Hi Everybody, I was hoping to get some advice/recommendations on an aftermarket head unit (Single DIN). There are so many to chose from and most of the reviews I read don't seem too informative. Here are a couple of the things I'd like to have:

• CD-R/CD-RW playback capability
• MP3/WMA playback capability (Must)
• Sub Control (Not a must, but would be nice...btw don't have a sub yet)
• Under $200 (before Tax)
• Displays song tag text
• Enough power to push 4 aftermarket 6"/6x9" speakers (don't have them yet, so I can't give you specifics. I know that's vague.

Keep in mind, I'm not looking for audiophile quality or competitions, just quality performance without breaking the bank. If this can't be done within the price range, please feel free to suggest something close.

 

BTW, one of the decks I've been looking at that sounds promising is Alpine CDA-9856. Anyone have experience with this particular deck?

 

Pioneer Premier 880PRS.

 

Unfortunately thats a little out of price range, but thanks anyhow.

 

Oh yes, I saw that now. My apologies.

 

I have the CDA-9856 in my 97. Menus are a PITA to naviagte through (or I could just be menatlly challenged). Once you get all the bells and whistles adjusted the way you like, it is a very easy deck to live with. I relaced my Bose deck with the Alpine (using the PAC adapter). It sounds great and the display is readable even in direct sunlight. The buttons do light up a little too bright for my taste at night, and I've heard others complain about this as well. Is it perfect? No, but I think for the expandability, features, performance and price it's hard to beat.

 

how about a kenwood x590. I like this headunit b/c it has usb function and good amp and a 2 year warranty. If you catch a good deal at crutchfield you can get it right around 200 dollars with the install kit and free shipping and no tax. I think sonicelectronics has it for a descent price but I dont know how good they are. It also is a pretty good headunit if you ever want to put some amps in and a sub.

 

I think I've heard some of the same complaints about the buttons, but thats not necessarily a show-stopper for me.

This one definitely looks promising and I like the fact that its 22Wx4. Most of the others in this price range are only 18Wx4.

I thought I'd mention another one that looks slick. Pioneer DEH-P6800MP or 5800MP. The 6800 has much cooler colors (not that it really matters that much). So far the reviews on these have been really good. I've found that I can get just about any of these on Ebay for quite a bit cheaper. I realize theres risk involved there and warrantee work is a PITA. Anyone have a good Ebay retailer they could recommend?

Thanks for the replys so far!!

 

How much easier is it too add a sub/amp to versus the Alpine 9856?

 

I was referring to its three preouts but i was not comparing it to a 9856 just saying it could be a good alternative b/c of the usb input, the preouts and the high wattage 4 ch internal amp. The alpine doenst have a usb input. If i didnt want a usb input i would not even consider this HU but I like the idea of being able to play all of my songs from my computer on one removable hardrive.

 

How about Pioneer Premier DEH-P680MP?

It's a bit above his budget, but perhaps he could find it on eBAY at the right price?

 

Actually, I was looking at that unit. It looks like a really nice deck. If I could find one for around $200 or less, that would be sweet.

 

You can find plenty on eBAY for less than $200...here's one: Pioneer Premier DEH-P680MP

 

my friend has that headunit. its a nice one, but it seems mighty hard to navigate through. and half the time he cant get to the AUX setting for his ipod.

 

What do you guys think about the power output on most of these decks? Most of them are 18x4, but the Pioneer is rockin' 22x4 RMS. I'll probably just be running a pair of 6.5's in the front and in the rear.

 

it really doesn't matter. do you honestly think you'll hear that 4 watt difference?

 

Probably not...

 

exactly.



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