Looking for a good Head Unit under $300 for Ford Expedition 1997

[kr15 5,000+ posts]

I really liked my prs80, but didn't love it. It isnt perfect. To me the best feature it has going for it is that it doesn't clip even at 62/62. I've seen some say it clips at 61/62, but either way, that's awesome. (IMO)

For the price difference I'd go 164. I'm in the predicament myself of needing an upgrade soon (no longer have my prs80). I'm going with the 164. I didn't love my 80 enough to buy another. I've owned many Alpines and Pioneers.

Another option that is solid for much cheaper; Clarion cz702

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

I really liked my prs80, but didn't love it. It isnt perfect. To me the best feature it has going for it is that it doesn't clip even at 62/62. I've seen some say it clips at 61/62, but either way, that's awesome. (IMO)
For the price difference I'd go 164. I'm in the predicament myself of needing an upgrade soon (no longer have my prs80). I'm going with the 164. I didn't love my 80 enough to buy another. I've owned many Alpines and Pioneers.

Another option that is solid for much cheaper; Clarion cz702

The every day use of that clarion is horrible. The menu options are even more convoluted than the 80 prs and the sun glare making the screen useless is utterly unbearable. We also had to send one in a few times before we had one that didnt do that defective amp guard bug. He's much better off with the alpine since it sounds like he's never going to use active crossovers.

 

[dennismv]

Alright, looking at 80PRS and 164BT, 80PRS lacks SiriusXM. Other specs are comparable. Is SiriusXM a big deal? I never had it before so don't know what I'd be missing.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Alright, looking at 80PRS and 164BT, 80PRS lacks SiriusXM. Other specs are comparable. Is SiriusXM a big deal? I never had it before so don't know what I'd be missing.

its a monthly radio subscription, if you like paying monthly then go ahead. You have pandora for that though..

earlier I was just responding to your doubts about the 80 prs. However for your situation, you can even get by with an alpine 153bt for 150 dollars on crutchfield and they give you all the dash kits and wiring harnesses needed for installation. It'll sound decent and do everything you need it to do and more, plus you can tune on your smartphone with the alpine tune it app.

 

[xr650jkallen]

I also have the 80prs. It does feel a little cheap but after you own a radio that utilizes burr brown dacs, everything else lacks the clarity. It might not be extremely noticeable but it's definitely different in a good way.

 

[dennismv]

He's much better off with the alpine since it sounds like he's never going to use active crossovers.

Alright, you got me curious .. Don't they both have active crossovers anyway?

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Alright, you got me curious .. Don't they both have active crossovers anyway?

alpine 164bt and 153bt and 149bt does not have active crossovers just regular low pass and high pass filters to prevent subs from playing too high and speakers from playing too low. Their selling point is just simplicity.

 

[kr15 5,000+ posts]

Per both Sonic and Crutchfield, the 164 is 3way active capable

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Per both Sonic and Crutchfield, the 164 is 3way active capable

actually only crutchfield states that, Sonic does not. my bad then. guess the 164 is active capable, **** sonic.

Alpine CDE-164BT Bluetooth CD/AM/FM Car Stereo w/ App Direct Mode & Siri Integration

 

[kr15 5,000+ posts]

One of the reviews on sonic said that. Nonetheless, it is active

 

[dennismv]

Thanks. I'll probably go with hd164bt over 153bt in this case as I think price difference is worth the quality for hd164bt. I haven't completely discounted 80prs though just yet, it might come down to individual look and feel for me.

But I wanted to ask -- where does hd149bt fit on on the spectrum of head units such as 80prs, and hd164bt? i.e does it what does it do better what does it do not so well?

 

[disturbed471985 5,000+ posts]

Want quality? I have in closet 1 eclipse cd7000 with harness an remote. Also just bought a mint cd7100 I plan on running it but I'm not married to it. Harness and remote also. Both will **** a 80prs actually almost everything on the market at any price

 

[disturbed471985 5,000+ posts]

Can you handle all that BURR....

 

[dennismv]

Hi everybody.

Thank you all for your advice. It was really valuable. It took some time to deliberate and I've decided to go with DEH-80PRS, for SQ and overall look.

CDE-164BT was a close runner-up.

Reading reviews it seems like I can't go wrong with either, but I think 80PRS will blend in a little better with my existing dash. Ford Expedition 1997 dash has a more conventional look and I thought 164BT would stick out and look too ultra-modern. I spent some extra cash but I hope I'll be happy. Onto the next adventure...

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Want quality? I have in closet 1 eclipse cd7000 with harness an remote. Also just bought a mint cd7100 I plan on running it but I'm not married to it. Harness and remote also. Both will **** a 80prs actually almost everything on the market at any price

Hey! bringing out old school big guns is not fair in the modern world.