Where are the Headunits?

[robbythedude]

I have been reviewing/shopping for all my parts for a new build. In this mission I have learned about many brands of subwoofers. Like, there are allot of subwoofer brands...AND most of the brands produce custom amplifiers as well!!

So my question is, where are all the custom branded head units? Where is the SoundQubed Headunit, or Digital Design Headunit, etc.?

My main reason I am asking is because I feel like Pioneer, Kenwood, etc. are milking us for our money on equipment that has no competition.

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[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

Much more difficult to design and build. You can't just buy cookie cutter parts from china and assemble them in your garage...

 

[robbythedude]

Much more difficult to design and build. You can't just buy cookie cutter parts from china and assemble them in your garage...

I don't think these companies with custom branded amplifiers are cutting any corners on their amps either. I'd imagine the technical prowess to build an amplifier is on par with head units.

Only addition they would need is a programmer? If they have the skilled workers to design and build amplifiers, I'd assume they only need a programmer to make the leap from amplifier to head unit?

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Head unit design is a completely different world than amplifier design with its own unique set of challenges, licensing fees if you want to support Apple products, another world of **** if you intend to support Android, and on and on. You can't just hire your way into the head unit market if you want something that stands toe to toe with the leading brands.

 

[fasfocus00 5,000+ posts]

i have been looking into doing this for years, sadly you and most other consumers just don't have that kind of money. the cheapest HU I came up with was a 3 sets 5V true pre amp with built in 30 band graphic EQ with front and rear USB and AUX. no crossovers to cut down on cost since most amps can do this now. considering I wouldn't be in business to break even, the sale price on a unit like this would be in the $1200 range. the way this industry is built now a days, that price point on a head unit like that just wouldn't sell. no matter what features I added or deleted, the cost is just too high to compete with what's on the market. seriously what features would you have on a head unit? true pre amp? EQ? active crossovers? time alignment? disc player? internal amp? no matter how you cut it, it's just to difficult to get to a manufacturing point while making money. I though about a simple head unit for people that just want to get loud, really loud. it consisted of just 4 sets of true pre amp out puts (2 highs, 2 bass) with 9V, 8 band parametric EQ, FM and HD tuning, front USB and AUX, bluetooth. the price point on a unit like this would be in the $700 range and it was a DD non-video unit to fit all the equipment needed. the single din version only had 1 set for highs and 1 set for bass and a 4 band parametric EQ, that one would have been in the $500 range. people in this just wouldn't pay that except for the few and far between.

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

I don't think these companies with custom branded amplifiers are cutting any corners on their amps either. I'd imagine the technical prowess to build an amplifier is on par with head units.
Only addition they would need is a programmer? If they have the skilled workers to design and build amplifiers, I'd assume they only need a programmer to make the leap from amplifier to head unit?

You are naive if you think any of these companies put any actual engineering into their amplifier designs...

 

[d77543020 10+ year member]

head units will be gone in a few years as car head units get more sophisticated and harder to replace