Car AudioCar audio related questions and helpful hints for building the best sound system for your car or getting the most out of what you have.
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Ok I am looking for a HU to replace my stock AM/FM. I have kinda narrowed it down to 3 HU's that seem pretty good and are in my price range. Which one is the best, and what might some pro's and con's be? Thanks!
unless the kenwood is an excelon i wouldnt get it.. the kenwood has 2.5v preouts while the pioneer and calrion have 4v preouts.. so i would be down to the pioneer and clarion, i would go for the clarion but either choice wont be bad
I would be honest, save up a few more dollars and get an alpine unit. Better quality, more sound tuning options, 4v pre-outs MP3, AInet that you can plug in any alpine accessory with AInet, full speed iPod interface, and does both Sirrus or XM depending on the module plugged in. They run about 100 more than what you have picked out.
all 3 are decent hu's. the most important thing to look for is the pre-out voltage. they all come with equalizers so that really makes no difference. choose the one with a high pre-out voltage which also looks aesthetically pleasing to u. lets be honest, its gotta look cool.
I realize that this is a bit above your price range. But I've owned this unit and I must say, it is just amazing. Has wonderful sound tweaks to make it sound more like it's live. Has many dsp effects from making it sound like your in the club, to being underwater, to being in a barrel or whatever. 5v pre-outs, one for front, rear, sub, and an input. Can even put your favorite picture or short movie on it. Truly is a marvelous machine.
Beware of the Pioneer unit...unless they've done some Quality Control on their head units. I've had a DEH-p8...something model in my car for the past two years. 8 months ago I started having problems with the face not opening when I push eject. Last month it stopped working all together. Since my warranty expired, I can't get it replaced. My advice, while I love Pioneer, go with something that doesn't have a moveable face. I bought one and now I'll never buy another.
Alright, I am pretty much down to the pioneer or the clarion. The pioneer is $20 cheaper, and offers a clean look. It only does blue. The clarion does any color (custom by RGB values so I should be able to match the orange guages). Also, I think the clarion faceplate would better compliment the 80's auora of the car just the way it looks. They both have 4v RCA's, but I will be running the speakers off the preamp. The pioneer seems to have more options though and good features.
Heres another important question. The pioneer has that "BMX" bit media enhancer or whatever. Supposed to make it sound better. The newer clarions have something similar too called "sound restorer". But the clarion I am looking at is last years model, and only has "digital to analog sound conversion." Are these all basically the same thing with different names, or is one better?
Alright, well I have been thinking about it. I think I am going to get the clarion. But I have a few more questions:
What kits / wires do I need to install this into the dash? I dont really care it if sticks out, so lets not plan on flush mounting.
What are some brand and model speakers that will fir into the stock speaker locations without modifications. I heard that the 6x9 needs to be really shalow, and so does the 4x6"
If you're planning to power the speakers with the HU, then get entry level speakers from any reputable company, such as Boston Acoustics, Kicker, Fosgate, Orion, Image Dynamics, etc. etc. etc. They all carry good entry level speakers that are cheap and sound good with the ~5wrms you will be throwing at them.
My first system for my GTA included Boston Acoustics 6x9s and 4x6s, but they were not entry level and powered by 150wrms each, with 4x10" Fosgate subs in the trunk, but as I said, since you're not running subs and not amping the speakers, entry level will be just fine for you, but do make sure to buy from reputable car-audio companies.
Of course my reply is about 3 weeks late so perhaps you bought and installed already, in which case let us know what you got!
One thing to note about the blue face plates of the Pioneer units....if you have T-Tops, and have them off, you WILL NOT be able to see the display. I found this highly annoying while driving...down here in New Mexico I ran run with my tops off 80% of the time and I love it! I just can't see what radio station or CD I'm listening too.
One thing to note about the blue face plates of the Pioneer units....if you have T-Tops, and have them off, you WILL NOT be able to see the display. I found this highly annoying while driving...down here in New Mexico I ran run with my tops off 80% of the time and I love it! I just can't see what radio station or CD I'm listening too.
