New Head unit

[rida125]

What would be the best Head unit to get in your opinions for around $200 - $250?

[cherrington17]

pm ryanfromohio

hes a dealer, so he can order stuff, good stuff... for a decent price.



I had 2 pioneer's croak in under 4 years. So i changed to alpine... sounds better.

[Fi-Alero]

What features are you looking for in a radio?
If you like USB and a nice eq/crossover I would look into:
Eclipse 3200
http://cgi.ebay.com/Eclipse-CD3200-with-usb-bluetooth_W0QQitemZ330360679452QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ Car_Audio_In_Dash_Receivers?hash=item4ceb07ec1c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m 14

Clarion CZ785USB (Active crossover :-))
http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_product_details.jsp?cid=60558&c=0909Froogle&b=Clarion_DXZ785USB

[Ryan from Ohio]

What would be the best Head unit to get in your opinions for around $200 - $250?


Well what do you want/need?

Im a big fan of JVC.

http://mobile.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL028468&pathId=54&page=1

http://mobile.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL028467&pathId=54&page=1

JVC KDR 800 $180

JVC KDR 900 $220

If you want to be bold, this thing is HELLA discounted:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-E1ByiAsr6Qd/p_105KDS100/JVC-KD-S100.html?search=KD-S100&tp=5684&tab=features_and_specs

I do carry Pioneer and the Premier line as well. I dont have "everything" but I do have a selection.

[bkathsalero]

Man I always compared jvc to like dual. I guess I have always been wrong. I have always been an alpine fan. Would you recommend that deck ryan? I to need a deck. But I am a sucker for good looks, and power.

[Ryan from Ohio]

JVC has been making some killer decks since like 1999...

They mainstreamed 24 bit DACs.

Everyone else was basically 1 bit DACs for the most part.

The SH-55 was a kick ass deck back then at a price that was sweet as it sounded... But this was before MP3's

[jackal2000]

i have had the same pioneer deck since april 2004. i had the face replaced 2 days after i bought it and it's been a champ ever since. so my vote goes to pioneer. i will be upgrading to one with a usb port on the front here soon.

[rida125]

ok yeah so what i am looking for is primarily is so that i can hook up my amp to it, but i would like a USB port in it. ok and this may be a noob question but what are some other features that are out there for that price range.

[TdotAlero]

i have had the same pioneer deck since april 2004. i had the face replaced 2 days after i bought it and it's been a champ ever since. so my vote goes to pioneer. i will be upgrading to one with a usb port on the front here soon.
Have to agree on that one. Both me and my wife have Pioneer decks in our cars and they work amazing. Pretty straight forward in use, and they do what they are supposed to. Pretty much anything from Pioneer/Premier is quality.

[Cashdollar2009]

Kenwood KDC-MP538U, rear auxiliary jack, rear usb jack. I ran my ipod in my glove box and can control and run through all of my folders through my head unit. Completely customizable. I paid $110.00 brand new shipped. Retails for $279.00. Kenwood FTW. :yahoo:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_11787_Kenwood+KDC-MP538U.html

Ebay.com is your friend if you know what you are doing.

[cherrington17]

ok yeah so what i am looking for is primarily is so that i can hook up my amp to it, but i would like a USB port in it. ok and this may be a noob question but what are some other features that are out there for that price range.

usb, ipod functions (can it scroll through quickly), how many amps it can connect to (i need 6 rca jacks, many only have 4) sound quality (audio processing)

etc

[rida125]

Ok so the amp I currently have is a Sony xplod 600 watt. But I have two 12 inch pioneer subs so someday after I get the new deck I will upgrade the amp but for now it's that amp in which I will probably only have one sub pluged into that. And yes I would like the iPod functions, a head unit that I can control my iPod through it.

[rida125]

is getting a touch screen double din, deck, worth it at $250?

[rida125]

what about these decks here:

Alpine CDA-9886
JVC KD-DV5500
Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X993
Kenwood KDV-415U

[MotorCity]

check out jenson there some what cheap but they get good reviews :D my cousin has one and he has no problems w/ it :D

[rida125]

Also what about the Jensen VM9312 or the Jensen VM9412

[Ryan from Ohio]

Jensen... lol

Dont do it man.

[JLw7123]

alpine or clarion

[rida125]

So Ryan from ohio, are there any good touch screen single or double din decks out there that you would sell that are around $250?

[cherrington17]

no. if you want touch screen, you going to pay a premium price.

if for whatever reason there is, its
1) stolen
2) garbage.

[rida125]

no. if you want touch screen, you going to pay a premium price.

if for whatever reason there is, its
1) stolen
2) garbage.

Yeah thats what i figured, do you guys really think a touch screen deck would be totally worth it?

[JLw7123]

touch screens go for 500$ and up I payed for my alpine head unit 150 bucks

[cherrington17]

imo, touchscreen would be annoying. i need buttons, something i can press, and KNOW i pressed it.

as well as my alpine has a dial on it, for easier scrolling through ipod tracks.

[rida125]

So cherri how much did you pay for yours?

[Cashdollar2009]

A touch screen worth buying, is out of your price range. If you are looking for usb, and 3 sets of preamp outputs, then i'm telling you this has what you want man.

7586

7587

[rida125]

Also another noob like question, so if eventually I wanna have one 1600+ watt amp and maybe a crossover so how many hook ups I'm the back would I need?

[Cashdollar2009]

Also another noob like question, so if eventually I wanna have one 1600+ watt amp and maybe a crossover so how many hook ups I'm the back would I need?

You would only need one set out pre-amp outputs for one amplifier. Basically multiple outputs on head units are provided to hook up multiple amplifiers. ie. Amplifier for subwoofer, amplifier for components. This is if your amplifier does not have another set of outputs directly on it if you want to run multiple amps for multiple subs. Or if you just seperate your bass amp from your speaker amp. It allows room for options and customization. Most amplifiers, good amplifiers today have rather efficient crossovers built into them.

[cherrington17]

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-mPqEqyM5JTQ/p_500CDA105/Alpine-CDA-105.html

i paid 199.99, but my last one died, 2 days before i left for ASS'09. so i couldn't wait to order one... i needed it.

but like i said, i also needed 6 pre-amp outputs. (stereo front/back + sub) and my choices were limited with local store shopping.


Doesn't mean i'm not happy with it. It sounds great. (other then it being multicolored)

[rida125]

So for just one amp I would only need one set of pre amp outputs?

[JLw7123]

that is the same alpine headunit I have

[rida125]

Is there a deck that has a crossover built right into it.

[JLw7123]

alpine and pioneer make some i am sure there are more

[rida125]

Or would it be better having a crossover in the line outside of the deck?

[Cashdollar2009]

So for just one amp I would only need one set of pre amp outputs?

Correct. And if you are only running a subwoofer from the amplifier, just put the switch on the amplifier set to the low pass filter (lpf) selection to filter all of the highs out of the signal sent to the subwoofer, and that virtually eliminates your need for a crossover. According to your budget, you're just gonna save money by not buying something that you don't necessarily need dude.

[TdotAlero]

Or would it be better having a crossover in the line outside of the deck?
I would say it's more convenient to be outside of the deck.

[rida125]

Thanks for the help, but I think right now from here I would really like Ryan from Ohio or anybody else on here who knows the INS and outs of decks and spends lots of time with them I.e. Selling them, repairing them, your on a sound team to tell me what they think I should get. And eventually I will have a poll with decks that you all said I should get

[Cashdollar2009]

Thanks for the help, but I think right now from here I would really like Ryan from Ohio or anybody else on here who knows the INS and outs of decks and spends lots of time with them I.e. Selling them, repairing them, your on a sound team to tell me what they think I should get. And eventually I will have a poll with decks that you all said I should get

Kenwood KDC-MP538U
-Auxiliary output to plug in ipod or anything through headphones jack.
-Usb input, can run into glove box to hide everything, ideal for ipod.
-Can sift through ipod or mp3 folders right on head unit.
-Can tell head unit what each output is for; sub, mid, high.
-Can also tell head unit what size speakers; oem, 6x9, 5 1/2, for optimum tuning.
-Can adjust volume of subwoofer directly from head unit, sends signal through amplifier.
-Versatile and customizable display options.
-Retails $279.00, buy it new on eBay shipped for $110.00 - $140.00.
-Save $100 or so to invest into a better amplifier. :yahoo:
-Therefore you have Good Head Unit, and Good Amplifier with all of the crossover you should need with your subwoofer installation.

[cherrington17]

don't buy anything like this, on ebay....ever

[Afugy]

Pioneer
Alpine
Kenwood
JVC


I myself know pioneer very well, from my car to my room its full of pioneer. A HU like this one you can go wrong DEH-P510UB (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/CarAudioVideo/In-Dash/CD-Players/Premier/DEH-P510UB). You can basically connect anything to that HU.

My pioneer HU I got for 20$ broken and it cost me 25$ to fix from pioneer's online parts store and the HU was 620$ when it was new.

