Thanks for the help on FM sensitivity...

[dugweb]

and are higher numbers better, or lower numbers?

Originally posted by: dugweb
man, it's times like these ATOT really shines

okay, so I think I've made my decision on what deck I'm going to buy, but ATOT's oppinion is important (mainly because I know very little about aftermarket decks).

I thought this one looked like a good value

Clarion DXZ465MP $199

But I was considering buying the step up, but it just looks like it's got a teeny bit more power, nicer screen, and it can change colors.

Clarion ProAudio DXZ665MP $299

what do you guys think? also, is clarion a good brand?

 

[OdiN]

I don'te KNOw

 

[ribbon13]

dBf / dB(fW) ? power relative to 1 femtowatt.

 

[Raincity]

higher is better

 

[dugweb]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
dBf / dB(fW) ? power relative to 1 femtowatt.

that means nothing to me... are more better? does it deal with how well you get reception?

 

[ribbon13]

Consider it "reception sensitivity"

 

[Dr. Detroit]

FM Mono Sensitivity
This figure tells you how well a CD receiver can pick up FM radio signals. The smaller the number, the greater the ability to pick up weaker stations. Expressed in decibel femtowatts (dBf).



http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/learningcenter/car/car_stereo/glossary.html

 

[dugweb]

perfect, thank you all very much for your help

 

[imported_electron]

Radio receiver designers are always playing the trade off game of whether to make a receiver selective or sensitive. Selective means it will reject nearby stations and other strong signals that would otherwise interfere with a very sensitive receiver. Sensitivity is just that, not as selective but will pick up weaker stations. what you need to decide when picking a receiver is which you want. Do you want a sensitive receiver or a selective one. Generally speaking most in dash car stereos are more selective than sensitive, as compared to something like a HAM radio or shortwave radio receiver for the home. Radio receivers are designed for the purpose they will likely be used for, so it's not likely you're going to find that big of a difference in specs from one to the other. What I mean is an in dash car stereo manufacturer isn't likely to give you the sensitivity you'd expect in a short wave radio for example.

Ok well that's the short answer anyway. Hope that helps.

 

[AlienCraft]

It's decibel related to a femtowatt. a femtowatt is a watt at 10 to the -15th. See wikipedia
@ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femtowattfemtowatt

 

[dugweb]

man, it's times like these ATOT really shines

okay, so I think I've made my decision on what deck I'm going to buy, but ATOT's oppinion is important (mainly because I know very little about aftermarket decks).

I thought this one looked like a good value

Clarion DXZ465MP $199

But I was considering buying the step up, but it just looks like it's got a teeny bit more power, nicer screen, and it can change colors.

Clarion ProAudio DXZ665MP $299

what do you guys think? also, is clarion a good brand?

 

[Dr. Detroit]

I'm a huge JVC fan when it comes to car audio CD players.

Give the G720 & G820 a look. All decks listed in Crutchfield can be had for about $50 less on ebay.

 

[dugweb]

yeah, but crutch field comes with free shipping, harness, dock and some other random stuff. But, I'll give ebay a look

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
I'm a huge JVC fan when it comes to car audio CD players.

Give the G720 & G820 a look. All decks listed in Crutchfield can be had for about $50 less on ebay.

dang, those have better stats then the clarion's do... plus it has got that USB input. Im not 100% sure what it'll accept but that's got potential.

This is why It has taken me months to decide on a deck for my car. It gets so frustrating, because I want the best bang for the buck, I just don't know enough about it all :\

 

[jamesbond007]

Don't get caught up in fancy HUs, pretty buttons, or flashy logos. If you're serious about your audio, check out Eclipse and the high-end Alpines and Pioneer Premieres. I can't speak on behalf of the Premieres as I've never owned one, but I know they use some very good components in their HUs and the people I know who have them simply love them.

I'm a fan of Eclipse HUs, personally. Sound quality is unbeatable and the capabilities and quality of the face are very durable. Alpine's 2005 series felt really cheap. There was a lot of flexing of the face when you'd press the buttons on the deck - not acceptable. I have an Eclipse CD5435 and it's SOLID. When tilted, the deck face doesn't move. If you want serious features and parametric EQs, check out Eclipses' high-end lineup.

