What's the big deal with HU's?? Why?

[kale 10+ year member]

I have been researching car stereos in order to build a pretty decent one, and this brings up the choice of head units. In my system I am probably going to run 2 fronts, 2 rears, an amp ( 4 channel unless I learn something that says otherwise ), and a headunit.

So what are headunits for? All I care about is a crystal clear input for the amp an input to plug a 1/8" heaphone jack into, and some basic features (mp3/wmv kinda thing) .

With HU's are the main differences appearance, what kind of things it reads, the inputs, such as bluetooth and ipod adapters? Since I am planning on an amped system does the built in amp even matter? I realize these are many questions, I am just wondering if I can spend less on an HU and a little more on speakers.. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fro.gif.c695f1f814b01c4ad99fe7f8cccadd29.gif

Click to read more...

 

[Twistid 5,000+ posts]

much more to a headunit than what youve listed...

headunits can do sound processing ... time alignment, going active, some have built in crossovers so you can set your exact crossover point instead of using the knob on ur amp,

no you dont need an internal amp if you already have an external amp

 

[jacka 10+ year member]

get an HU to fit your needs, no ones gonna answer that question better than yourself.

 

[dragnix 5,000+ posts]

i'm not qualified to answer you that well, but HU is the brain of your system...so a crappy brain equals a crappy system.

 

[sportyaccordy 10+ year member]

i'm not qualified to answer you that well, but HU is the brain of your system...so a crappy brain equals a crappy system.

Bleh...

For me, the ONLY thing a headunit is is volume control for my Ipod...

I plan on running the same kind of system... and all I care about is a high S to N ratio, and that the HU have a pair of 5V outputs and some kind of input. I'm also hoping it looks somewhat stock.

 

[Trixter 10+ year member]

you guys that don't care about the HU are probably the same people that buy a cap instead of upgrading your alt.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/*******.gif.a649d21efc0d1fd4890a6428166586c1.gif

 

[kale 10+ year member]

you guys that don't care about the HU are probably the same people that buy a cap instead of upgrading your alt.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/*******.gif.a649d21efc0d1fd4890a6428166586c1.gif

I just asked the question because i dont know about it //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/eek.gif.771b7a90cf45cabdc554ff1121c21c4a.gif . I guess i should look at integrated equalizing and stuff like that as well to maybe avoid gettin an external equalizer

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

why i have a Radio?

well i only listen to CD's. and i would like a good HU that will play a CD better then any other HU.

also having features like Time Alignment, EQ's, X-Overs, 24 bit DAC and ADC, all the proper RCA outs I need. etc.

have fun listening to your crappy mp3 players.

 

[sportyaccordy 10+ year member]

why i have a Radio?
well i only listen to CD's. and i would like a good HU that will play a CD better then any other HU.

also having features like Time Alignment, EQ's, X-Overs, 24 bit DAC and ADC, all the proper RCA outs I need. etc.

have fun listening to your crappy mp3 players.

Yes, justify your purchases... some people don't need $2,000 headunits

 

[savagebee 10+ year member]

yeah.. hes got a ural (accordig to the sig) and for 550-650, there is not a better piece of at your fingertips processing available... maybe the h701 combo

 

[Twistid 5,000+ posts]

Yes, justify your purchases... some people don't need $2,000 headunits

my headunit cost $60 and has most of the same features

» plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs — including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, and ATRAC3plus (format on Sony's online music store) music files » flip-down, aluminum faceplate with fluorescent display

» HDEQ with a 13-band parametric equalizer

» BBE processing

» Dynamic Soundstage Organizer

» 24-bit digital to analog converter

» three sets of 4-volt preamp outputs

» subwoofer controls

» high- and low-pass filters

» CD signal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB

(also has DSO 3D , and time alignment)

 

[bloodhound50 10+ year member]

I have been researching car stereos in order to build a pretty decent one, and this brings up the choice of head units. In my system I am probably going to run 2 fronts, 2 rears, an amp ( 4 channel unless I learn something that says otherwise ), and a headunit.
So what are headunits for? All I care about is a crystal clear input for the amp an input to plug a 1/8" heaphone jack into, and some basic features (mp3/wmv kinda thing) .

With HU's are the main differences appearance, what kind of things it reads, the inputs, such as bluetooth and ipod adapters? Since I am planning on an amped system does the built in amp even matter? I realize these are many questions, I am just wondering if I can spend less on an HU and a little more on speakers.. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fro.gif.c695f1f814b01c4ad99fe7f8cccadd29.gif

A HU is the Brain. Idk if you forgot to mention but the graphic interface is quite important. A good HU has many ptions in terms of equalizing and many have electronic crossovers. you can get dedicated outputs to control subs and such.