Head Units: What's the best, what's the middle ground?
#1
Head Units: What's the best, what's the middle ground?
Heyo. I'm a noob to the forum. Not a stranger to the search features either and already digging into them.
I figured I'd throw a post up.
I'm putting together a system that will run some Focal 165v2 components in the doors amp'd with about 100 RMS each. I would like to pick up a head unit that will do those Focal's some justice as I know even for a low end focal, they are fantastic.
Any recommendations on a head unit? It's been a few years since I was up on the latest greatest and after looking over the Alpine offerings as of late, I'm really not impressed with their "add it for $200" approach to everything from Bluetooth to iPod.
Mainly I want some nice SQ. I want time correction if possible or some advanced sound processing. Nice DACs are important from what I can recall. I know there is still a new Alpine Deck that actually uses a Burr-Brown 24-Bit DAC.
When I put the stereo together for my Dad's ride a few years back we used a top grade Alpine unit and it had a pile of nice SQ features. I can't really seem to find a head unit at that price point from Alpline or feature level any longer. (we paid about 600 for it).
I've been looking at Clarion stuff. Is that the right route to take now? I'd like to keep the spending to the mid-range of 500 or so max.
I figured I'd throw a post up.
I'm putting together a system that will run some Focal 165v2 components in the doors amp'd with about 100 RMS each. I would like to pick up a head unit that will do those Focal's some justice as I know even for a low end focal, they are fantastic.
Any recommendations on a head unit? It's been a few years since I was up on the latest greatest and after looking over the Alpine offerings as of late, I'm really not impressed with their "add it for $200" approach to everything from Bluetooth to iPod.
Mainly I want some nice SQ. I want time correction if possible or some advanced sound processing. Nice DACs are important from what I can recall. I know there is still a new Alpine Deck that actually uses a Burr-Brown 24-Bit DAC.
When I put the stereo together for my Dad's ride a few years back we used a top grade Alpine unit and it had a pile of nice SQ features. I can't really seem to find a head unit at that price point from Alpline or feature level any longer. (we paid about 600 for it).
I've been looking at Clarion stuff. Is that the right route to take now? I'd like to keep the spending to the mid-range of 500 or so max.
#2
Well the newer Alpine only need a cable for the Ipod (~20$) and Bluetooth, i used to have it with my Eclipse 7200mkII (mic in the faceplate) and the sound was terrible for the the person at the other end, so you will need something with an external mic. You can get a new CDA-9887 with ipod cable for around 350$ an add the bluetooth for another 180$ (probably less if used) and you have your 500 or so.
#3
You can also go for a kenwood x993 which goes for 400-450. Excellent unit. I just got a x693 (w/o bluetooth) and it's a really nice unit. SQ wise very good. The only thing is the lights are a little tacky, but you get used to it.
#4
I'm putting together a system that will run some Focal 165v2 components in the doors amp'd with about 100 RMS each. I would like to pick up a head unit that will do those Focal's some justice as I know even for a low end focal, they are fantastic.
Any recommendations on a head unit? It's been a few years since I was up on the latest greatest and after looking over the Alpine offerings as of late, I'm really not impressed with their "add it for $200" approach to everything from Bluetooth to iPod.
Any recommendations on a head unit? It's been a few years since I was up on the latest greatest and after looking over the Alpine offerings as of late, I'm really not impressed with their "add it for $200" approach to everything from Bluetooth to iPod.
You can, of course, ask again on which brand had/has the best sound, but it was enough for me to pick Eclipse as the brand of choice for headunits.
Mainly I want some nice SQ. I want time correction if possible or some advanced sound processing. Nice DACs are important from what I can recall. I know there is still a new Alpine Deck that actually uses a Burr-Brown 24-Bit DAC.
I've been looking at Clarion stuff. Is that the right route to take now? I'd like to keep the spending to the mid-range of 500 or so max.
#5
Plus, as tacky as this sounds, the illumination changing to red is exactly what I'm looking for too as my interior lights are already red in the Trans Am so I want something that matches, thus doesn't look as tacky. (as my mullet at least)
Thanks for the advice!
#6
hmmm
I was looking at Eclipse head units recently (I have always been a huge eclipse fan) but i read some very bad reviews about them. Nothing that i can remember about the SQ of the decks, but pretty much anything else possible. is there any truth to this?
Nathan
Nathan
#7
Hah... I was actually going to ask about this exact Kenwood model! I just stopped in at a local audio shop and they recommended this unit. I've never thought much about going Kenwood but all I've heard from two shops now is that Kenwood has really stepped it up.
Plus, as tacky as this sounds, the illumination changing to red is exactly what I'm looking for too as my interior lights are already red in the Trans Am so I want something that matches, thus doesn't look as tacky. (as my mullet at least)
Thanks for the advice!
Plus, as tacky as this sounds, the illumination changing to red is exactly what I'm looking for too as my interior lights are already red in the Trans Am so I want something that matches, thus doesn't look as tacky. (as my mullet at least)
Thanks for the advice!
The 993 looks good, has lots of built-in toys for you to play with and hits your budget right on the mark......
If you're around the western GTA, Lee at Burlington Radioactive has them....tell him a big red guy on the board sent you and he'll take care of you.....
#8
I've got a 4 year old KW Excelon deck (I just got back from the bar and can't remember the exact model #, but seem to recall it was the 2nd from the top that year...) and I love it when listening to CDs and my iPod (through a Belkin FM transmitter), but have to say that its radio reception is absolutely s**t on both bands. I've never had a tuner section perform so poorly. This after owning about 4 Pioneer units which have pretty solid tuners in my experience. Overall though, I thought the KW unit was good and I'm considering another one for my next build happening this summer
#9
Hah... I was actually going to ask about this exact Kenwood model! I just stopped in at a local audio shop and they recommended this unit. I've never thought much about going Kenwood but all I've heard from two shops now is that Kenwood has really stepped it up.
Plus, as tacky as this sounds, the illumination changing to red is exactly what I'm looking for too as my interior lights are already red in the Trans Am so I want something that matches, thus doesn't look as tacky. (as my mullet at least)
Thanks for the advice!
Plus, as tacky as this sounds, the illumination changing to red is exactly what I'm looking for too as my interior lights are already red in the Trans Am so I want something that matches, thus doesn't look as tacky. (as my mullet at least)
Thanks for the advice!
Nick