Head unit so many choices

thumpin07

Also im looking for a head unit in the 200 -250 range in dollers, If anyone has some good suggestions and could let me know i would greatly appreciate it. I have a ford crown vic, I've always heard eclipse and alpine were good. I figure maybe someone can stear me in the right direction.

MacLeod

For $200-250 all the major brands are going to be pretty much the same in terms of build quality and amount of features they offer. Id look at Alpine, Eclipse, Pioneer, Kenwood and Clarion and maybe even JVC and Panasonic and see which ones offer the features youd like to have and looks the best. Thats really going to be the only differences.

killerb

heres a nice one for a great price.

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/eXcelon/1-Din_CD_Receivers/KDC-X792

thumpin07

Yeah that kdc unit looks nice but i was told the preout's are bad for coming lose on the Kenwood's, i always thought Kenwood made good gear. And mac how has it been going won any competitions lately? And mac if you were buying a head unit in that price range what would you buy? I'm curious. I know the higher the preout voltage the better, and the more of them u have the better also what else should i look for spec wise. I plan on adding more amps one day, since i want to add better 6x8's, i was thinking two 2 channel amps one for the front, and one for the rear I drive a crown vic with the windows down in the summer its a big car and the factory system blows. ideas are always appreciative, i just dont want to buy something i thought would work and then it sound like poo.

DemonAstroth

I'm going to be selling my CD7100 for 350 but that's 100 dollars out of your price range. However, the sound quality is really excellent. Maybe you can find a CD5000 or 5100 for about 250?

bigaudiofanatic

I'm a alpine guy.

thumpin07

keep the suggestions coming

what do you all think about this head unit:

Alpine CDA-9885

here are the specs:
General
Chassis Size Code IEJ
RMS Power Output 18 watts
Peak Output 50 watts
CEA Compliant Yes
RMS Power Bandwidth 20-20kHz
Preamp Outputs 3 pair
Sub Preamp Outputs Yes
Preamp Voltage 4 volts
Display Color White
Key Button Color Blue/Red or Red
EQ Bands None
Sound Shaping Type Bass Engine
Wireless Remote Yes
Wired Remote Optional
Security Detachable face
Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year
Expandability
iPod Connection Optional audio
AUX Input Optional
USB Input Optional
A/V Inputs No
Bluetooth Compatible Optional
Satellite Radio Ready Both
HD Radio Optional
Navigation No
Memory Card Compatible No
Changer Control Yes
Tuner
Tuner Type Not given
FM Sensitivity 9.3 dBf
FM Presets 12
AM Presets 6
European Tuning No
Seek/Scan Seek
Radio Data System No
Playback
CD Frequency Response 5-20kHz
CD Signal-to-Noise 105 dB
CD-R Playback Yes
CD-RW Playback Yes
MP3 Playback Yes
WMA Playback Yes
DVD Playback

eloplayspolo

ummmmm if u dont have an eq.... i say stay away.... although i love the ipod control.... it really lacks on control of the audio... u have bass, treble, fade and left and right.... thats about it.

thumpin07

how bout this unit it is the next model up the totem pole
Alpine CDA-9886

heres the specs
Chassis Size Code IEJ
RMS Power Output 18 watts
Peak Output 50 watts
CEA Compliant Yes
RMS Power Bandwidth 20-20kHz
Preamp Outputs 3 pair
Sub Preamp Outputs Yes
Preamp Voltage 4 volts
Display Color White/Blue
Key Button Color Blue
EQ Bands 2
Sound Shaping Type Bass Engine
Wireless Remote Yes
Wired Remote No
Security Detachable face
Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year
Expandability
iPod Connection Built-in audio
AUX Input Optional
USB Input Rear
A/V Inputs No
Bluetooth Compatible Optional
Satellite Radio Ready Both
HD Radio Optional
Navigation No
Memory Card Compatible No
Changer Control Yes
Tuner
Tuner Type Not given
FM Sensitivity 9.3 dBf
FM Presets 12
AM Presets 6
European Tuning No
Seek/Scan Seek
Radio Data System No
Playback
CD Frequency Response 5-20kHz
CD Signal-to-Noise 105 dB
CD-R Playback Yes
CD-RW Playback Yes
MP3 Playback Yes
WMA Playback Yes
DVD Playback

eloplayspolo

if it was me.....
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?showAll=N&g=300&i=130P6000UB&tp=5684

OR

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?showAll=N&g=300&i=113KDCX791&tp=5684

Toxis

If you don't mind used or an older model, you can get a Pioneer 880prs for around the 250 range usually. I will be using it in my system for the overall control and sound quality.

