Best Head Unit

[RSparks 10+ year member]

I am looking to replace an Alpine CDA 9807, it is getting old and I want I-pod controls. I have an Alpine 6-disc CD changer and it is making sounds (like an old LP records). I have two MTX amps feeding 4 Boston pro 6 speakers and 1 10” sub.

I have always had Alpine’s but have put in an Eclipes cd5000 in another vehicle.

I am looking for a head unit in the range of $250 to $400 complete with the following;

#1 – good sound quality

2 – I-pod docking

3 – good I-pod interface

4 – CD player (although I would be willing to add an CD changer later)

5 – HD radio (this adds cost in most)

I have always had single dins but I like the idea of a double din (F-150 04 Ford) but is the sound quality the same in these units?

I was looking at;

Alpine CDA 9886

Alpine IDA x100

Eclipes CD3200

Eclipes cd 5100

Opinions on Kenwood, Pioneer, Panasonic, JVC or also any good Double dins.

Click to read more...

 

[joshualittle]

http://www.techronics.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=8884. Here's the eclipse cd 7200mkii for an awesome price. Same head unit I'll be getting for my setup. I've had older eclipses in the past and loved them. This one has 8 volt preouts and a digital sound processor. It's about the best sound quality hu out there.

 

[James Bang 5,000+ posts]

http://www.techronics.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=8884. Here's the eclipse cd 7200mkii for an awesome price. Same head unit I'll be getting for my setup. I've had older eclipses in the past and loved them. This one has 8 volt preouts and a digital sound processor. It's about the best sound quality hu out there.

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recommending something you have no experience with and calling it the best is just plain retarded.

 

[RSparks 10+ year member]

That is the best price I have seen. But, I would consider my amps being just average and speakers maybe just above average. Would I be able to notice enough sound difference to justify the costs from the Eclipse 3200 or the 5100? I still would need to add the add I-pod piece.

I just looked at the costs of the HD radio tuners, so I am thinking those are out.

 

[RSparks 10+ year member]

James Bang,

I see your an Alpine guy, what do you think?

 

[James Bang 5,000+ posts]

James Bang,
I see your an Alpine guy, what do you think?

depends on what's your goal and how far you want to go w/ your system.

If you're only gonna do so much, then there's no point getting a highend HU w/ a lot of processing and whatnot.

 

[farmerehsan 10+ year member]

i have clarion vrx575usb pm me if intrested

 

[bonesninja 5,000+ posts]

i like the 9835, 9887 or if you can find a 7889

 

[RSparks 10+ year member]

James Bang,

I will be sticking with what I have for now until I get a new vehicle in a year or two. So for now I want good sound (for the price) and good i-pod controls. (and CD player or changer)

Bonesninja,

What is the difference between the 9886 and the 9887? I will look at into the 9835 and 7889.

Not sure about that Clerion.

 

[bonesninja 5,000+ posts]

James Bang,
I will be sticking with what I have for now until I get a new vehicle in a year or two. So for now I want good sound (for the price) and good i-pod controls. (and CD player or changer)

Bonesninja,

What is the difference between the 9886 and the 9887? I will look at into the 9835 and 7889.

Not sure about that Clerion.

not really sure about the difference between the 86 and 87...i had an 87, and it was a great deck. I only sold because i didn't need all the features it offered and it was pretty much a waste for what i was using it as.

 

[TurdFergueson2 5,000+ posts]

I've only used Clarion and Pioneer. I liked both. Pioneers are a little finicky, but they did the job.

Would not hesitate to try Alpine HUs though.

 

[joshualittle]

Yea I agree with turd, I just bought a pioneer deh 790bt for my dad, actually got here today and he's estatic about it. He loves it, it's got bluetooth and I'm sure it's got awesome sound quality. I wouldn't be doin the eclipse 7200 if I didn't have to components and amps to back it up. There are a lot of nice pioneer, kenwood and alpine hu's out there. I only paid $260 for my dad's cd player.

 

[joshualittle]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/ref=ms_a_2_p2/183-4037585-2531138?ie=UTF8&a=B000P19F4Q. Here's the cd player I got my dad. They actually lowered the price by about $20 in the last couple days.

 

[joshualittle]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html/183-4037585-2531138?ie=UTF8&op=1&o=New&me=ASH1H6YCFH4EF&mp=MerchantsAt&a=B00151HAMO&eid=Y11M1689343M3502715. Here's the newer version of it. It has bluetooth,and ipod! Cd changer controlls.

 

[lvjeffro 10+ year member]

I love my ida-x100 have 20+ gigs of songs on my wd HDD and you can make your own wallpapers for the sexxxy screen...Has bluetooth,eq,satillite modules you can buy for it and has about the best ipod interface for a HU that I have seen or heard of

and it looks badass...