need a new headunit, which one should i get jvc, kenwood, jvc or wat. ive had 2 sony units that went bad after 2years of each other. They wanted twice as much to fix one of them, with realy bad customer service. they lost a customer 4 life!!!

 

Sony is a feature rich company, JVC is good about having models available where everything is in the box (IPod controller, built in HD tuner) where as other models are all "Ipod Ready" which means u have to buy a box. I prefer pioneer for a good radio for a good sound at a fair price. if you plan on amplifying go with a model with high prevolt outs like an eclipse. I used to work for circuit city as an installer so I am only familair with the brands they carried, cant tell ya much about kenwood, sorry

 

I would go with Pioneer. I have had a cd head unit in my s-10 for about 8 years now. Have had no problems with it works like the day i got it. Just not as pretty. I go with pioneer for all my audio needs now great sound and quilty.

 

I had a Panasonic with 8 disc changer last me 10 years. My only beef with it was it wouldn't remember what track I was on when I shut the Jeep off. Probably no problems with that sort of thing now hehe, I got it in 1995

Now that you've said Sony, I have one right now that's been in my wifes car for about 3 months. Hope it lasts lol. It's main selling points were the Aux IN at the back instead of front, and the USB port - and price hehe. Don't like the volume control, I have big hands and find it hard to adjust the sound.

I had a Kenwood in my Trans Am, still there actually but it's equally as old, got it in 1997ish. But, it's been solid as well and remembered the track it was on with the 6 pack cd changer.

No complaints from either Kenwood or Panasonic. Maybe Pioneer makes better decks, because the Pioneer DVD player for the house was garbage. Think it lasted just over a year before it acted up and then crapped out a year later (skipping, shutting off.. etc).

 

I have heard of a lot of people having problems with Sony head units, but they have always worked just fine for me. And I usually get the lower line one that comes with the speakers.......

 

i just got the kenwood kdc-x991 for Christmas and i am very impressed, high on the price scale but very good hu

 

Only one brand of headunit to buy, Alpine best quality out there and if it dies in 10 years, you'll still be able to buy parts for it, or send it to Alpine for repair....can't say that for any of the others. Alpine has 20 year old headunits out there that are selling for 700-900 bucks still, and parts are still available for them.

 

it really depends on what u want, if u want just cd/mp3/radio i will only go with pioneer. if u want to use ipod or mp3 player id find something else. i only buy pioneer, great sound, decent pre-amp voltage, and tons of audio controls

 

Here are my personal favorites in order.

Eclipse
Pros.
Excellent quality and tons of usable features.
Cons.
Very expensive.

Alpine
Pros.
Excellent quality as well.
Cons.
Lacks features in the same price range as other decks.

Kenwood
Pros. You will get pretty good quality at an affordable price. With tons of features compared to other decks in the same price range.
Cons. Sometimes quality can be under par...Example my decks face plate conection had a short in it after about 2 years.

Pioneer
I would rank about the same as kenwood as far as features for the price and I have heard of quality problems with them as well from friends that have owned them.

All in all though I voted for kenwood because of they are feature rich for the price and they are not bad quality mine lasted over 2 years and that was an ebay special for about $175

 

another vote for eclipse

 

Pioneer.....HU & speakers....

 

Alpine and dont look back. I had a Sony deck with a 10 disc CD changers. DIED

 

I think you need to tell us what you want out of the head unit and how much you want to spend before everyone shouts out their favorite brand. There is more than one good company out there, most people will agree newer sony sucks though.

So what do you want to do with it, hook it up to your ipod, throw some CD's at it, have great sound quality?

 

I've had a Kenwood and Pioneer, but prefer the Pioneer. I have a DEH-P7900BT in my Trans Am and a lower-line one in my DD that is about 5 years old and has been in two vehicles.

 

looking to speed between 100 to 250. just want the unit 2 last 4ever and mayb some new features

 

Another vote for the Alpine. Mine keeps moving from car to car to car to car. Yes, they're more expensive - but you're getting what you pay for.

 

I have had them all.

Eclipse : to me are garbage, they have crappy sq.

Sony : cheap and dies!!

Kenwood : Face plate has so many damn problems.

Pioneer/Premier : Havnt had many problems, has all the options for your buck. The 7 band eq, sub control, hpf and lpf. Mp3's,cd,wma's and data disc compatible.

Alpine : I would rank this with the premier series not the pioneer. Has all you need just like a premier.

Pionerr/premier and alpine to me are the best. But just remember that these are my personal opinions, preferences and expieriences.

 

I'd probably stick with Alpine and Pioneer if your main qualification is for it to last. I'll throw some links at you I got from crutchfield and you can see if you like any of em.

First, a couple of alpines
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...ures_and_specs
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...DA9885&tp=5684
Then some pioneers, some of these have a USB input, it's a nice feature to have if your into that kind of stuff.
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...EHP500&tp=5684
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...EHP590&tp=5684
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...&tp=5684&avf=N
And here's a couple of 1.5 din pioneers if you want something that will fit nicely.
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...&tp=5684&avf=N
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...&tp=5684&avf=N

 

If you want something you can have repaired in the far future (not that you'll have to) get the Alpine, that's one of the biggest reasons I bought mine. I've had Kenwood, Pioneer and now Alpine and both the Kenwood and Pioneer skipped in the 'bird, the Alpine doesn't miss a beat.

 

I like most brands except Sony for car audio.
I am currently using a Kenwood MP3 player in my car, great sound quality (I am using a 4ch Alpine V12 amp), and doesn't look to gaudy.

this is similar to the one I have
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-sqvLjrD...=300&s=0&cc=01

 

I just got a kenwood in my car and the sound quality is sooo freakkkenn nice. It came ipod ready and with all the sub hook ups on the back of the unit. I have never owned anything else though because its my first head unit.

 

another vote for Alpine. great quality stuff

 

I payed $150 for my Alpine CDE-9881 on ebay brand new, has ipod hook up. Im very happy with it.

 

I just got a new headunit a week ago it's the Dual - 50W x 4 AppleŽ iPod™-Ready In-Dash CD Deck. Really nice you can have CDs, radio, ipod/mp3, bluetooth, and tons more. I got the bluetooth and iplug hook ups (iplug comes with it so you can play your ipod or mp3 player on it). It runners great and had no problem installing it. It's $129.99 on bestbuy really nice for a cheaper price.