thumpin07

eloplayspolo wrote: »

if it was me.....
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?showAll=N&g=300&i=130P6000UB&tp=5684

OR

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?showAll=N&g=300&i=113KDCX791&tp=5684

I like the kenwood for the rms power but it only has 3 band eq, and the pionerr is only 14 watts rms but has a 7 band eq its a hard choice. I like alpine stuff because not a lot of people have it, that makes it cool in my opinion, plus ive heard alot good from alpine, though most people that have alpine have a external eq

thumpin07

what about this unit pioneer premier FH-P800BT It is a double din size unit
here is the specs
Supertuner (AM/FM Radio)
Supertuner Supertuner IIID
24-Station/6-Button (18FM/6AM) Presets Yes
BSM (Best Stations Memory) Yes
Local Station Setting Selectable (4-Step)
Digital Radio Capability
HD Radio Ready Yes (GEX-P10HD Required)
XM Radio Ready Yes (GEX-P920XM Required)
Sirius Radio Ready Yes (CD-SB10 and Tuner Required)
Sirius Game Alert and Game Zone Yes
CD Player
1-bit D/A Converter Yes (8fs/16-bit)
CD-R/CD-RW Compatible Yes
AGC (Automatic Gain Control) Yes
Disc Title Memory Yes
Disc List Yes
Track Title List Yes
CD Text CD Text
MP3 Playback Compatibility
Codec Support MP3, WMA, WAV, iTunes AAC
File System ISO9660-1,-2, Romeo, Joliet
Max Directory 8
Max. Folder # 99
Max File # per Disc 999
Multisession Disc Play Yes
Random Play Folder/Disc
Repeat Play File/Folder
MP3 Bit Rate 8~320kbps or VBR
WMA Format WMA v7, 8, 9, 10
WMA Bit Rate 48~384kbps, VBR
AAC Format iTunes AAC
AAC Bit Rate 16~320kbps
File Name 64 bytes
Folder Name 64 bytes
ID3/WMA Tag ID3 v1.0, 1.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4; WMA; iTunes AAC
Tag Length 64 bytes
Tag Data Track, Artist, Album, Comment
List Search File and Folder
Bluetooth Capability
Bluetooth Capable Built-in
Hands-Free Profile (HFP) Yes
Audio Streaming Profile (A2DP) Yes
Audio Control Profile (AVRCP) Yes
iPod Control Capability
iPod Control Capability USB Control (Cable Included)
Additional System Expandability
IP-Bus System Control Yes
USB Control Capability Built-In USB Control
Multi-CD Control Yes
DVD Control Yes
Display Output Yes
Built-in Auxiliary Input Built-in (Rear)
Optional (IP-Bus) Auxilary Input CD-RB10 or CD-RB20 required
External Unit Control 2
Display Features
Face Type Fixed
Display Type Blue Organic EL (OEL)
Dot Matrix OEL Size 3 Line, 16 Characters
Button (Key) Illumination All-Blue
Audio Features
Built-in Speaker Power MOSFET 50W x 4
Continuous Power Output 22W x 4
Equalizer EEQ (7-band Graphic)
Equalizer Presets 5
User Equalizer Settings 2
Loudness 3 Mode
Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) Yes
Electronic Balance/Fader Yes
Source Level Adjuster (SLA) Yes
Crossover Network Two-Way Crossover
High-Pass Crossover (HPF) 50/63/80/100/125Hz, -12dB/Oct.
Subwoofer Crossover (LPF) 50/63/80/100/125Hz, -18dB/Oct., +/-12dB
RCA Preouts 3 pair (Front, Rear, Sub/Non-Fading)
Preout Voltage & Impedance Hi-Volt (4V), 100 ohm
General Features
Volume Control Rotary Commander
Operation Mode Rotary Commander
Display Off Mode Yes
Internal Amp Off Mode Yes
Remote Control 10-Key Card
Wired Remote Input Yes
Operation Beep Tone Yes
Cellular Mute Yes
Warranty 2 Year
Premier
Premier Service and Installation Yes

eloplayspolo

if u dont plan to use an amp.... go with the alpine... it has a specific setting that turns the display off so it can add a little more power to your speakers and clean up the sound

killerb

i like the kenwood exelon unit. it has a 110 db s/n ratio and a 2 year warranty.

thumpin07

eloplayspolo wrote: »

if u dont plan to use an amp.... go with the alpine... it has a specific setting that turns the display off so it can add a little more power to your speakers and clean up the sound

well i will be adding amps eventually, and better speakers

thumpin07

i looked at the Kenwood excelon kdc-x492 i really likeing that unit what do you all think about it

killerb

i would go for the x792. its in your price range and has a ton of features. i have the x991 and its great! my x991 has 115db s/n ratio, 5 channel time alignment, wolfson d/a converters among many other things. i think the 792 has the same d/a converters. i also checked with my oscope and have confirmed over 5v of unclipped output. the x792 has 4v pre outs.these head units are just CLEAN!

