Looking to upgrade the stock HU (already upgraded the speakers)

Before anyone flames, I did search and most HU recommended were in the 1k range. I'm just looking to upgrade (not totally embarrass) the stock unit. Just need something that has RCA outs for amp (F,R and sub) and an aux input. Maybe play MP3 cd-r's (not a must, optional). Price on or under 250.

The Sony cdx M800 looks like a good buy (fulfills all my primary requirements and I can get it for under 200)

Any USEFUL suggestions?

 

I'd say look at Kenwood, Alpine, Clarion or Eclipse. All these have great sound and although you might not get mp3 playback from them, their quality and sound will more then make up for it.

 

I paid $340 ($450 total with a 12 disc changer) for my Pioneer Premier 840 head unit, which has MP3 playability...its a great head unit, so don't count out the Pioneer line too. The Premier line has high volt PRe-out RCAs and more bells and whistles.

I also agree with LS350Z, about the Kenwood, Eclipse, and Alpine, but I more partial to Pioneer Premier and Alpine. I am deadset against Clarion (aka Bose !). I am not a big fan of Sony's standard line... the ES line has a better transport and alot more reliability.

Shop around and do some comparisons, like at Best Buy. That way you can see what you will be buying from an online retailer and you can save alot of money....

 

I've been searching all over all week long for a headunit that:

1) Has a FM Tuner
2) Has a CD Player
3) Has a MP3 player (with ID-3 tag for titles of songs displayed)
4) Has a DVD player (no screen, screen in factory nav location)

I found 2 that meet all these requirements:

Alpine DVA-7996 - $819+shipping cheapest I could find
Pioneer DVH-P5000MP - $399+shipping cheapest I could find
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I'd really like the Alpine but the Pioneer will do me just fine at half the cost, I'm getting an inside amp anyway.

Now the question is which sub(s).

1) infinity basslink - I'd like to hear it first I'm just afraid its not enough
2) some sort of custom enclosure including subwoofer for less than 400
3) jl stealth box, go b*lls to the wall I'm sure its sweet.

Any suggestions?

PS - onecoolee when you gonna let me hear your system!!!!!

 

I might get flamed for this, but check out some of the Fostgate headunits. I've always thought they looked ok and they sound great IMO.

 

I just had an Eclipse CD8443 HU installed. Cost was approx $420; it has AM/FM/CD/MP3. No DVD.

Terrific HU but color of contols does not match the Z dash.

 

Eclipse has the best internal electronics out of all the brands mentioned. But they fall short on the video side (they've been kinda back and forth about how committed they are to video)...

That pioneer you found seems to be a freakishly good deal, which makes people like me cautious. If you're more ballzy, then go for it.

For sub I'd go with the JL Stealth (if you got the $$$). It seems like the best fit & look for a reasonably good price, plus it won't take days or weeks to sort out like custom fiberglass enclosures.

Good luck, enjoy!

 

The pioneer is a good deal at 399+shipping but for 19 dollars more you can get piece of mind. Etronics.com is a well respected electronics internet distributor, they have it for $419.99+shipping so less than 450 shipped and they have a great customer service and past reputation. I'm gonna order it this weekend if I can't find a better deal on it down Market Street Always gotta give guys in a philly a chance !! =)

 

Here's my opinion...

Alpine will give you a higher sound quality... Pioneer is awesome as long as you stay away from the low in stuff... Premier or nothing...

My DEX-P9 is amazing, I got it cheap from carmedia1.com... full retail box and warranty (amazingly enough... they have a real store front and send you a transaction receipt which is nice if you need warranty support...).

Ultimately, it's your call... find a local store that carries all this stuff and go see it... I wouldn't recommend buying a HU or speakers or really anything like that without seeing, hearing and touching it... what you like is probably different than most other people... good luck!

~Lance

 

alphared: if you are not worried about playing mp3's i have the Pioneer DEH-P9300 for sale, brand new, at a very reasonable cost. It is definitely a quality unit.
You can check out the link to the thread i have posted in the classifieds for more information.

Pioneer DEH-P9300

Rajiv

 

I spent months comparing hu's and was between alpine and eclipse. I was impresed with clarion and pioneer but the plastics and internal metal componentry was not up to par with alpine and eclipse.

What sold me. Eclipse has smart logical controls. eg just spin the dial and it goes to the next song, as for the alpine you have to find the rt arrow button to advance, for a sports car these type of controls are definitely needed.

Eclipse also has an awesome warranty if installed by a dealer 4 yrs, and comon if the head unit gets stolen you get a new one.
I called their tech support 3 times to figure out how good their support is and it is obvious that they are all elect engineers and/or have many years of experience. (their tech support is always avail max wait 2-3 min)

(model 8443)

 

I did some more research on the brand recommended here. Most of them has aux as optional (ie, pioneer, kenwood, etc..) If I wanted aux input I would have to get an optional part. I check some of the HU out online and alot don't 'look' right in the Z. Like most of the kenwoods and pioneers. Maybe its a bit 'shallow' to base it on the looks, but most don't have AUX in (which is one of the primary reason for a new HU).
I seem to have trouble find eclipes units. Anyone has a links so I can do some more comparisons?

 

Here is link for Eclipse & your right, it ain't easy to find.

My HU is the CD8443.

http://www.eclipse-web.com/

 

Clarion has a new head unit...DXZ545MP.
ProAudio component with 2 year warranty, plays MP3 AND WMA files along with CD-R/RW WAV files. 4 channel line output, AUX input standard, remote control, bus control of optional Sirius tuner, TV tuner, CD changer and DVD changer. Street price of about $200.

You can check it out at http://www.clarion.com

 

The clarion looks tempting, but it doesn't have sub out. (I could always split it from one of the inputs) Eclipse looks good also, but I can't find any online retail (thats sells below retail) The closest store that sells it is in the next state.