Recommend me a Head Unit

[Cawchy87]

I used to have an Alpine 9833 until it got stolen and was very happy with it.

-Budget: 300-350US (Would love to get a bit cheaper since it is replcacing a stolen deck :thumbsdown
-Must be available on eBay since I am from Canada and can't order from many sites.

I need:
1. mp3 compatability (with the ability to recognize folders)
2. Internal Amp (RMS rating of 15watts min)
3. Detachable flip face
4. Great sound quality
5. ID3 tag reading
6. Easy to use Equalizer settings (not pre-set)
7. Remote Control
8. 2 line lcd (if possible)

I have:
1. Front: Alpine Type R 6.5inch
2. Back: Alpine Type S 6x9
3. NO SUBS OR AMPS (Thinking about one 10 in my back to utilize a x-over)


I was thinking about an Alpine 9855 off of ebay for 317US

Thanks for any input!

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Well, I was going to say 9833 or 9835...I wouldn't get one of the new ones with Glidetouch, considering I want the tactile feel of buttons when I'm driving.

 

[shortspanishguy]

Eclipse 8053..... I have it and love it. I like the SQ better with this unit over my Alpine 9835. oops.... this only has #4 LOL

 

[MichaelD]

Budget?

Lots of nice HU's out there. How "nice" you get is directly related to how much $$$ you want to spend.

IMO, you can get a very nice non-video (no LCD touch screen) for under $350, easily.

 

[Cawchy87]

Ya, 300-350 would be my budget. Considering I am not running Components or subs at the moment I thought I might be able to get away with a slightly cheaper one and not notice the differance in sound.

But.. It seems like the lower end HU's don't come with the ability to recognize folders for mp3 cd's.

In terms of glide touch... I only change song etc. with the remote anyway to avoid an accident on the road, so it wouldn't be an issue.

EDIT: ADDED #5 to my list of "needs"

 

[OVERKILL]

JVC Arsenal 760.

http://www.cardomain.com/item/JVCKDAR760?ref=frog

Features

* CD / MP3 / WMA Playback
* Motorized Slide-Down Detachable Face
* Multicolor Dot Matrix LCD Display with Dimmer
* ID3 Tag and CD-Text Readout
* Rotary Encoder Knob
* CD-R / CD-RW Compatible
* Burr-Brown 1-Bit D/A Converter with 24-Bit Resolution
* Audible Control Confirmation
* HS-II Tuner
* 18FM / 6 AM Presets
* Direct Track / Folder Access
* iEQ Intelligent 3-Band Parametric Equalizer
* MOSFET Power Amplifier
* Dual 5V Gold-Plated Preamp Outputs (front & rear)
* Subwoofer Preamp Output with Crossover & Level Control
* Telephone Mute Input with CD Pause
* Preferred Setting Mode
* Station and Disc Title Memory
* CD / MP3 Changer Control
* Optional Auxiliary Input (KS-U57 required)
* Wireless Oval-Shaped Remote

Step-Up Features from the KD-AR560

* Dot Matrix LCD Display
* Motorized Slide-Down Face
* iEQ Intelligent 3-Band Equalizer
* 5V Preamp Output Level

 

[scorpmatt]

overkill that looks like a damn nice HU

 

[MichaelD]

FWIW, I have a Kenwood Excelon 679.

24-bit D/A converter, 5V preouts, etc
As well as all the requirements you listed.

I paid like $230 for it two years ago. The only thing is that the onboard crossovers for the pre-outs suck. They are only 6db/oct which sucks. Other than that, the HU rocks.

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Well you can pretty much scratch alpine off the list with #6, haha

 

[OVERKILL]

ScorpMatt,


I just bought it and really like it. The specs are serious for what your paying.
I especially like the 5 volt pre amps.
The only thing i'm disappointed about is the remote.
It's literally the size of a car alarm remote.

 

[scorpmatt]

overkill thanks for the info on that. I hear you on the remote size, I bought this for my car and the remote is about standard size for car stereos and I loose it all of the time. Now if that other remote has a hole in it for key chains that would be kinda neat, I think

 

[OVERKILL]

Matt, it actually does have a hole for a keychain, hehe.



Randy

 

[Cawchy87]

Originally posted by: ThisIsMatt
Well you can pretty much scratch alpine off the list with #6, haha

I found it quite easy to do on Alpine's website with "IPersonalize."

That JVC is nice and cheap, but it only has one line of LCD Display, I'll put that up as #8
As well, I use a remote almost exclusivly while I am driving so the fact that it is tiny isn't good. The specs on it are great tho.

I am concerned about Kenwood's quality, I have heard from some people they are really good, and from others to say away from them...

 

[electricJ]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
FWIW, I have a Kenwood Excelon 679.

24-bit D/A converter, 5V preouts, etc
As well as all the requirements you listed.

I paid like $230 for it two years ago. The only thing is that the onboard crossovers for the pre-outs suck. They are only 6db/oct which sucks. Other than that, the HU rocks.

To expand on that idea... check out the Excelon KDC-X889. Its a part of this years model line.

Freaking awesome head unit... just installed it in my Mazda6 last week. It has everything you're looking for with great sound quality (I'm not using the internal amp in my config). Plays WMA, MP3, and even AAC. 4 band parametric eq.

You can find it on ebay for ~$275 shipped (USD). Here's a Crutchfield link for specs:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-2Ea7j6nSAv...iew.asp?i=113KDCX889&search=kdc%2Dx889

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Originally posted by: Cawchy87

Originally posted by: ThisIsMatt
Well you can pretty much scratch alpine off the list with #6, haha

I found it quite easy to do on Alpine's website with "IPersonalize."

That JVC is nice and cheap, but it only has one line of LCD Display, I'll put that up as #8
As well, I use a remote almost exclusivly while I am driving so the fact that it is tiny isn't good. The specs on it are great tho.

I am concerned about Kenwood's quality, I have heard from some people they are really good, and from others to say away from them...

That's true, if you already know what you need to set...manually it's not so peachy.

 

[Montano]

<Beavis>huh huh, he said head, huh huh</Beavis>

 

[Shawn]

I only buy Pioneer and Alpine.

 

[MichaelD]

I'm on my third Kenwood HU in about 7 years.

The ONLY thing that ever broke was the flip-around, motorized face on my last HU. It was a known weak spot and Kenwood stopped making the flip around face, AFAIK.

They've been bulletproof, otherwise for me.

 

[Cawchy87]

So far I am looking at:

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X889

Clarion DXZ855MP

Alpine 9855

Anyone have any experiance with the Clarion? It seems like an awsome deck

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Alpine

 

[Cawchy87]

Ya, I have the most experiance with those HU's and really like the sound quality from them. I'll probibly go for that one.