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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Some time ago, maybe a year ago or more, there was a discussion about the SQ of various decks, of that discussion, the consensus was that Eclipse headunits had the best overall sound quality over any other units on the market.

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.

The Eclipse CD7200 has a dedicated 24 bit DSP in which they can do such things as time alignment and EQ, plus other fuctions

I've priced the Eclipse CD7200 recently at Selective Sound in Mississauga, it was $ 499.99

 

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!

 

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

 

I've been a big fan of KW decks for years......my main issue is reliability and they seem to hold up for the long haul. I use mine around 300+ hrs/week, my current one is 5 years old......it's been out once for repair, I wore out the laser......

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.....

 

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

 

Like the bigredguy said, Kenwood Excelon decks are I have the X-991 last years version of the 993. You have got to hear these set up in a car for SQ. If you are around GTA I can let you have a listen. I will almost guarantee you head straight to the store. LOL It has 24db xovers, full T/A, but also has alot of space settings to adjust the sound stage. Moves it up, out, and forward with a bunch of different menus. Takes a bit to comprehend it all, but when you get it WOW. Midbass are in the bottom of the doors, yet everyone swears they are in the A/C vent on the dash. LOL More than happy to let anyone who wants to have a listen anytime, just let me know.
Nick

 

We also sell the Kenwood excelon decks, we have the x993 on display if you want to check out the features.