Hey guys,

Well, my head unit ate my CD and I'm in need of a new one. I would like to get some input on what I should get. Here's what the criteria I need for my head unit:

1) Single Din
2) reads and play USB devices
3) iPod friendly
4) good looking (i know, this is personal, let me know what YOU think is good)
5) has subwoofer controls (i think this is pretty standard nowadays)
6) good sound quality (I have the Clarion DXZ835MP right now, so the new one has to at least be on par with that one)

I have looked and done some research and I have a few options here:

A) Alpine CDA-9886 (9887 does not play USB)
B) Pioneer DEH-P6000UB
C) Sony CDX-GT930UI (or CDX-GT920UESRP)
D) JVC KD-SH1000

Which one should I get? If you have some other cd players in mind that you think will fit my criteria, anything is welcome!

Thanks guys!!!

 

Hi,

Any reason why you are not considering another Clarion H/U?

I’m asking because I have a Clarion DXZ745MP H/U (similar to your H/U, and which I really like for its wonderful sound quality). But now, I’m having trouble with the Clarion Sirius receiver connected to the Clarion H/U (the trouble started when Sirius and XM merged).

My Sirius receiver was a very early model (circa 2003), so I’m thinking it’s a problem with older Sirius receivers not handling the new transmission from Sirius/XM after the merger and new transmission protocols. I’ve spent hours on this trying all sorts of things with Sirius Support, but they cannot seem to fix my problem so it’s time to replace equipment.

I’m considering replacing my H/U with a newer single-din Clarion or Eclipse H/U.

Additional info: I have an Eclipse 4 Channel External Amp Model EA3422 and Focal 165 V Slim component speakers in the doors (tweeters mounted in the A-Pillars), and I will keep these pieces since they deliver great sound with the Clarion H/U.

Please keep your thread alive and tell us what H/U you decide to go with.

Subscribing…

--Spike

 

Spike,

I love the sound of my Clarion. In fact, the only reason I am not considering another Clarion is because the Clarion that I looked at (CZ509) doesn't look very good. The specs are good, but it just doesn't look good in my opinion. The other Clarion I looked at is the FZ709. It looks good, but it has not come out yet. Also the FZ709 only plays mp3s and iPod, no CD. But that's not my concern.

 

I would recommend the DXZ785USB. Newegg sells it for as low as $117 if you catch it on sell. Spike was the one who steered me to Clarion. I installed it in my son's Xterra and he loves it. You can match the Nissan lighting color as well.

 

why would you want only a single din head unit? do you have a timer in the spot below? just wondering thought i would ask.

 

haha, a timer would be nice. but no, i just like to have extra storage. i dont see the benefits of having a double din b/c I don't use Navi often enough (i still use maps.....), nor do i watch movies in the car while i'm driving........

 

It’s mostly personal preference. I have a 7” LCD installed in the upper/forward cubby that I use for navigation, rearview camera display, and DVD video.

My Setup (please forgive the awful flash reflection and poor image)



The Z’s interior supports 2 LCD’s, and that’s pretty cool. But, I prefer a single screen and a single-din H/U. I agree with cyc5181:
I like single-din H/U’s for the better sound output and feature-rich makeup. Clarion and Eclipse provide excellent single-din H/U devices. If you mate these single-din H/U’s to a decent external amp and good speakers, you get great sound. You also get a nicely positioned storage area below the single-din setup (a good thing in the Z since forward storage areas are not plentiful).

I’m not arguing with people who prefer two (stacked) LCD’s in the Z. That’s a good look, and the Z supports this setup.

--Spike

 

Just to update, I ended up with a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X692. Bought it from Sonic Electronix for 140 shipped. Looks like with the spec of this HU should give me decent sound. It's an older model (2008), but I don't think the newer one (X693) that just came out would be much much better.

If anyone interested, here's the link:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-BYid1yv...-KDC-X692.html


Can't wait to get it installed.......

 

^^ Looks good… and why I like single-din H/U’s… tons of features and great sound for a very modest price.

Question: Are you connecting the H/U to an external amp?

Please let us know how you like this H/U after you get it installed and tested.

--Spike

 

Another update:

Installed the kenwood yesterday, havent fully explore all the features yet, but the sound.............................


is GREAT!


I do have an external amp for my speakers, as well as an external amp with a 10" sub. I have to say I am very please with this H/U. This unit has a function where you can turn off the internal amp from the unit, and boy did it make a difference! Once I turn it off everything just sound so much clearer and more crisp!

I hate to say it, but this Kenwood is better than my Clarion! wow.....

 

Thanks for the update.

I have a Clarion DXZ745MP H/U (I believe this was one step below the DXZ835MP you just replaced with your new Kenwood) in my car now, and it has a function to turn-off the internal amp and use just the external amp. But, when I turn-off the internal amp, I don’t hear any difference.

After reading your message above about this feature, I wonder if I have it working correctly on my Clarion. (My Clarion is 5 years old now, so it’s time for a replacement.)

Glad to hear you like the Kenwood,

--Spike