Head Unit Questions
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 36
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Head Unit Questions When looking for a head unit, what stats should I be looking at. (watts frequency repsonse, etc I dont know if higher numbers are better or worse) Obviosuly my focus is sound quality.
Is it possible to get a good sounding unit for less than 200, or are those considered "cheap" and crappy.
I don't need any fancy lcd or anything, just want something that can play mp3 cd and sound good.
I see that pioneer makes a model that fits without modification, what do you think about it? http://www.crutchfield.com/S-CyiU945...0&I=130DEHP47D
Anyone else make one that fits as well?
To make those smaller ones I just need the antenna adapter and dash kit found in the faq, correct?
From what I understand, if I replace all my speakers, I can just run them off an aftermarket head unit?
And lastly, any suggestions?
Is it possible to get a good sounding unit for less than 200, or are those considered "cheap" and crappy.
I don't need any fancy lcd or anything, just want something that can play mp3 cd and sound good.
I see that pioneer makes a model that fits without modification, what do you think about it? http://www.crutchfield.com/S-CyiU945...0&I=130DEHP47D
Anyone else make one that fits as well?
To make those smaller ones I just need the antenna adapter and dash kit found in the faq, correct?
From what I understand, if I replace all my speakers, I can just run them off an aftermarket head unit?
And lastly, any suggestions?
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown, DE
I'd say the keys to look at are freq response, THD, and SNR. If you're using it with an aftermarket amplifier, you want one with pre-amp (RCA) outputs. Only if your using the HU to drive the speakers directly do you care about the output power. Then you just want to match it up with the speakers you plan to drive with it.
Key thing is to go to a store and listen to it, (preferable using the same speaker types you plan to use with it) and see how it sounds to you. Bring your favorite music to use for the demo.
THD = Total Harmonic Distortion (%) [the lower the better]
SNR = Signal to Noise Ratio (dB) [the higher the better]
Key thing is to go to a store and listen to it, (preferable using the same speaker types you plan to use with it) and see how it sounds to you. Bring your favorite music to use for the demo.
THD = Total Harmonic Distortion (%) [the lower the better]
SNR = Signal to Noise Ratio (dB) [the higher the better]
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
"18 watts RMS x 4" is it better to have that number higher or lower?
Which brands do you all reccomend, and which ones should I avoid?
Can I replace all the speakers and the headunit, and just use the existing set up, the stock system is loud enough I think it's a waste of money for me to buy an amplifier...
Which brands do you all reccomend, and which ones should I avoid?
Can I replace all the speakers and the headunit, and just use the existing set up, the stock system is loud enough I think it's a waste of money for me to buy an amplifier...
as far as the 18x4 yeah higher is better, if your gonna run your speakers off of the head unit. but like stated earlier, i would highly reccomend an aftermarket amp to push your speakers. for about 100-150, you can get a decent 4 channel amp. you wont regret pushing the speakers with an amp.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 36
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Well if I just install a new head unit, do I have to do anythign special. Or just take the wires that went to the old one and put them to the new.
If I get an amp, what do the hatch speakers hook up to?
Would still like someone to reccomend some brand names.
If I get an amp, what do the hatch speakers hook up to?
Would still like someone to reccomend some brand names.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,157
Likes: 1
From: Texas
For a head unit I generally look for what is going to last.
Most manufactures wattage ratings are not true ratings so get which head unit fits you best. Ive had great luck with pioneer. Alpine is another good brand.
If you are going to run aftermarket amps for competition youll want to choose one with a high S/N ratio and a high volt preamp output. A remote is also a nice feature to have when you are competing.
Most manufactures wattage ratings are not true ratings so get which head unit fits you best. Ive had great luck with pioneer. Alpine is another good brand.
If you are going to run aftermarket amps for competition youll want to choose one with a high S/N ratio and a high volt preamp output. A remote is also a nice feature to have when you are competing.
