Which headunit should i go with?

[aphex]

I've finally decided to upgrade from the stock headunit... The sound is just not as clean as i would like it to be since ive upgraded my speakers and added amps w/ a LOC, and i would love to have full ipod and sirius integration. I know it will be messing with the flow of the stock dash, but I'm willing to make that sacrifice right now... It's definately been a huge improvement over stock this far, but everyone says you can only do as good as your source will allow, so its time to change the source

Stock: http://www.aphexii.com/pics/carnano3.JPG. As you can see, i added the Sirius Starbase in the ashtray (the door can close) and my iPod nano in the cup holders in the middle. The problems arise when i try to change songs, my eyes come so far off the road, its not exactly safe sometimes.

What i need;

• EXCELLENT SQ
• iPod Compatability
• Sirius Compatability
• Clear EASY TO READ screen, even during sunlight
• Looks good
• Fairly inexpensive, but still GOOD quality

After looking around a bit, i've narrowed my choices down to two, a Premier and a JVC.

JVC KD-AVX2
Link to Info
Pic of Headunit
Photoshop in Dash
Price: ~ $400
Positives: 3.5" Widescreen LCD (VERY clear, saw it in person, impressive), DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, DVD Mp3 Disc, Video-In (possible Backup Cam, etc), supports everything i'm looking for.

Pioneer Premier DEH-P880PRS
Link to Info
Pic of Headunit
Photoshop in Dash
Price: ~ $300
Positives: Clean & Bright White OEL display, 5-volt preouts, Great SQ w/ 32 band EQ, Auto EQ with supplied mic, 24-bit Burr Brown DAC, supports everything i'm looking for, and is highly regarded on most every car audio site for SQ.


Which should i go for? I don't really NEED DVD playback, but the added feature wouldnt hurt and it seems like a nice player. I know lower end JVC's are shite, but the higher end are considered to be signficantly more reliable.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Very happy with my JVC unit and I have an older model, Sh99.

Give a look at Alpine as well.

 

[theNEOone]

ugh. why people would mess with a perfectly good interior is beyond me. the mazda3 interior is one of the nicest in its class.

you should adjust your prices because putting in an aftermarket headunit is going to be at the expense of a dash that looks like sh!t. plus you're going to lose the time display AND the use of the stereo/volume controls on the steering wheel.


=|

 

[Specop 007]

Eclipse

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Very happy with my JVC unit and I have an older model, Sh99.

Give a look at Alpine as well.

Alpines 2006 line seems to have gone down the tubes. Half the output voltages, a bunch of features were removed, no motorized displays, and frequent reports of problems...

 

[Brutuskend]

HEHE, you said Head and unit...

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: theNEOone
ugh. why people would mess with a perfectly good interior is beyond me. the mazda3 interior is one of the nicest in its class.

you should adjust your prices because putting in an aftermarket headunit is going to be at the expense of a dash that looks like sh!t. plus you're going to lose the time display AND the use of the stereo/volume controls on the steering wheel.


=|

Time display will be on the new radio.

They make adapters that splice into the wiring of the wheel, allows the streering wheel controls to work with aftermarket systems. The SWIX is one off the top of my head. Also, higher end eclipse's can wire directly in without any aftermarket adapters.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: Specop 007
Eclipse

Eclipse HU's definately have the reputation and some very nice specs, but to be honest, other than the CD7000, they all look pretty bad IMO.... Although, function is definately > form, i have to veto any eclipse, simply for the fact i wouldnt be able to look at it everyday.

 

[Shawn]

I'd just save my money and go with the Pioneer. I've owned 3 Pioneers and I've loved all 3 of them. JVCs have always been garbage. I wouldn't risk it.

 

[Brutuskend]

I have owned several Pioneer Premier units (HeHe Now I said it), and I have been very happy with them.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: aphex

Originally posted by: Specop 007
Eclipse

Eclipse HU's definately have the reputation and some very nice specs, but to be honest, other than the CD7000, they all look pretty bad IMO.... Although, function is definately > form, i have to veto any eclipse, simply for the fact i wouldnt be able to look at it everyday.

Get an old-stock eclipse. They look much better.

http://www.ctssands.com/assets/images/3424.jpg

Either that or maybe a Nakamichi

cd400/500

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: aphex

Originally posted by: Specop 007
Eclipse

Eclipse HU's definately have the reputation and some very nice specs, but to be honest, other than the CD7000, they all look pretty bad IMO.... Although, function is definately > form, i have to veto any eclipse, simply for the fact i wouldnt be able to look at it everyday.

Get an old-stock eclipse. They look much better.

http://www.ctssands.com/assets/images/3424.jpg

Hmmm, i wonder what they have been thinking lately... The new ones look even worse than the Jensen units ive seen.

 

[NutBucket]

I had a cd3424..my gf had a cd3414. Excellent hu's for about $200.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
I had a cd3424..my gf had a cd3414. Excellent hu's for about $200.

Any idea on Sirius/iPod compatability...?

Only thing im hesitant about with older HU's is even when they have iPod support, its very slow. It seems only this years models support a faster interface...

 

[NutBucket]

None unfortunately. If you're buying an Eclipse/Nakamichi you don't really concern yourself with such things

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
None unfortunately. If you're buying an Eclipse/Nakamichi you don't really concern yourself with such things

Dosen't Eclipse = Fujitsu Ten?

 

[NutBucket]

Yep.

 

[aphex]

im about 70% leaning towards the Premier.

 

[ballmode]

Alpine

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: ballmode
Alpine

Read my sentiments above regarding Alpine. The 2006 series is a step down.

 

[pyonir]

All i can say is do NOT get a Dual (brand name) deck. Garbage.

 

[EightySix Four]

I'm debating swapping my Kenwood for the premier, does anyone know how much a diff going from the 2.5v pre-outs to the 5v would make. The amps max out at 5.5 volt.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: crazySOB297
I'm debating swapping my Kenwood for the premier, does anyone know how much a diff going from the 2.5v pre-outs to the 5v would make. The amps max out at 5.5 volt.

Trying to find that out myself as well.

 

[NutBucket]

Not a whole lot of difference unless you're going for an audiophile-level system.

 

[BrokenVisage]

Go with the Pioneer, or get an Eclipse if SQ is a must.