mammoth713

i am in the market for a HU. i need it to have the following things:

*Sub pre-amp out
*Front USB slot (for thumbstick flash drive)
*Front Aux input
*Steering wheel control compatible
*Under $200

as of right now i am looking at the Sony CDX-GT540UI


i am open to suggestions

cfallsguy

iTrader: (1)

Why just those brands? Curious..and there are a lot of good options out there, just go to some sites and check out the details and see if it has all you want. And steering wheel compatibility is seperate so is that included in the $200?

mammoth713

i mean for the HU to be under $200.. i know the steering wheel control interface is a separate $75.. but the HU needs to be steering wheel compatible


i've looked on some online sites and thats why i have chosen the sony but i was wondering if anyone has that unit, or knows good/bad things about the unit? or have another suggestion off hand..

cfallsguy

iTrader: (1)

I have a Sony and its pretty easy to use and not bad, but I'm replacing it with a Pioneer but the Sony doesn't have all that you want. The Pioneer has USB available just not plugged into the front and its 4V preamp outputs instead of Sony's 2V, plus a few more features.

LS1121

iTrader: (17)

Sony CDX-GT700HD was just released with All of what you requirs plus a built in HD tuner. $179 top price so far the lowest I've seen is $149. I waiting for one to hit Ebay then I will buy. Sony makes the BEST.

mammoth713

Sony CDX-GT640UI


isnt it the same as that just minus the HD. i dont really need the HD

Engine_HP

iTrader: (1)

look for what kenwood has,

i used both sony & kenwood HU, the kenwood is much better IMO.

WhiteBird00

iTrader: (4)

I agree, Kenwood makes great head units and I am very pleased with mine. But if you really want the best FM, Pioneers with SuperTuner are hard to beat. Pioneer also has some really slick sound shaping options in their menus. Sony has been on my **** list since that rootkit fiasco but even without that, their quality is spotty - some are good and some are junk.

cfallsguy

iTrader: (1)

Just stay away from Dual ha. It honestly all depends on what you think looks good, has what you want and has good reviews.

Also, sorry about the links whitebird, forgot they weren't a sponsor.

WhiteBird00

iTrader: (4)

Yeah, and stay away from Pyle... they're a pile of ****

squee

iTrader: (16)

Honestly, I LOVE my Fusion CA-IP500 I only listen to my iPod so, it was perfect for me, but I don't think there is any way to use the steering wheel controls with it. Thats the only real downside, but I plan on changing the steering wheel anyway, so thats not that big a deal really...

johnlv6

iTrader: (3)

I went with a Kenwood. I'm not exactly thrilled with it. While I use an Ipod 99% of the time, the radio controls suck (unlike pioneer or alpine) for that 1% of the time that I'd like to use them. Go check out the different brands at a stereo store and see while display and control type you like (then go buy it on Crutchfield).

mammoth713

all of the reviews on these 2 sony's are good... i'm really confused. the site says the cheaper sony doesnt have sub preamp outs and then other site says it does... i'll have to call a rep and ask

but anyway which one of these looks better? i wont say the price on purpose..

Breathing Fire

Now I can't say for sure, but I would think that any descent HU these days would have the preamp outs. That would just be logical to me. Google some of the model numbers and try to find out that way.

kool_chic2

iTrader: (1)

is 200 all your wanting to spend. i just went to my local stereo place and he told me that the new 2010 stuff will be out soon... they have some neat head units coming out.

mammoth713

yeah i dont need the HU till spring or even later probably because the car is in storage right now.. just doing my hmwk.

i dont really need any radio other than FM... so i dont really feel i want to spend more than $200...

the main thing i will use the HU for is

*USB music
*FM
*steering controls

cfallsguy

iTrader: (1)

If you got time just wait til you find one that really catches your eye, and don't go to BB, their markup is ridiculous, the Pioneer i ordered online was $60 more at BB, same exact one. Audio shops are a little better but still marked up higher then online sites, i can pm a few if you'd like.

johnlv6

iTrader: (3)

That was my price ceiling as well. Check out Crutchfield.com. They include the wiring harness and install kit (many places charge you for those). They were also running a free shipping special when I ordered.

mammoth713

this Sony CDX-GT640UI has all good reviews... on various sites.. and looks cool

i think i'll go with that


i need the steering wheel controls (i use them alot) so i need the PAC SWI-PS too... are these hard to install? the one end should just plug into the back of my head unit but then where does the harness go? does it splice or something into the other wires?

LS1121

iTrader: (17)

I have the CDX-GT820IP in my Civic and I like it a lot. Comes with Ipod cable already attached.