Head Unit Suggestions?

[diablo5969]

So now, let's see if I got this right:
Clarion changes color.
Clarion is clear.
Kenwood has better design and price.
Pioneer doesn't skip.
Clarion has great sound quality.
Clarion can't pick up radio stations.
Sony has lots of problems.
Kenwood looks cool.
Pioneer stuff is killer.
Alpine is awesome.



Wow, that's a lot of information to take in all at one time.

 

[98Explorer5.0]

I had a pioneer which was not bad. I now have an alpine 7875 and it sounds amazing even with stock speakers (will soon be replace). The sound quality on the ALpine seems much better to me.

 

[EO]

Get out and shop around in person. Go to a place like Circuit City who has a lot of HUs, although don't buy there because you can get a given unit cheaper from somewhere else, and get better advice somewhere else.

Look at the units, touch them, poke them, crank them, and bring a CD and play it. Remember you'll be using this unit for a few years. As an example...I thought I was all set to buy a Kenwood 8017 MP3 player, until I actually played with one in the store. I thought it was too flimsy and didn't think the display was too good.

Do your homework & you won't be disappointed.

 

[chspyder]

Only ONE Word

I Usually Keep Quiet,
But when I have one thing to say it is:


ALPINE


Thank you

 

[Michigander]

NO SONY

I'm on my fourth. the combo of offroading and a pounding system does it in. My last Sony (the motorized face for $350) lasted a mere 5 months. Thank God for a cheap 2 year warrenty

 

[diablo5969]

Yeah, I'm probably going to go shop around at some places next weekend. My dad just left on a business trip, and I gotta wait til he gets home, since he's going to be the one buying.

 

[C5 Greg]

I've had the following:

Eclipse
Alpine
Sony
Pioneer

Over all, the Sony was the most solid. a workhorse for 7 years, and decent SQ.

I liked the Eclipse alot for quality, but it was stolen, so I will never buy a stereo w/o a removable faceplate again.

The Pioneer was ok, nothing special enough said.

The Alpine is the one currently going into my truck. I have the Alpine 11 band eq with sub control, so this combo goes well together. The only thing that worries me about the Alpine is the durability. I installed one for my sister, and it was tempremental. If this one poops out on me, I'll probably try Clarion Pro Audio or go back to Sony Mobile ES.

 

[diablo5969]

How does the Alpine rate compared to the Sony and the Eclipse?

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

Originally posted by diablo5969
How does the Alpine rate compared to the Sony and the Eclipse?

Alpine is significantly better than Sony when comparing two similarily priced models. Sony's build quality has been getting worse over the years.

Eclipse is better than Alpine SQ wise. But Alpine is very good overall.

 

[diablo5969]

Does that mean the Eclipse is significantly more expensive?

 

[leenjen]

eclipse is pretty expensive, but you get what you pay for. i never heard of anyone being dissapointed in eclipse.

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

Eclipse's entry-level units start around $250. You can find them on eBay too.


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This one's a bit more expensive

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

Damn, I want one now lol

 

[diablo5969]

Alright, cool. I'm looking into it. Thanks

 

[woody9898]

hey

i would suggest a kenwood exelon. i have purchased 2 in the past 2 yrs. one for my bronco and one for my explorer. the model i have is the exelon 715. the display is beautiful yet easy to operate. it also has a full eq built into it for optimum sound quality. est price tag is 379.00


hope i was a help

 

[diablo5969]

Hey guys, I just wanted to say thanks for all the help and that I have learned a lot. However, there have been some changes, and it doesn't look like all be getting the head unit after all. Sorry to disappoint. But again, thanks for all the help

 

[CARGUY4791]

I just recently bought a Pioneer DEH-P7300, and I can't say enough about how kick ass it is. It is a well layed out cd player, with enough control over your stereo for even the most high end sq machines, and yet for 300$, delievers all you could ever want, or need out of a cd player, my advice is GO FOR IT.

 

[diablo5969]

I'm thinking of still going for it. But it won't be for a while if I do.