starting new system, too many HU choices

[DOHCDX 10+ year member]

ok, i'm not new to car audio. i know what i'm looking for but i'm on a budget. i'm starting a small SQ build in my daily driven civic

features that i'm looking for in a HU for around $150:

multiple 4V+ preouts

MP3 CDR/W playback

graphic EQ with 7+ channels (NOT silly 3band "easyEQ" parametrics)

>100db S/N ratio

CD/mp3 text

things i don't care about:

internal amps

high-res screens

color on screens or of unit

so, options i'm considering so far:

1.

basic feature "play only" unit and external EQ to enhance signal

Panasonic CQ-C1303U for $90 (or another head unit at similar price).

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=16632

95 db S/N

or maybe:

Kenwood KDC-MP202

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=16882

98db S/N

and EQ:

clarion EQS746 for EQ and preout signal for $60

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=16889

7-Band Rotary Equalizer, 7volt rms pre-outs, 105db S/N, THD 0.005 %

2.

single unit with good features, solid EQ and S/N

sony CDX-F605X for $150

http://www.xplodsony.com/specialty/headunits/CDX-F605X

120dB S/N, Auxiliary Input,4 -Volt F/R/Sub Preouts w/HPF & LPF, Burr Brown 24-bit D/A converter, 7channel graphic EQ

the sony unit looks amazing on paper for the cost. as many features as a pioneer DEH7800 for half the cost. does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives other than "save up an buy a real unit"?

so far, the sony is looking like a great deal. i know most guys here hate sony. i always had great luck with their products back in the early 90s when i was in high school and into all this.

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[937DYTBOI 5,000+ posts]

i had a sony like that probably one of the best sonys made, decent EQ also

 

[WOT]

That sony one does look good.... If I could use it with my ipod for that cost, Id probably buy one today..... I dont even have an ipod, im just sick of skipping cds

 

[Jakeeck 10+ year member]

eclipse cd3100

i have it and i love it.. has 3 5v preouts.. lights look cool on it.. its an all around great HU.. u can get it for 130 maybe cheaper if u search around.. but id get it for 130 off crutchfield because they include free things such as installation kit, antenna adapter... and the customer service cant be beat.

 

[LasOfaDyinBreed 10+ year member]

Isn't this thread kinda old guys?

Any found this, might be of interest, a little over 150 but it comes with 4 speaks

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SONY-CDX-GT630UI-CAR-STEREO-IPOD-4-SPEAKERS-6-5_W0QQitemZ200297811902QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCar_Audio_In_Dash_Receivers?hash=item200297811902&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

 

[victor.atm 10+ year member]

id do eclipse