Help a newby decide!

[gammasphere]

Hi, I'm new when it comes to the car stereo world, although I have done a lot of reading up recently because I want to buy a new car stereo. You see, I am very particular when it comes to music, and I want audio playback that is perfectly (or as close to as possible) balanced and reproduced. I don't want obnoxious lows, I don't want ear-piercing highs. I want music-reproduction the way it was supposed to be heard: balanced, and in HIGH quality.
So, I have gone through most major stereo brands and have found some that I think might work (I'd like to keep it under $350).
They are as follows:
Alpine CDA-9833
Pioneer DEH-P80MP
Clarion ProAudio DXZ555MP
Clarion ProAudio DXZ655MP
Nakamichi CD-400
To give you a better idea of what I am looking for, these are the types of music I like: -Classical -Contemporary Rock (don't need it loud) -some Electronic -Contemporary Jazz -New Age -Acoustic
I do not like a lot of bass, but I LOVE clarity... I do not care very much about looks (I just want it to look clean). I do want, however, elegance, CLARITY and QUALITY. I love extra gadgets, but want CLARITY and QUALITY first and foremost. Of these stereos, which would you recommend? I really need some guidance.
Also, is there much difference between these two Clarion's as far as sound reproduction quality? And do you think that 18watts per channel would be enough sound or do you think I still should get an external amp for more clarity? (I want to run component front speakers and coaxial rears...no subs) Sorry this is so long, I just have a lot of questions as I am new to the whole car stereo scene. Thanks for any guidance you may have...

[UndercoverPunk]

This is going to be a pretty expensive hobby for you. ESP. if you're already looking a Nakamichi

[Expy2000]

9833


Alpine!!!!

[GRANDV]

clarion DXZ-745

[UndercoverPunk]

I personally have a thing for eclipse, but I'm assuming you didn't list them for a reason.

[soundstreamer]

I personally have a thing for eclipse, but I'm assuming you didn't list them for a reason.

i too favor eclipse. if you haven't considered them, perhaps you should.
i also like pioneer although i have no experience with newer models

[Pistonsfan70]

I HAD the Clarion DXZ745MP I loved it!! I love Clarion head units! They are VERY under-rated in my opinion. Easy to use, easy on the eyes and they perform!

[forbidden]

Nakamichi as good as the line was, is now out of business. This would make a warranty claim **** hard. My vote is for the tried and true Eclipse head units. Why? - a low impedence high voltage preamp for much better s/n ratio than pretty much all comers, a laser sled that is differentially mounted and tuned to a 19hz resonant frequency, a 3 year warranty and 1 year free replacement if it is stolen, is way easy to use and is not some light show in your dash. Most imporantly it was not manufactured to hit a price point like others are. The industry is in a race to the bottom to see who can sell their gear the cheapest. If this is what you want there are any number of companies that can supply with this kind of gear. Most cd player use the same tuner, laser transport and amplifier across the line, so if the bottom of the line that sells for $80.00 has the same basic guts as the $400.00 model, what kind of stellar build quality do you really get?

Eclipse - Alpine - Grundig - Denon for a good no frills SQ cd player.