Car audio question... concerning head unit

[hpkeeper]

Hi, I really like the design of the Sony CDX-M650

Seen here

I like the design, the fact that it folds down like that. For the price that I'm getting it at (roughly $350 w/installation kit) a couple of my friends seem to think that I'm getting ripped off. So is there anywheres where I can find another head unit similar to that one maybe made by pioneer where it's got the 3 faces? I also need to support some subwoofers with it too. I would like the 3 face setup, but if you know any good head units for a good price with preferably 19watts x 4 (RMS) that'll be just as acceptable. So please, let me know of any good head units (3 face preferable).

Thanks

ThE KeEp

 

[hpkeeper]

bump

 

[geno]

Just make sure you know that the face doesn't come off of this unit. That's a must for me, but it might not be for you. This is a great deck, and I almost bought it, but I needed something that was more secure. I'd go for it if I were you (and if you have the money). Are you planning on piecing a system together or are you just replacing the stock unit?

 

[hpkeeper]

Yeah, I know the face doesn't come off on the unit... I'm piecing a system together. What unit did you end up getting? since they've brought it up, I've been looking at allot of the other head units made by Alpine and Pioneer.

 

[geno]

I ended up getting something less expensive, and had the features that I needed. The Sony unit had a lot of stuff I didn't really want/need, so I went for a Pioneer DEH-4100, not a bad deck and it comes with a remote as well. Haven't had a single problem or complaint about it yet.

 

[hpkeeper]

I'm really looking into the Alpine CDM-7861

pictured here

45watts x 4 RMS... cha ching.

That's what's drawing me into that one, not to mention I like pretty colors all over, you should see my room with all the lights off at night and my computer is on... you ever see that movie "Batteries not included?" well that's what my room looks like, lights everywhere. Does anyone know how this head unit works? where you insert the CD? I've looked it over on a few sites and can't find the hole for the CD. Help!

ThE KeEp

 

[John]

Alpine makes killer head units. I have a 7965 at the shop waiting to be installed in my car.

 

[hpkeeper]

so I should go with the Alpine rather than the Sony?

 

[BowDown]

I would imagine that the face folds down and you place the cd in that way. It does seem odd. But there was alot of CD Head Units on egay that didn't have a slot.

 

[geno]

Alpine makes great equipment - you can't go wrong with them IMO.

 

[Doodoo]

My cousin has that deck...its a nice deck. Has most of the functions you'd need. If you like the nice displays...look into clarions and pioneer.

 

[MiniThug]

I have a couple of friends with that deck and they love it (the sony). I have the Pioneer 8200r and couldnt be happier with it. Its a wonderful and powerful head unit. The organic EL display with the dolphin and ancient world screensavers really impresses people, I certainly like them. It can be had for about the same price as the sony online and is also 45x4. Heres a pic. Pic

 

[SpongeBob]

Yeah I would recommend Alpine over sony also. A little more expensive, but the quality is excellent, it will last a long time.

 

[Emulex]

all the new pioneer lines this year have HUGE price cuts. They have some badass units for like $269. They should be in right about next week. Awesome stuff. MOSFET 50 watt amps built-in instead of the cheap stuff. 3 way equalizer, even the option to add digital satellite radio for you folks who drive in the sticks..

Definitely check them out. The amps are cut big too, pioneer amps are really good because they are low profile. If you're putting them in a tight place , there really are no smaller quality amps.

Alpine, sokay at best. Their name isn't all that any more. I really like clarion as well. You know clarion is bose, so for folks with bose internals already, they are much more compatible than non-bose-made heads.

Pioneers' also always have the FAT remote control. Those credit card ones are uber-lame,hard to use.

 

[Valhalla1]

my friend has this unit.. he had to send it back for replacement within 3 months. plus it sounds poor compared to other head units in the same price range

 

[Soybomb]

The voice of experience says SONY IS SUCK!

Alpine rocks, and yes the face is motorized and rotates down to accept your cd

 

[Valhalla1]

I love my Kenwood Excelon deck. its a flip face, it folds down to accept the cd, then when the car is off it flips totally around to just a black face, looks like you dont even have a stereo.. theft deterrant

 

[Emulex]

motorized flip face = more stuff to break. The kenwood MASK were horrible after years...

if you get a flip down, get one that just unlatches. Trust me, you dont want the flippy kamaleon or mask or whatever they call it. Unless you are planning on getting that 3-5 year extended warranty.

 

[Impact55]

The alpine deck is nice, my friend has it. I have the Pionner DEH 3100 , which is a cheaper solution, but I did not want a flip-down face since I personally find them annoying when changing CD's.

 

[BowDown]

Well I drew up the plans for your custom bandpass box. Man this kid doesn't have much room in that Sierra truck to fit (2) Kappas.

I don't have the ports in the side view yet. I still have a little more calculating to do yet. But it should fit good, sound good, and take up the least amount of space possible. .

http://www.forsaleandtrade.com/temp/sideview.jpg

 

[flippinfleck]

Sony is definately suck! Stay away, very far away. They have a major problem with skippin on normal roads that need repairs. I've got a Pioneer, got it last year. It has only skipped once, and that was a scratched cd. I would recomend a Pioneer. But then again, I'm not an expert

 

[bobtist]

I love my Clarion. I don't think this year's models are as pretty as last year's, but that's just opinion. I've seen lots of nice Nakamichi decks all over the place lately, too... But I don't think those have internal amps, and also cost massive quantities of green.

In the car audio realm, I'll let everyone take a gander of my project of the past 2 days:
Mr. Subwoofer Box. I tried to get a picture of the insides, but couldn't get good light, I wanted everyone to see all my fantastic internal bracing. Sorry Farbio, it is ported. It's going to sound very nice, though, because I took very painstaking efforts to make sure the port was tuned to the box and driver I'll be using. So it won't be boomy or muddy, or your money back guarunteed. 1.1 ft^3 tuned to 33Hz, yessiree. Should be solid. Now if only my sub would get here already. UPS, grrr...

 

[Ender510]

..another vote for Alpine here.. i've had all alpine decks and think they are simply the best.