I don't think my HU has rca preouts for a 4-channel amp and a mono sub amp, so I'm looking for a new one... looking to spend $300 or less (eBay prices), and it does NOT need to have an internal amp as I am using external amps for everything in my system. It must be able to play mp3 cds... thanks.

 

For less than $300, you will be somewhat harp-pressed to find such a monster.
I have the Alpine CDA-7998, which has everything you are looking for but it is around $800 new

 

do you mean your stock HU don't have RCA out, or a new HU that don't have it. You can use a lineoutput convert. It steps down the HU output for use with AMPs

 

I have a newbie question:

I noticed that there are a few Alpine head units for $300 or less that have 3 pairs of RCA preamp outputs. I'm wondering why these units won't work.

 

My Kenwood doesn't have enough RCA preouts and I'm too stupid to know what a lineoutput converter is...

 

You could always keep the headunit you have, and split the rear channels with a Y-cable and then cross it over at the amps. Or better yet, use an output on one amp to feed the other. A possibility is the Pioneer DEH-P7500MP http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...=0&cc=01&avf=N which has 3 preouts.

 

Ah, ok. get the picture now. You can do what bastard suggest and use y splitters to split the front and rear of the Right & left channels. Lineoutput converter is a transformer that steps the output of a HU that is amplified (like the stock unit) for use with amp's. This is for those without RCA outputs.
Go spend like 20 bux for a set of monster cable Y-splitters (I got mines at circuit city) You can use your regular RCA cables and get a 1 female to 2 male Y-splitter to split each channel into 2. No need to get long y-splitter, one foot is good for the job.

 

well i bought an Alpine 7897 and it has tons of RCA pre-outs and is great but i need money and am selling it. Someone purchased it but backed out b/c they lost their job.

Send me a PM

 

bah, wish I hadn't just gotten one... I bought the cda-7995, got it from a member here for $220 shipped... how much would you have wanted for the 7897?

 

I don't know what I was thinking... you can prolly find the unit you are looking for. I bought mine specifically for the crossover, equalization and time correction features.
That, and I like the DIN and a half flip up face