Subaru needs a new HU - help me pick!

[gvmelbrty]

Hope every can endure one more "help me pick" request…

My needs are simple.. I've got an older car that I'm stuck with for the time being: a 97 Subaru Legacy wagon (it gets me through mt. snow storms). I've already installed four new speakers (Pioneer 6.5" TS-G1644R). Now I need a new singe DIN HU and that's where I need help.

My uses are: iPhone 5 for podcasts, music (therefore DAC bypass is desirable) and BT handsfree phone conversations (so reliable BT handsfree w/ quality external mic is important). I listen to lots of AM/FM radio (but I'm usually in rural areas where HD radio is out of range, so HD radio doesn't matter, and SiriusXM isn't wanted either). So AM/FM preset buttons (or a wireless remote that can easily access them) are important. I'll probably be willing to buy it off e-bay w/o a factory warranty to save money, so reliability is important. I'd like to stash my USB wire out of the way somewhere, so I really don't like front USB access, but it's tolerable if absolutely necessary. … Something that is lag-free in it's iPhone interface and does ok without an amp (but I'm open to adding an amp and sub later, just cuz I like to tinker and I know that's what really makes these HU's sound good //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif.

I've considered the JVC Arsenal KD-A735BT.

Budget: ~$225. Any ideas? Thanks for your help.

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[TaylorFade 10+ year member]

Best you can get for that budget, IMO.

Clarion CZ702 CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

 

[gvmelbrty]

Best you can get for that budget, IMO. Clarion CZ702 CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Thxs for the input.

This fits my budget: I just saw Kenwood KDC-X996's on ebay for under $225. My two concerns are widely reported screen glare issues and no warranty buying from a non-authorized dealer. I know lots of people have this HU... Is the screen glare really that bad? And how risky is it buying a x996 w/o warranty support?

 

[West]

Man... warranty's are BS. to begin with.

The cost to benefit ratio from buying from an authorized dealer isn't there.

You usually find stuff for 30% cheaper from eBay or amazon or up to 60% off on the forums/Craigslist.

The manufactures have made the warranty more of a gimic than anything. IMHO