Help looking for a head unit

[boomh]

Hi there, I am looking for a head unit under $200. It can be used or new.

What I need and want

Lights up red (personal preference)

usb/aux

3+ pre out

I currently have a pioneer deh4200. As for system wise, I am planning to get ID ctx65 front and ctx5 for rear. Looking at a hi fonics 4 channel amp. Sub wise picking up an AB xfl1244 and have a rockford t5002 amp.

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[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Hifonics arent known for their 4 channels, it'll work but it wont be the best amp you can get for the money.

I've gotten a lot of recommendations for the clarion cz702. Its a nice head unit thats around 150-180 new. Its well built and has pretty good SQ internals along with lots of audio options and you can change the display to light up in several colors, not sure if red is one of them, maybe a dealer or forum member that currently owns one can shine on this.

 

[designedperfect]

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X997 has nice features and 3Pre 4.0V @ 600Ω and now the successor of the KDX-X996, while checking; some had the older 996 more than the new 997. Serious $200 -$240 tops is money well spent, I have seen it at $180 four different retailers remembering this a flagship line for KENWOOD, pricing as to the end user, you can vary and be patient you can get this nice unit average cost $200 and worth the price. That is if you like true HD 2.1, 2.2, 5.1, 5.2 any higher is pure waste, all BS of 7.2 or 7.1 as a car audio is what so you can say wow look at me, I have 7.2 but need Viagra. I will put my 2.2 audio HD sound system against any higher and certainly smoke any BS 7. Foolish surrounded by stupidity system offered OEM or aftermarket and it’s in a 92 SL AMG that does 209mph with great sound beat as I pass Germans on the autobahn at 180mph, all speakers are placed in the cabin, no subs in trunk, including both Subs are not flat styled and tuned vented. All 6 PW amps, one preamp are against metal plate separating fuel cell, two fresh outside filtered air vents with HC low speed fans, I do not use KENWOOD in this car, its a modified ALPINE, I post some pics in my profile. But back to a great unit meeting your 3Pre this is the one right at 200 buck if you.re not patient. $180, 30 to 45 days you'll see it 160 150, sure of it, stuff that sits on a shelf is a huge motivator to a retail outlet to get rid of it, the next new one is not far behind.

 

[boomh]

Hifonics arent known for their 4 channels, it'll work but it wont be the best amp you can get for the money.
I've gotten a lot of recommendations for the clarion cz702. Its a nice head unit thats around 150-180 new. Its well built and has pretty good SQ internals along with lots of audio options and you can change the display to light up in several colors, not sure if red is one of them, maybe a dealer or forum member that currently owns one can shine on this.

Thank you, I'll check into it.

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X997 has nice features and 3Pre 4.0V @ 600Ω and now the successor of the KDX-X996, while checking; some had the older 996 more than the new 997. Serious $200 -$240 tops is money well spent, I have seen it at $180 four different retailers remembering this a flagship line for KENWOOD, pricing as to the end user, you can vary and be patient you can get this nice unit average cost $200 and worth the price. That is if you like true HD 2.1, 2.2, 5.1, 5.2 any higher is pure waste, all BS of 7.2 or 7.1 as a car audio is what so you can say wow look at me, I have 7.2 but need Viagra. I will put my 2.2 audio HD sound system against any higher and certainly smoke any BS 7. Foolish surrounded by stupidity system offered OEM or aftermarket and it’s in a 92 SL AMG that does 209mph with great sound beat as I pass Germans on the autobahn at 180mph, all speakers are placed in the cabin, no subs in trunk, including both Subs are not flat styled and tuned vented. All 6 PW amps, one preamp are against metal plate separating fuel cell, two fresh outside filtered air vents with HC low speed fans, I do not use KENWOOD in this car, its a modified ALPINE, I post some pics in my profile. But back to a great unit meeting your 3Pre this is the one right at 200 buck if you.re not patient. $180, 30 to 45 days you'll see it 160 150, sure of it, stuff that sits on a shelf is a huge motivator to a retail outlet to get rid of it, the next new one is not far behind.

Thanks! so far from a quick glance that kenwood seems to be the one!

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X997 has nice features and 3Pre 4.0V @ 600Ω and now the successor of the KDX-X996, while checking; some had the older 996 more than the new 997. Serious $200 -$240 tops is money well spent, I have seen it at $180 four different retailers remembering this a flagship line for KENWOOD, pricing as to the end user, you can vary and be patient you can get this nice unit average cost $200 and worth the price. That is if you like true HD 2.1, 2.2, 5.1, 5.2 any higher is pure waste, all BS of 7.2 or 7.1 as a car audio is what so you can say wow look at me, I have 7.2 but need Viagra. I will put my 2.2 audio HD sound system against any higher and certainly smoke any BS 7. Foolish surrounded by stupidity system offered OEM or aftermarket and it’s in a 92 SL AMG that does 209mph with great sound beat as I pass Germans on the autobahn at 180mph, all speakers are placed in the cabin, no subs in trunk, including both Subs are not flat styled and tuned vented. All 6 PW amps, one preamp are against metal plate separating fuel cell, two fresh outside filtered air vents with HC low speed fans, I do not use KENWOOD in this car, its a modified ALPINE, I post some pics in my profile. But back to a great unit meeting your 3Pre this is the one right at 200 buck if you.re not patient. $180, 30 to 45 days you'll see it 160 150, sure of it, stuff that sits on a shelf is a huge motivator to a retail outlet to get rid of it, the next new one is not far behind.

