Best HU

halo
halo Posts: 5,616
edited September 2006 in Car Audio & Electronics
$250 and under. Thanks in advance. This is for my wife's car.
Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
Post edited by halo on
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Comments

  • exalted512
    exalted512 Posts: 10,735
    edited August 2006
    http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=15720

    http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=16991

    The Alpine is a better unit but is a few bucks out of your price range. If youre not looking for major tuning options, go with the 680.
    -Cody
    Music is like candy, you have to get rid of the rappers to enjoy it
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited August 2006
    I prefer authorized dealers and this Panasonic is the one Id choose for my wifes car as they offer about the best bang for the buck.

    Its got a lot of tuning options and plenty of cool features plus its not very flashy looking which most chicks like. ;)

    It also has plenty of room for upgrades in case you get the urge to play around!

    Best of all, its a $500 HU that is on sale for $280 (I know thats over your budget but its still a smokin' deal).

    http://www.crutchfield.com/S-1aw6FzozOOG/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&I=133CB8901

    However, if you have to come in under $250 then go with Alpine. Those are my favorite HU's. Plenty or features and excellent build quality.

    http://www.crutchfield.com/S-1aw6FzozOOG/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&I=500CDA9820
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited August 2006
    In my opinion, this is the best for your budget. I'd certainly have no qualms with running it.

    Besides, it's from an authorized dealer that includes installation kits and extensive instructions with purchases, and has great customer service.

    Nice looking HU that's not bland, but fairly understated, with tons of features and capabilites.
    h099CD3000-f_mt.jpeg
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited August 2006
    Mac - That Panasonic's not very flashy?! I'd hate to see a HU you think IS flashy...
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited August 2006
    Yeah, its not very flashy. Its basically all black with blue lighting. The display is funky but thats it.

    h133CB8901-f_mt-1.jpeg

    This is one Id consider to be more flashy.

    h133C3303-f.jpeg

    or this

    h023MEMMP66-f_mt.jpeg
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • 1996blackmax
    1996blackmax Posts: 2,436
    edited September 2006
    audiobliss wrote:
    In my opinion, this is the best for your budget. I'd certainly have no qualms with running it.

    Besides, it's from an authorized dealer that includes installation kits and extensive instructions with purchases, and has great customer service.

    Nice looking HU that's not bland, but fairly understated, with tons of features and capabilites.
    h099CD3000-f_mt.jpeg


    Good choice there. The only thing I do not like about these models is the scroll wheel to change tracks. Other than that it is a solid HU with one of the best preamp sections around (good thing if you have amps or ever plan to add some).
    Alpine: CDA-7949
    Alpine: PXA-H600
    Alpine: CHA-S624, KCA-420i, KCA-410C
    Rainbow: CS 265 Profi Phase Plug / SL 165
    ARC Audio: 4150-XXK / 1500v1-XXK
    JL Audio: 10W6v2 (x2)
    KnuKonceptz
    Second Skin
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited September 2006
    Thanks for all the advice. I think that out of everything you've reccomended my wife is seriously considering the Pioneer. She likes the look of it and the price. She felt the Alpine was too plain looking. Definitly going with Crutchfield. No tax, free shipping, free kits and hardware, free tech support - it's a no brainer. Thanks again! :)
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • brettw22
    brettw22 Posts: 7,624
    edited September 2006
    I think those eclipse's are ugly as hell. I wouldn't ever consider a display with pixels that pronouned.......
    comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
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  • 1996blackmax
    1996blackmax Posts: 2,436
    edited September 2006
    The other Eclipse I've had were not the pretiest things, but once I heard them in my car it made up for the looks. Function over form...
    Alpine: CDA-7949
    Alpine: PXA-H600
    Alpine: CHA-S624, KCA-420i, KCA-410C
    Rainbow: CS 265 Profi Phase Plug / SL 165
    ARC Audio: 4150-XXK / 1500v1-XXK
    JL Audio: 10W6v2 (x2)
    KnuKonceptz
    Second Skin
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  • Meeks32
    Meeks32 Posts: 330
    edited September 2006
    You could look for a older model eclipse deck thats still NIB on ebay that arent as flashy as the new ones.
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited September 2006
    Halo wrote:
    Thanks for all the advice. I think that out of everything you've reccomended my wife is seriously considering the Pioneer. She likes the look of it and the price. She felt the Alpine was too plain looking. Definitly going with Crutchfield. No tax, free shipping, free kits and hardware, free tech support - it's a no brainer. Thanks again! :)

    Good choice.

    Cant go wrong with Pioneer.
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • exalted512
    exalted512 Posts: 10,735
    edited September 2006
    your wife has great taste:D

    which pioneer was it?
    -Cody
    Music is like candy, you have to get rid of the rappers to enjoy it
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2006
    Can't you just scroll up and look at the one you recommended? :rolleyes:
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • exalted512
    exalted512 Posts: 10,735
    edited September 2006
    just making sure, besides, crutchfield doesnt carry the radio i listed
    -Cody
    Music is like candy, you have to get rid of the rappers to enjoy it
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2006
    Oh, well...maybe I should've scrolled up to check, then...:p
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cam5860
    cam5860 Posts: 632
    edited September 2006
    I am starting to like this deck by Sony. It has all the features I need for good sound quality. 24 bit Burr Brown Converters, 7 Band EQ, 4 Volt preouts, BBE processing, CD signal to noise ratio 120 DB.
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited September 2006
    We got the Pioneer (from Crutchfield) yesterday and my wife installed it today. Now she says it's up to me to figure out how to use it ;) So far I'm very impressed with it. All the different settings, displays, and tweakability for just over $200 aint bad.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2006
    You're wife installed it?!?!

    Wow....where'd you find her? I just might have to move there after college! :D
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited September 2006
    audiobliss wrote:
    You're wife installed it?!?!
    Why are you surprised by that? :confused:
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2006
    I've never heard of a wife doing it. And there's only been, like, maybe two females 'south of the border' before. When gals are mentioned, as I recall, it's usually something along the lines of "yeah, I spent my Saturday putting in a system for this girl I met....yada yada yada".
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter