Sound System Trouble

[98Explorer5.0]

I have a 98 Explorer Limited with the Mach system that HU display does not work. Instead of trying to fix it I was going to go with an aftermarket unit. Are the right harnesses or adapters available to hook the steering wheel controls and 6-disc CD changer to a new HU? If not I guess I can go without them. What would you guys reccomend for a new HU? I was thinking of going with a Alpine HU.

 

[DaninCO]

pioneers or kenwoods i like, pioneer DEH-P9300 is the best HU

 

[leenjen]

alpine is a great choice. they make some of the best headunits.

 

[mofodela]

Dont bother getting Pioneer or Kenwood, they're both crap, if you want a good head unit go with Alpine, especially if you intend on upgrading and adding subs at a later time because it has a 4V subwoofer output instead of a .5V output like the Pioneers. Trust me on this one, you wont be disappointed, and the extra money is def worth it!!!!

 

[explortainment]

...and clarion, and blaupoint are good, and nocamichi, and sony.....it all depends on your budget and what type of music you listen to and what options you want your stereo to have. The factory cd changer doesn't interface with new head units, try selling the old one on ebay or something.

 

[aldive]

Take brand recommendations with a grain of salt...

Some fellow says brand x is great and that brand Y and Z are no good; he happens to own brand X and wants to think he made the best choice.

Good luck....

 

[mofodela]

Actually I dont want to think I made a good choice, I own an auto audio shop and I carry all of them, but unless your willing to spend 800-1000 bucks on a nice eclipse deck then your best bet for quality is alpine. I personally have an eclipse deck, but I am telling you that sony, pioneer, and kenwood decks are low end. Not of the best quality. I mean they may suit your purpose and if they do then all the more reason to buy them because they are a lot cheaper, but if you want options and optimal sound then go with the Alpine, The 7873 is nice along with the 7875

 

[nosaj122081]

Like Aldive said, anybody that says "I like X, Y is crap" is biased for one reason or another... I for one have the Sony CDX-7850, an older deck the was the redesigned Sony CDX-780, rated the best deck built by Car Stereo Review (I think that was the mag that did the shootout). I chose it to be the best, I listened to many, Alpines, Eclipses, Pioneers, etc... And picked the Sony had the most features and the most transparent sound. Period. Anyone that tells me I made a poor judgement and should have bought A or B I believe is full of crap.

Go listen to some. Make your decision. Be proud of what you bought, YOU thought it was the best.

FWIW, the Kenwood Excelon and Pioneer Premier are both excellent lines of units IMO. Just b/c its the most expensive doesn't mean its better. If I had unlimited funds though, I would have walked away with a Sony C-90, IMHO the FINEST deck made. Also, don't worry TOO much about output voltage, the only time it is a concern is when cheap amps are used or the wiring is run poorly, the extra voltage just is less susceptable to noise...

 

[TwoToneX]

Well. I'll tell you this. I have the Sony X-plod CDX-M610, and I love it. It's got a cool looking flip-down style. They made a newer model (I believe the 710, or 650, or something), so you could get that too. It's never done me wrong so far. It also puts out 52x4, which is powering my polk dx7's just fine. You should at least take a gander at it, it's a pretty hu.

 

[98Explorer5.0]

Hey thanks for the advice. Looks like I'll probably go with an Alpine unit. My friend just got one and his sound quality seemed really good to me.

Also, from what I've read in other posts it seems like it would be a good idea to go ahead and replace the factory 5x7s. What speakers would you guys reccomend to replace the factory ones? I am most interested in clarity of the speakers. Price is somewhat of an issue but will pay extra for better quality. Would a 4 channel amp be worth purchasing, or would an Alpine HU with the V-drive deliver enough power?

 

[TwoToneX]

I have polk's, and they sound great. Other than that, I couldn't really tell ya. Depending on the output of the HU, you might wanna get an amp. Although, I have subs, and the headunit powers the speakers enough to where it balances out perfectly in my opinion.