A head unit in the 200$ to 250$ range from any of those 4 listed is going to good.

[Cashdollar2009]

don't buy anything like this, on ebay....ever

Why not? If you know what to look for and you're not an idiot about reading and communication assuring that the seller is legit, what is wrong with eBay? I've purchased and installed components for subwoofer and radio setups for 3 of my friends vehicles as well as my own, and never had a problem. I may just have gotten lucky everytime, but i'm happy i've walked away with a couple hundred bucks in my pocket buying everything new. There is going to be fraud and hidden shit everywhere online, but then again, if you do your research, the seller must abide by the legal binding contract that the new items are indeed new and never out of box, if that way stated. Just be smart about it and don't empty your paypal account on cheap shit.

[cherrington17]

i'm not saying its crap.. but if you need a replacement/service.. you got nothing from the seller. you pay, they walk.. .end of transaction.

for a purchase like this, that can have several things that CAN go wrong, i'd rather have a human to deal with, or a corporation backing up the purchase.

Having to deal with sending stuff to the dealer for service is unacceptable by todays standards

[Cashdollar2009]

i'm not saying its crap.. but if you need a replacement/service.. you got nothing from the seller. you pay, they walk.. .end of transaction.

for a purchase like this, that can have several things that CAN go wrong, i'd rather have a human to deal with, or a corporation backing up the purchase.

Having to deal with sending stuff to the dealer for service is unacceptable by todays standards

Okay very good point. That's completely understandable. With me, i inspect everything as soon as it comes in and make sure it is in operating condition. I've gotten to understand eveyrthing quite a bit, and have a general understanding on servicing the equipment myself. But i would prefer sending it out. My two selected sellers on eBay though are TheDeepDiscount, and the actual Sonic-Electronix dealer on eBay, both in which continue a 2-year "if it breaks pay shipping and we'll fix it and ship it back to you, and if it doesn't work, we'll replace it within the first 6 months" plan. Typically when i buy new in box i'm not expecting a break as i install it correctly and abuse nothing i have. But the actual person point, very feasible. Let me make a correction, if you buy off of eBay, learn how to use eBay. Buy new in box items off of legitimate sellers with outstanding feedback. And if skeptic, purchase from a seller with a good buyer protection program for repairs and replacements. I have had "0" issues with new car audio off of eBay, and i have purchased over 75 items. Buy smart, and do your research. Then again that should be a moral when dealing with anything.

[Ryan from Ohio]

^^^^

Wait until you buy something and get it in and its a fake. Wait until theres a problem and you fry something and told its your fault, they aint replacing it.

I can get stuff and provide a decent deal while maintaining the full manufacturer's warranty. You dont get that off E bay. I do concede for almost all items you deal directly with the Mfg, but you still get the service.

Rida Im a bit pressed for time at the minute but I will get you a few prices out Sunday.

[YALEROYNOT]

Well what do you want/need?

Im a big fan of JVC.

http://mobile.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL028468&pathId=54&page=1

http://mobile.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL028467&pathId=54&page=1

JVC KDR 800 $180

JVC KDR 900 $220

If you want to be bold, this thing is HELLA discounted:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-E1ByiAsr6Qd/p_105KDS100/JVC-KD-S100.html?search=KD-S100&tp=5684&tab=features_and_specs

I do carry Pioneer and the Premier line as well. I dont have "everything" but I do have a selection.

I just ordered the jvc from crutchfield, I needed a replacement and I cant afford a double din now so I got this, figured I can at least sell it for what I got it for

[rida125]

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/rida125/ampwiringandspeakerwire.jpg

Ok so this is the stuff that i have for wiring my amp up is this all that i need or am i missing something?

[Ryan from Ohio]

That radio from Crutchfield seems cool. Its all based off that special technology. So if it sucks, the whole units going to suck...

The worse thing I can see about it is theres no EQ. Thats because the technology does it for you, supposedly.

[Cashdollar2009]

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/rida125/ampwiringandspeakerwire.jpg

Ok so this is the stuff that i have for wiring my amp up is this all that i need or am i missing something?

Typically there is a thin wire, (14-18 gauge) used to wire up the amplifier to the head unit as the turn on lead. Therefore when the head unit turns on, it "tells" the amplifier to turn on as well. Your 12-guage should be just fine though. You just had everything seperated and that element was missing so i figured i'd mention it.

[cherrington17]

crutchfield is good.. but overpriced.

[Cashdollar2009]

I'm still wondering why this head unit is discounted on crutchfield by $520.00. Let alone the original price is 650.00. :( I'd be pissed if i bought this at the original price, then saw this sale. Definitely not worth $650.00 though.