 

[Jes 42 10+ year member]

That Clarion CZ702 is a good valued hu for the money(as Jeff mentioned).If and that's a big if you can find a good Kenwood x996 for under 200 then grab it.For under 200 you couldn't go wrong on those 2.My personal fave for hu's is the x996.Here's one on here.. http://www.caraudio.com/forums/head-unit-classifieds/594203-kenwood-kdc~x996-jl-300-4-fs-ft.html

 

[boomh]

Thanks everyone for the inputs!

Just a question though based on my budget right now, looks, specs, etc.. what is everyones input on the kenwood x597 and x797?

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

features is one thing, but you got to look at the internal DACs. Are they 24 bit high definition? or is it just a cheap headunit that works and only has 4 volt pre outs. you'd want a head unit that produces good sound quality its the central source component of your system. if possible stretch out your budget and get a pioneer 80prs which is extremely awesome head unit goes for around 250 on amazon, WELL worth it.

for sure it has red illumination and sound quality is top notch. I'd recommend this over any kenwood head unit any day.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

features is one thing, but you got to look at the internal DACs. Are they 24 bit high definition? or is it just a cheap headunit that works and only has 4 volt pre outs. you'd want a head unit that produces good sound quality its the central source component of your system. if possible stretch out your budget and get a http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/CD-Receivers/DEH-80PRS which is extremely awesome head unit goes for around 250 on amazon, WELL worth it.

for sure it has red illumination and sound quality is top notch. I'd recommend this over any kenwood head unit (under 300$) any day.

 

[04silverz 10+ year member]

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X997 has nice features and 3Pre 4.0V @ 600Ω and now the successor of the KDX-X996, while checking; some had the older 996 more than the new 997. Serious $200 -$240 tops is money well spent, I have seen it at $180 four different retailers remembering this a flagship line for KENWOOD, pricing as to the end user, you can vary and be patient you can get this nice unit average cost $200 and worth the price. That is if you like true HD 2.1, 2.2, 5.1, 5.2 any higher is pure waste, all BS of 7.2 or 7.1 as a car audio is what so you can say wow look at me, I have 7.2 but need Viagra. I will put my 2.2 audio HD sound system against any higher and certainly smoke any BS 7. Foolish surrounded by stupidity system offered OEM or aftermarket and it’s in a 92 SL AMG that does 209mph with great sound beat as I pass Germans on the autobahn at 180mph, all speakers are placed in the cabin, no subs in trunk, including both Subs are not flat styled and tuned vented. All 6 PW amps, one preamp are against metal plate separating fuel cell, two fresh outside filtered air vents with HC low speed fans, I do not use KENWOOD in this car, its a modified ALPINE, I post some pics in my profile. But back to a great unit meeting your 3Pre this is the one right at 200 buck if you.re not patient. $180, 30 to 45 days you'll see it 160 150, sure of it, stuff that sits on a shelf is a huge motivator to a retail outlet to get rid of it, the next new one is not far behind.

Lol what?

 

[boomh]

features is one thing, but you got to look at the internal DACs. Are they 24 bit high definition? or is it just a cheap headunit that works and only has 4 volt pre outs. you'd want a head unit that produces good sound quality its the central source component of your system. if possible stretch out your budget and get a DEH-80PRS - CD Receiver with 3-Way Active Crossover Network, Auto EQ, and Auto Time Alignment | Pioneer Electronics USA which is extremely awesome head unit goes for around 250 on amazon, WELL worth it.for sure it has red illumination and sound quality is top notch. I'd recommend this over any kenwood head unit (under 300$) any day.

Thank you, I am still learning and didn't pick up that part of 24 bit hd. Thanks for pointing that out to me. I'll take a look at that pioneer.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Thank you, I am still learning and didn't pick up that part of 24 bit hd. Thanks for pointing that out to me. I'll take a look at that pioneer.

yeah theres a lot of stuff that you can do with fancy headunits that greatly contributes to your sound. With that headunit you can run 3 way active and have complete control of your sound, with 16 band EQ, theres no need to buy any other equalizers and the signal is VERY strong, i had a 150 dollar headunit that says 4 volt preouts back then but i had to set the gains on my subwoofer amp up to 60% sometimes to get the proper output from my system, after switching to the 80 prs, I only need to go to 40% and its a lot louder and cleaner sounding then the old headunit setup. It also doesnt clip as fast as the old headunit, i can turn it up to 59/62 before it starts clipping and thats way too **** loud for my ears to handle.

 

[boomh]

Ok thanks! Def will look more into it.

 

[basswiigee]

Hi there, I am looking for a head unit under $200. It can be used or new.
What I need and want

Lights up red (personal preference)

usb/aux

3+ pre out

I currently have a pioneer deh4200. As for system wise, I am planning to get ID ctx65 front and ctx5 for rear. Looking at a hi fonics 4 channel amp. Sub wise picking up an AB xfl1244 and have a rockford t5002 amp.

you do know that you are going to put a sub that will eat 1200-1500w daily on a underrated, but 300w amp... ????

 

[boomh]

you do know that you are going to put a sub that will eat 1200-1500w daily on a underrated, but 300w amp... ????

Yeah, I plan to upgrade my amp for the sub too.