upgrading my head unit
 

It has been YEARS since I even thought about buying a head unit. I currently have a DRX9675z, which I love. However, my wife got me an iPod for Christmas and the deck will no longer play CDs. Just get Error 3, so I have been stuck with the radio for the last few months. I am not interested in using a FM transmitter for my iPod, so I have decided to get a new head unit that I can connect my iPod to directly. I heard chatter over the years that Clarion kinda sucks now, thoughts? So to make a long story even longer, I am looking for recommendations.

Requirements - SQ, iPod integration
the rest of the gear - USAmps AX-4300, stock components in the doors on the front channels, Kenwood KFC-W2505 10" bridged on the rear.

The speakers will be upgraded eventually, but I am an odd mix of SQ enthusiast and use-it-till-it-breaks. Unless I suddenly find myself debt-free, I won't replace equipment that still works. That being said I am trying diligently to blow up the speakers sooner than later.
So, hello everyone and thanks in advance for any advice/suggestions.

Depends on what your budget is, but can't go wrong with pioneer premier. I have a Premier DEH-510UB, and was cheapish ($200), quality, and I just found out, has built in short protection :D

Alpine CDA-117.
I am SO massively impressed with the SQ, user-friendliness of this thing. Just love it.

Alpine is definitely another good brand. I would take the Premier as it is $150 cheaper, and does pretty much and more what the Alpine does, except bluetooth. That you can buy an adapter for though, only $70-99 depending where your deals are :D

It a personal preference thing. Alpine has easily been the best brand for head units and processors I've owned overall for the last 25 years...still have fully working units from 25 years ago, and I've never had a warranty claim or defective product from them. Pioneer has been a close 2nd, but have had warranty claims, and kenwood and sony many more issues. Clarion wasn't bad either, about the same as the Pioneers. Again this has been my personal experience, I'm sure other's opinions will differ.