SQ Deck for Under 300

[Mark_ab 5,000+ posts]

Hey guys, as the subject heading says. I'm doing the first couple installs in my side "business" and thought I could get some insight here. I'm looking for a sound quality HU for under 300 dollars. On my list are the Alpine CDA-7893 and the Clarion DXZ725. I'll take a gander at some Kenwoods, but they look and feel cheap to me, so I'd like to stay away.

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[Mark_ab 5,000+ posts]

Okay, I have seen all the major brands and I have a good enough grasp on those to pick. What about Nakamichi? Any other brands?

 

[SVT Colin 10+ year member]

Take a look at the Clarion HX-D10 (last year's model but only $300 from Crutchfield of all places). It sells for $450-ish from the other internet retailers. Very good SQ for only $300. I put one in my Ranger and am very happy with it. I really like the tonal bypass feature, and I plan on adding a HU-controlled EQ/DSP.

Nak decks are also very nice. I think that last year's CD45z had some skipping problems due to an internal glitch (internet rumors), but it's supposedly been fixed. I've heard nothing but good experiences with the CD40z.

 

[Mark_ab 5,000+ posts]

Thanks for the input. The 45Z is right on the boarder between too expensive and not. Aesthetics may be a concern for this gentleman, and in that case the Nakamichi may go right out the window. As for the Clarion, it is on my list already of decks to consider. I enjoy the clarity Clarion brings to the table, although, many people do not care for them.

 

[SVT Colin 10+ year member]

Nak decks won't win any beauty contests, but they won't attract unwanted attention either. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

Clarions don't seem to be popular decks, although they're usually very good performers. They don't seem to get much attention, good or bad.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/confused.gif.e820e0216602db4765798ac39d28caa9.gif

 

[Inferno13 10+ year member]

my friend has a clarion face. he loves it and his system is creytal clear. as for the kenwoods being cheap i personally like them a lot. the excelon series is one of my fav sq head units. but its your opinion. check out the nakamichis for sure. very high quality units. hope that helped.

 

[EarDrummin. 10+ year member]

Eclipse makes really nice ones.

 

[ericv02 10+ year member]

go with the alpine 7893

 

[picklekx 10+ year member]

remember the 45z doesnt play cdrs