help pick first HU

[doctorcheeze200 10+ year member]

So, im going to start my system off with a new HU pretty soon.

As for now, it will just replace my stock, and run all the stock speakers until i upgrade later.

All i NEED in a HU is a CD player, mp3, USB, and ipod (built in would be nice)

And EQ would be nice, the more bands the batter.

Here are some ive been looking at

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_17271_Kenwood+eXcelon+KDC-X493.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_11789_Kenwood+KDC-MP738U.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_11105_Pioneer+Premier+DEH-P500UB.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_16567_Pioneer+Premier+DEH-P410UB.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_17693_Pioneer+Premier+DEH-P510UB.html

Id rather not go over 150, but if the 2 above that are more than that are really worth it, then i would.

This will be my joint birthday present from my grandparents and my mom.

Im open to suggestions and opinions.

Click to read more...

 

[nineball 10+ year member]

based on your budget just pick the one that looks best to you and has the features you want.

 

[Buck 5,000+ posts]

9887

 

[puyallupn8ive 10+ year member]

Pioneer 510ub, or any of those Pioneers they all have 4volt outputs.

 

[ejschultz 10+ year member]

I'd probably go with the Pioneer Premier DEH-P510UB. The Pioneer has more sound controls, but the Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X496 has a 24 bit DAC. If you can get the tuning down with only 3 bands, the Kenwood will probably sound better because it has a little better processor. The Pioneer does have a 7 band GEQ. The 3 band PEQ it talks about is the selectable loudness levels.

 

[d77543020 10+ year member]

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/CarAudioVideo/In-Dash/CD-Players/DEH-P4000UB?tab=D 95 BUCKS on ebay 3 4volt out put

 

[doctorcheeze200 10+ year member]

Whats the advantage of have a 4volt ouput over a 2.5?

sorry, newb...

 

[PerformanceAuto 10+ year member]

The better pre-out voltage will offer better tuneability and soundquality for amplifier add-ons down the road.

Good choice here:

http://base.google.com/base/a/5767663/D916223247155570654

 

[Ryan1126]

if i were you, i would try to find an alpine CDA series.

 

[doctorcheeze200 10+ year member]

Ive looked at them^

and honestly, the only thing i liked about the CDA-105 is that the EQ is a bit larger, and other than that its pretty much the same spec wise, but more expensive, which is why i didnt include it up there. and it only has a 2V preamp.

But then again, im a uber newb and dont really know, so please correct me if im wrong.

 

[PerformanceAuto 10+ year member]

I have used the Alpine head units several times during an install, per customers' requests. I was never thrilled and neither was the customer, for the price and the lack of options/features/sound quality received.

 

[doctorcheeze200 10+ year member]

Oh and that link you mentioned up there looks amazing btw.

I wish i could get that one, but thatnks.