Reccomendations for SQ Head Unit?

[Jesse M]

Hello guys, and girls if any! I just joined a few minutes ago, and figured I'd introduce myself. My name is Jesse, I'm from Rhode Island. New to the site, but definitely not new to car audio. I recently acquired a new full time job, and the funds are right, so I want to put some money aside for a new Head Unit. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

I currently have:

Pioneer 4800MP (I feel this is the weak link in my sytem).

Cadence CVL-6k Components up front

Cadence TXA-150.2 Powering the components

Cadence TXA-1000D

Fi Q15 //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif Just got it Monday.

No rear fill.

I am running fused 4ga power from stock battery (will probably upgrade in future, along with alternator, and big 3 of course, which will come first).

Distro block in trunk accepting the 4ga, splitting into 4ga for 1000D, and 8ga. for 150.2. Seems to work fine. I'm getting some light dimming on heavy bass notes. 12ga going to crossover, and 12 going to midrange 18 to tweeter.

I plan on getting some second skin audio and doing my doors, trunk, floor, fender wells, and rear deck with that.

But now, onto my question. I feel as though my head unit is a bit outdated. I want something within the range of $300-$350. SQ head unit. Motorized, 4V+ pre amp outputs, a nice wide EQ, time alignment, a good DAC, good CD S/N ratio, all that good jazz. Oh and it must be single DIN.

I was even considering a flip out DVD unit. If someone could find me one for that price, with those function, i will definitely buy it instead.

Thanks for all the suggestions, comments, welcomes ahead of time! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif I am a member on Car audio forum, and i heard this place is just as great with some awesome people! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Cheers

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[ProgMtl 10+ year member]

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X991

 

[bigbirney420 10+ year member]

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X991

I loved my Excelon for the money, til someone stole it. Or look for an older Eclipse 8445, 8455

 

[Selkies 10+ year member]

The Pioneer Premier 880PRS and 800PRS are good choices as well as the Alpine 9887. The 880PRS is the budget one as you can find a used one on a forum for $200-$300 sometimes including accessories like the iPod control unit. There are also older alternatives - Clarion and Alpine units. I'm unsure of any particular models off the top of my head. Good luck and be sure to visit some in-store displays. The headunit is by far the most personal choice in a system as you will be physically interacting with it all the time.

 

[blackbonnie 5,000+ posts]

eclipse FTW. pm will be recieved in 3 minutes

 

[donpisto 5,000+ posts]

Good choice with the deadener. I have tons of Second Skin all over my car. Excellent choice with the fender wells, but a few tips on that. I just used 3 layers of spectrum and one layer of sludge, but I regret not putting and Damplifier on the fender itself, I would recommend doing that. You will notice a HUGE difference once you have all the deadener on the wheel wells (so much less road noise).

As for head units, here's a list (some of which I was going to mention, but others that were on a poll on the DIYMA forum).

Clarion DRZ-9255

Denon DCT-100

Macintosh MX-406

Pioneer DEX-P9

Rockford RFX-8250 (denon made)

I personally use the Alpine W200 with the H701 processor. If you're not going to get a processor, DO NOT buy the W200. Only reason why I bought it is because in the future I knew I would get the H701, the H701 makes a BIG difference. 31 bands of EQ per channel is pretty sweet.

 

[bigbirney420 10+ year member]

Clarion DRZ-9255

Denon DCT-100

Macintosh MX-406

Pioneer DEX-P9

Rockford RFX-8250 (denon made)

All the greatest selections... but none in the 300.00 price range

 

[blackbonnie 5,000+ posts]

the alpine 200 or 205 is out of his price range, even after they have been used quite a bit. i was gonna offer him my w205 but im looking to get 640 shipped out of it and its only been installed 3 weeks. he wants to stay within 300-350

 

[donpisto 5,000+ posts]

I loved my Excelon for the money, til someone stole it. Or look for an older Eclipse 8445, 8455

Someone I know has an 8445 but says they can't set crossover points and slopes for the mids and tweeters. I used to run (still have) and 8443 and loved it. The 8053 is another one to look at.

There is another Alpine one that I can't remember, but I would add that to the list. It's a signle din but it flips out to a 1.5 din size. Monochrome display but lots of functions.

 

[donpisto 5,000+ posts]

the alpine 200 or 205 is out of his price range, even after they have been used quite a bit. i was gonna offer him my w205 but im looking to get 640 shipped out of it and its only been installed 3 weeks. he wants to stay within 300-350

Ah, I did not read the price range part. Ooops //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif I saw some guy selling a W200 on ebay and wanting 700 bones for it. Quite funny since the unit retailed for 900 or 1,000 and since then the W205 and the W505 have come out. Only major differences between then w200 and w205 are the graphic eq with the w200 and the integrated dock for the blackbird on the w205. otherwise, pretty much the same unit.

 

[naiku 10+ year member]

There is another Alpine one that I can't remember, but I would add that to the list. It's a signle din but it flips out to a 1.5 din size. Monochrome display but lots of functions.

CDA-7998........... I think $300 would get one on eBay.

 

[MrDave 10+ year member]

I feel like we have been doing a lot of these threads lately.

For your price range you don't need to look further than the Pioneer DEH-P800PRS.

24-bit Burr Brown d/a converter. Three-Way Crossover. 5v preamps. Dual (L/R) 16-Band Graphic. Yes it has time alignment, DSP, 105 signal to noise, the whole audio works.

Can be had for under $350 if you shop around.

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

nak = sq

 

[Jesse M]

Thank you guys for all the excellent recommendations!! lots of them too! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif I don't know where to begin. Also, Donpisto, Thanks for the suggestion on the fender wells.

Well first, I've had my eye on the Pioneer Premier DEH-P880PRS ever since it came out. It looks really nice. It is motorized right? Has nice features too.

Natively, Alpine and Pioneer have always been my 1&2 choice for Head Units. I really like them a lot. Good solid units.

Now with the excellon, thats a bit pricey, but it's really nice. Tie between the pioneer so far.

CDA-7998........... I think $300 would get one on eBay.

Really nice unit, My father has the same exact one. It's about 4-5 years old.

 

[MrDave 10+ year member]

It is motorized.