Excelon, Pioneer Premier, Sony ES, or a good Panasonic.

 

[Byrd91]

If I were buying a new headunit I would get this one:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-F1HJ3TLYFup/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=300&I=023CASABLA&o=P&a=0

Its reasonably priced, has great features, and I like the looks.

 

[KMac]

Eclipse, Nakamichi, & Alpine. Eclipse & Nakamichi are especially straight forward units with no-nonsense styling & features and top notch performance.

 

[id92]

eclipse, pioneer, alpine..none of the garbage pioneer or alpine tho

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

Originally posted by KMac
Eclipse, Nakamichi, & Alpine. Eclipse & Nakamichi are especially straight forward units with no-nonsense styling & features and top notch performance.

I agree those names mean quality. Eclipse & Alpine decks have alot of features. Nakamichi doesn't, Nak units are simple & straight forward. No gimmicks, just good SQ.

Tell us about your budget & future stereo upgrade plans, etc. We'll be able to make better suggestions with a little bit more information.

 

[mperryewu]

OH DEFINATELY,

I would personally recommend Alpine. And as mentioned before, don't get the cheap ones, because you'll get what you pay for in most cases.

I have an Apline CDA-7863 which I bought (last years model) and the looks, features, and use, as well as Sound Quality, is amazing.

I HIGHLY recommend Alpine.

-Mike

 

[Cartman]

How much are you looking to spend

I got the Pioneer DEH 330 and am very happy with it compared to stock and it was only $300 Can installed, so about $200 US.
I listened to some other more expensive units and couldn't hear a difference, they just had some pretty graphics and other features that I don't care about. I would say that going to a real car audio place is a good idea because you can listen to all the options and if you have a problem they will be able to handle it quicker.

 

[aldive]

I would definately look for something with MP3 playback capability.

 

[McFumo]

I've had a Kenwood Excelon and Pioneer decks and both were ok. I think the kenwood is clearer.

I've never dabbled in the higher end units, I'm too poor to be forking out 800 bucks for a HU and not be able to back it up.

 

[Yomie]

Clarion I don't know what your budget is but get one of the higher end Clarions, you won't be dissapointed, i have the Clarion 9575 and i have loved it. My girlfriend just go the new Sony m**720 or something and i like it, but it don't compare to my Clarion

 

[newbz]

Clarion. Those are the only decks I like cosmetically as well as quality the only other brand id think about is Alpine. I have a clarion 6675z and I love it hope to get a indash clarion touchscreen pretty soon

 

[diablo5969]

Hmm. So far I've been told Eclipse, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, Panasonic, Blaupunkt, Nakamichi, and Clarion. It's a good start, but I was just wondering if there was anything that was by far the best, but I guess it's all just a matter of opinion.

I don't know my exact budget for this, but I assume it'd be $300 at the most, so I gotta bear that in mind.

I'm not really interested in MP3 or minidisk playback. All I REALLY want is CD, anything else would be extraneous for me.

I think I will try to check out some local audio places.

Thanks guys! And keep the suggestions coming if there are any more!

 

[94tanXLT]

I would definitley say get a Clarion. There awesome and sound very clear. I have the Clarion DRX 8675 (Millenium Eddition) and love it. It changes colors while you drive and controls every part of my system. It ran about $500.

 

[McFumo]

It's all personal preference. Obviously the more you spend the better it generally is. Clarion is known for clairty.... I prefer kenwoods cause of the design and price.

 

[Heath]

Well taking in to account this is going into a 4X4 I'd go with a Pioneer... They don't tend to skip as much... At least in my experience...

If you're strictly a street kind of guy or don't want to spin a disc on the trail I'd go CLARION all the way... I've never had a deck that had better sound and reliability for me... They aren't the best at picking up radio stations but they are unmatched in disc clarity, at least that has been my experience...

I used to be a big sony guy but had nothing but problems so I switched out to the clarion and was never disappointed!!!

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

Originally posted by diablo5969
Hmm. So far I've been told Eclipse, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, Panasonic, Blaupunkt, Nakamichi, and Clarion. It's a good start, but I was just wondering if there was anything that was by far the best, but I guess it's all just a matter of opinion.

I don't know my exact budget for this, but I assume it'd be $300 at the most, so I gotta bear that in mind.

I'm not really interested in MP3 or minidisk playback. All I REALLY want is CD, anything else would be extraneous for me.

If you are looking for a HU under $300, there's only a very little difference in SQ. Just go with an unit that has the design / features you like. My friend just got a Kenwood unit with a motorized face in her 92 for little bit more than $300 and it looked pretty cool

 

[Heath]

You can get some killer Pioneer stuff for 3 bills...

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

Here are some good HUs you can get under $300

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Alpine CDA-7873 $299

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Clarion DXZ715 $299

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JVC KD-SH77 $269


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Kenwood Excelon KDC-X617 $269


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Panasonic CQ-DF601U $259


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Pioneer DEH-P7300 $299

 

[Keith]

I'm on my second Alpine HU and love them. I had an alpine tape player and just upgraded to the CDA-7878. Its is awsome. If you have the $ and want mp3 get it.