I had a Clarion deck a couple years ago. Actually, it was my first HU. I was not impressed and it went back to Crutchfield ASAP. SQ was not what I wanted and the controls were clumsy.

My $0.02.

 

[dugweb]

dang, those eclipses are slick... but it seems like their stats are kinda weak compared to the JVC's

15w x4 and a 20hz-20,000 hz range compared to
20w x4 and a 5 hz - 20,000hz range

althought being sturdy and well built is important to me as well

 

[jtvang125]

Originally posted by: dugweb
dang, those eclipses are slick... but it seems like their stats are kinda weak compared to the JVC's

15w x4 and a 20hz-20,000 hz range compared to
20w x4 and a 5 hz - 20,000hz range

althought being sturdy and well built is important to me as well

Don't read too much into those ratings. It's given by the manufacturers and many exaggerate their claims to make their products look better. Another thing to note is that the internal amp on these decks are nothing more than a simple IC chip. Even a cheap external amp at 25w per channel can deliever better sound quality than many of these internal amps.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: jtvang125

Originally posted by: dugweb
dang, those eclipses are slick... but it seems like their stats are kinda weak compared to the JVC's

15w x4 and a 20hz-20,000 hz range compared to
20w x4 and a 5 hz - 20,000hz range

althought being sturdy and well built is important to me as well

Don't read too much into those ratings. It's given by the manufacturers and many exaggerate their claims to make their products look better. Another thing to note is that the internal amp on these decks are nothing more than a simple IC chip. Even a cheap external amp at 25w per channel can deliever better sound quality than many of these internal amps.

Agreed. My Eclipse 3424 claimed 14W RMS whereas my previous Kenwood Excelon claimed 24W RMS. What a shock, the Eclipse blew it away in terms of SQ and power.

This is a $250 Eclipse vs. the $330 Kenwood.

Eclipse is the best budget HU period.

 

[dugweb]

Okay, here's the deal... I went ahead and ordered the JVC KD-G820

but it hasn't shipped yet, and since you guys are saying eclipses are best bang for the buck I'm considering calling and switching my order to Eclipse CD3000

what do you guys think I should do?

Edit: I guess there is a 30 day money back garentee on both, and they pay return shipping, so I guess there I could try both :Q

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Originally posted by: dugweb
Okay, here's the deal... I went ahead and ordered the JVC KD-G820

but it hasn't shipped yet, and since you guys are saying eclipses are best bang for the buck I'm considering calling and switching my order to Eclipse CD3000

what do you guys think I should do?

Edit: I guess there is a 30 day money back garentee on both, and they pay return shipping, so I guess there I could try both :Q

Have you talked to a Crutchfield advisor on what they feel is a better deck, they are generally pretty knowledgeable, and will know which deck has a history of returns.

They will also iquire about system expansion, if you don't plan on adding external amplifiers and subs then one may be better than the other. Ease of use, and button placement may also be a concern.

Talk to a Crutchfield rep.

 

[marincounty]

I believe Blaupunkt makes the best tuners. One home hi-fi mag did an article on tuners, and the Blaupunkt car stereo was as good or better than expensive home units. Pioneer also makes a good tuner.
If you want good sound quality, don't use the built in amps, buy any decent outboard amp and you will get far better sound.

 

[jamesbond007]

Originally posted by: dugweb
Okay, here's the deal... I went ahead and ordered the JVC KD-G820

but it hasn't shipped yet, and since you guys are saying eclipses are best bang for the buck I'm considering calling and switching my order to Eclipse CD3000

what do you guys think I should do?

Edit: I guess there is a 30 day money back garentee on both, and they pay return shipping, so I guess there I could try both :Q

The Eclipse looks to be a nice one, though, be aware it doesn't look like it comes with a remote. You can add one on seperately, like I did with my brother's Alpine 9847 he bought last year. (Eclipse RMC105) eBay was a great source as we got a remote for $12 shipped, new. I agree with the other recent posts that state to not be too infatuated by the specs listed by manufacturers. Many are exaggerated, similarly to LCD manufacturers.