Old head with a new system

[azJETSclan]

Have a Pioneer double din head (on the dam fritz) Can use recommendations for a SQ head unit WORTH buying...Crossfire 12's drove by a crossfire C5 1000D, Audio Dynamics ADMK 1000.6 driving the Audio dynamics mids & highs (front & rear) as well as a pair of kicker 8s on the door for mid bass. Went with an aftermarket high output alternator & 2nd battery. (& the check engine light has been on ever since! New cars dont like 14V I guess)

ANY thoughts & recommendations would be dandy! I LOVE my boom boom...but MUST have the rest of the sounds too =)

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[hispls 5,000+ posts]

My (older) Jeep will turn on the battery light anywhere above 14.5V. It is unlikely you could do anything in a modern car apart from dual alternator and separate charging system as far as turning that light off, but a vehicle specific forum may know more about how your ECU picks up voltage and if there's a simple workaround. I could think that if it's just one wire that only detects that just a diode in there would drop .7V to the sensor but who knows what will happen if you drop .7V to everything, particularly if you're relying on the ECU for voltage regulation.

As far as head units pretty much anything outside of the gutter brands or base entry level stuff from the more reputable brands should all be capable of giving good sound and all be loaded with features. I've been really liking the Sony lineup for several years now but Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood/JVC are all going to be comparable. I've had great results with Jensen source units in the past but haven't used them in a while so I can't vouch for how they're holding up.

I'd suggest figure out what options you really care about and give Crutchfield a call, their phone support is very good and they are always up to speed with what is on the market that will do whatever you want them to do in your budget. Alternately, nothing wrong with buying from a brick and mortar shop if you have a local one you trust and want to support. I've bought a couple of mine over the last 5 years in person from guys I trust locally.