Hello All,
I'm looking to replace the stock(non-bose) hu on my 02 SE. I've already done the speakers(Kappa Perfect components) and added a Basslink to the trunk with excellent results so far. But, it's time to replace the HU with something that has an AUX in for my MP3 player. I really don't want to deal with an amp at this point, just a new hu. What can you suggest to me based on first-hand experience? I would like to stay under $300.00 for the hu. Basically, I'm just looking for brands to avoid, and brands that have a solid reputation for reliability and audio quality. Your input is truly appreciated. Lastly, if you suggest a Sony product.....I may have to thrash you! Thanks in advance.

~Stingray

 

i heard sony's were bad, i like alpine(my new hU) and my old one was a kenwood, sucked

 

My cheap pioneer has been very solid. It's on it's second car.

 

Alpine and Clarion are the two brands that i've heard first hand, and both sounded very nicely. I've heard good things about pioneer, but never heard one in person. Any of the three companies will have quality hu's for $300 or less.

 

I've been reading that the Pioneer HU's are pretty nice. Any models in particular to look at?

 

Eclipse..Best/longest reputation,longest warranty (3years) and theft replacement (for the 1st yr). All things rely on you buying legitly ie: not online or through Fleabay.

--Don

 

Where could you buy an eclipse unit legit?

 

from an eclipse dealer, probably if your audio dealer is liscensed for them. i have alpine and i will stay with alpine i just love it. my dad and uncles had alpines back in the days too, but i duno its like im the only one having problems with my system

eclipse are very good, they make good amps, subs, components, tvs. especially their hus i heard they have 8volt rca outputs? neways i have an eclipse amp for my highs and cant complain.

 

Well I know Alpine and Pioneer have accessories that allow you to hook up an MP3 player to it. Alpine has some special device that will hook you IPOD up to it. I don't know any other brands that can hook up an MP3 to the HU. But there might be some out there.

 

I'm running a JVC KD-SH9750, had it for two years now. The price was right, it sounded great, so I bought it. Never given me a problem, I'd buy another JVC. Prior to that I had a Clarion DXZ-615, nice deck, but had serious issues with playing store bought cd's after a while and kind of put me off Clarion's. As for mp3's, most decks play them, and most also have aux rca inputs so you can hook up any mp3 player you like, or audio from a game console, vcr, etc.

 

i love my alpine, when it craps out, im get another.....

 

I had a clarion that NEVER let me down plus it sounded great.My highest recommendation however if you want sound quality is any of the Nakamichi head units.Read any large audio board and they recieve some of the best reviews.They are however plain to look at (which I love) I must agree that the ecipse units are also VERY well built and have a great reputation in the market.Ill make a little list of my recommended brands (some from each price category)

Denon,Rockford Fosgate (there is 2 models that are actually denons so they are GREAT), Nakamichi,Eclipse,Clarion,Alpine,(high end kenwoods),Mcintosh also makes a wicked deck.

The choice as well as sound thoguh is up to you .Also most good decks have an audio in ports for mp3,dvd,computer or game system built in.The use RCA right and left channels.

BJ White

 

I appreciate all of your help guys.....

 

I have 2 Alpine decks. I have had my first one for more than 5 years with no problems. It is in it's second car now. I just replaced my stock HU in my 2k2 with an Alpine CDA-9835. I have been extremely happy with Alpine.

 

i had a pioneer deh-p3500 that i got last summer, it worked and still does amazing, but i sold it to my friend to go back to bose until i get my alpine set up in. good stuff for 170

 

I've had always had Alpine decks and I've always been happy with them. I sold my first one to one of my friends and it still sounds great after 4 years and hasn't had any problems. Now I have a CDA-7893 that I'm very happy with. I love the motorized face.

 

I just got done putting a pioneer premier deh-p8mp in my car. Im pretty impressed! I had a pioneer deh-p9300 in my 4th gen before it got totaled. my new one sounds much better, even with all the same components. I highly recomend it! I found it on ebay for 260 shipped.