First of all, thanks to everyone who's helped me with my speaker planning. I'm still not sure what I'm going to get, but you've given me a few ideas on what to look for. I am more sure about the head unit I want to get. I've narrowed it down to two and I'm looking for people who have experience with either unit to help me out. Like I've said before, I'm not interested in insane bass. I want sound quality above all else. Also, I'm looking in the $300-$400 range (although $350 and down is preferable) for head units, so if you happen to know an equally good alternative let me know...

(also note that I'm going to be powering my speakers exclusively through the head unit for AT LEAST two months, so I need a HU that's not "good, as long as you have an external amp". XM ready is a plus too... since that'll come sooner or later)

These are the two units I've narrowed it down to:

Pioneer DEH-P7400MP

I admit, I think this one looks pretty cool. On top of that it has a LOT of features, it's XM ready, has some nice gimmicky things, and plays MP3 CDs. But I know a lot of people say Pioneer sound quality isn't the best...

Alpine CDA-7894

I've had Alpine units in both of my previous cars and I've always liked the sound quality, but other than an additional preamp output and a bit more power this doesn't really have many more features. And it's $70 more expensive. $70 isn't worth it to me just for brand loyalty.

Alright, so.. opinions? And please, don't give me "Alpine rules! Pioneer sucks!" I'm looking for actual experience with these. Thanks a lot.

 

Both excellent choices...I think both would power your doors adequately until you get an amp for the highs. I currently have an Alpine CDA-7864, last years version of the Alpine piece you are looking at. Ive had nothing but good experiences with it. Unfortunately, I have been using external amps for power so I cannot comment on the decks actual power output. Before this deck I had a Pioneer 8000, this was the first deck with the EL display. A feature that I fell in love with and dearly miss now that I have the Alpine. The EL display compares more to a laptop screen whereas Alpine's display compares to a 1980's digital watch. I also think the Pionner EQ and filtering controls are easier to understand and access than the Alpine(unless they have upgraded their menu's since last year). One feature you will loose with the Pioneer is the motorized screen, a luxury feature but something that is nice to have. If I were you I would look for a 740mp which is the Premier version of the 7400mp. This unit adds a third rca out and steps you up to 4v outputs instead of 2v. It also has a silver accented face(IMO, looks better than just black). In regards to the prices, if you shop around online you can get MUCH better prices, check the links below...I think you will be happy with either unit, but I would lean more towards the Pioneer(based mostly on the display).

Pioneer DEH-P740MP (These guys are out of stock, but at that price I could wait a week or two to get it!)

EBay: Pioneer DEH-P740MP

Warbucks

 

$269!? Damn... that is an awesome price. I might just consider waiting a bit. Thanks a lot for the links.

 

get the premier, and don't look back.

 

screw both of them and get an eclipse HU