[Ryan from Ohio]

Probably not worth $650 you are right.

The high price is due to the technology.

Bottom line is nobody is going to pay a premium price for a technology nobody has heard of. If it was a well established technology that was embraced they could get it. Thats why the price was dropped down.

It sounds to me its like a MAXBASS unit.

It must have a mic and an auto set EQ.

For the money Im sure its worth it. Even if he need to buy and run and external EQ to shape it exactly how he wants.

Plus its JVC. JVC makes some very EXCELLENT sounding decks.

[rida125]

Ok and so if thats all the stuff i need how exactly do i hook it up?

[rida125]

Also here are some sites to check out this new deck:

http://reviews.cnet.com/in-dash-car-stereos/jvc-kd-s100/4505-6729_7-32852582.html

http://mobile.jvc.com/product.jsp?pathId=54&modelId=MODL028575&page=1

http://www.bongioviacoustics.com/products-car-aftermarket.html

[Ryan from Ohio]

Hmmm

After reading that...

I would call Crutchfield and ask them about the "tuning per car specific" thats mentioned on CNET.

If the unit comes with the discs and microphone to do the EQing yourself its cool. But obviously you need these discs and a mic to tune it properly.

[rida125]

Ok I'll ask about that and I'll email them and I'll repost what they say onto this thread

[rida125]

I called crutchfield and they saidnthat the disk comes with it but there are other ones you can download in the form of a .zip file. Seeing to how I'm in school right now I ran out of time about asking about the mic

[heineck]

*deleted*

[rida125]

*deleted*

What??????

[heineck]

i was post skimming LOL

[Cashdollar2009]

Ok and so if thats all the stuff i need how exactly do i hook it up?

Amplifier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOEsJUidf_0

Head Unit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anl4_dJEaLY&feature=channel

These are brief videos that can give you a good idea of what is going on, but they are not vehicle specific. You have all of the materials that you are going to need to hook up the amplifier, but you are still going to need a "dash install kit" specific for your car so your radio fits in the dash, and also this part gets complicated, our car is a major pain in the rear when it comes to aftermarket decks if you want to keep your door chimes and everything. You are going to need one of a few specific wiring harnesses to do that. I personally purchased the GMOS-1 i believe, but there are a few out there. Search the internet, google a lot of your questions first, you should always do research before you start something you are not quite familiar with. And remember to do it RIGHT, shortcuts can cause errors and failures, it would suck to cook your car. Also, when i was new here i was suggested to this site, nearly everything you'll need to know and understand, read it until your eyes bleed! http://www.bcae1.com/

[rida125]

I'm ordering it thru crutchfield

[Ryan from Ohio]

His $130 radio comes with the dash and wiring kit.

lol

if its a wiring kit that maintains the chimes you just got a steal of a deal. Those chime boxes are about $40-60 and fit kits are about $20...

I got your PM on hooking up the amp.

The red wire is a Positive from the battery to the positive on the amp. Run it from the front of the car to the back. Theres documentation and pictures on Aleromod where to run the power wire thru at.

The Black wire goes from the negative on the amp to a ground in the rear of the car.

RCAs from the Head Unit to the rear (to the amp).

Same for the remote wire.

[rida125]

Ok so the RCA's are those gray looking wires in the picture? And what is the remote wire?

[cherrington17]

remote wire will be on the wire harness for the radio. It turns the amp on, only when the radio is on.

[rida125]

remote wire will be on the wire harness for the radio. It turns the amp on, only when the radio is on.

ok that helped out. also is there a certain place to put the ground line from the amp

[rida125]

Crutchfield Car Selector

The item does not fit the vehicle specified.


This is what i got when i went to buy that head unit. So does that mean anything?

[Ryan from Ohio]

Dont pm me your posts... lol

Answered already via pm:

Yes it does.

Our cars have a RETARDED plastic crap all over behind where the stereo goes. We all just cut it out. Then anything fits.

It doesnt do anything. You will never see its removed unless the radio is out.

Just a pain in the arse. Cut it out and rock on.

[rida125]

OK I JUST ORDERED THAT NEW DECK, should be to my place in about three days. ill take pictures of it and post them


Dont pm me your posts... lol

Answered already via pm:

Yes it does.

Our cars have a RETARDED plastic crap all over behind where the stereo goes. We all just cut it out. Then anything fits.

It doesnt do anything. You will never see its removed unless the radio is out.

Just a pain in the arse. Cut it out and rock on.

LOL sorry my computer said you went offline and i got kinda ansy