thumpin07

are you refering to the X791 i cant find a x792 on crutchfield.

raggadiman

eloplayspolo wrote: »

if it was me.....
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?showAll=N&g=300&i=130P6000UB&tp=5684

OR

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?showAll=N&g=300&i=113KDCX791&tp=5684

GOTO techronics.com and you can get the same gear as ripfield's got for a whole lot less $$$!:D
For instance,,,,,, Alpine CDA-9886 CD/MP3/WMA/AAC Car Audio Receiver
More info...

Item #: 79259
Availability:In Stock
Our Price: $254.00 and FREE shipping.,.,.,
Retail Price: $399.99 You Save $145.99!

AND,,,
Pioneer DEH-P600UB CD/MP3/WMA USB Receiver
More info...

Item #: 79255
Availability:In Stock
Our Price: $226.15 .,.,.,.,Free shipping
Retail Price: $399.99 You Save $173.84!

And.,.,

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X791 CD/MP3/WMA/AAC Receiver
More info...

Item #: 77068
Availability:In Stock
Our Price: $198.35 FREE shipping.,.,.
Retail Price: $299.99 You Save $101.64!

JoshParsons84

IMO car audio is a lot like home audio. You don't want to skimp on any one thing. If it was me putting together a car audio system (which I am btw) I would put as much as I possibly was allowed (waf) towards every component i.e. deck,fronts,subs,etc. I currently right now have an Alpine CDA-9831 and love it. But it's starting to get outdated and when my system is done I'll upgrade. My deck of recommendation for anybody looking for one would be the CDA-9887. If I was you I'd honestly up my CD player range another $100 and you'd have one hell of a deck and a great controller for your system. Just my $0.02 though.

JoshParsons84

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=5756 here's a link to that deck I was talking about.

thumpin07

people tell me alpine people tell me kenwood i guess it comes down to personal preferance, but for 300 even i van get the x792 kenwood excelon i like that

thumpin07

i think i have decided on the kenwood unit it makes plenty of rms power, and the preout voltage is good i guess the only thing i dont like about it is the eq but i can always get a external eq.

killerb

you will love the x792!

thumpin07

now for some other info Eventually i will be adding two more subs a 1200w 15inch and a 1000w 12 inch same brand i have now each will be 2 ohm stable, I'm wanting them in a box with the 15 in the middle and the 12's on each side. I was considering running one monoblock to each sub, and i will be upgrading my amps too, right now the amp i have makes only 360 some rms. For the subs i would like to push at least 500w rms to 800 rms, any good ideas on amps that are great bang for the buck, and will last, and stand up to abuse? also I am going to replace my factory 6x8's up front, but do not know if i should go with components, or just good 2-way speakers. everything i do i want to be able to revert to factory if i get rid of the car. I am going to leave the 6x8s in the rear deck out, i heard it was best to lose the rear speakers, and leave the holes so the bass flows into the cab. Ideas on speakers, and a good 2 channel amp to power them will help also. Finally how do i power all this stuff. I wont be competing with it, but when i want to boom in front of my friends i want to know there jaws will drop, It needs to be loud, clean, clear, accurate, but thundering bass. any help is apprecoated you all help alot with the head unit.

thumpin07

I mentioned i will not be competing; however these are compettion grade sub woofers thats what they were designed for. And i checked The 12's are designed to handle 500wrms continous peak out at 1000watts the 15 is rated for 600wrms continuious power at 2 ohms peak at 1200w so any info on amps that will handle these are appreciated.

thumpin07

If anyone can reccomend any subs that may be better than volfenhags please let me know i only have one 12 inch right now and it hits hard and sounds good, but ive been hearing there crap i want realiable stuff that will hit hard and last make the earth shake, any help is appreciated, and i dont want to spend a fortune either.

eloplayspolo

Alpine type Rs.... Kicker L7s..... JLs..... big box = loud

thumpin07

ok those are subs any indeas on amps, and speakers remember i want do make my friends jaws drop when they hear the thunder, but i also want clean loud clear music too

eloplayspolo

set of momo components for speakers - put 125w rms into them....PLENTY loud and clear

amps - Obviously depends on the speakers u go with, but anything from Alpine (the new pdx series is really nice), MTX (the Thunder Elite series is what i have, they look pretty impressive but take up a lot of room), JL (slasher series), RF, Polk, Kenwood, Eclipse..... go with any of those and u will be good.