Wiring, Stereo & Electronics Audio Components | Radars | Alarms - and things that spark when they shouldn't

Everybody's Favorite Head Unit?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 10:23 PM
  #1  
Gallstaff's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte, NC
Default Everybody's Favorite Head Unit?

I just bought a 1999 WS6 and with my last Trans Am, I didn't really want to bother putting money into the stereo, but since I have some insurance money left over from the accident, I figure I'll start in with this one.

I know there's a lot of debate about what speakers to use when not gutting the system, but I haven't really heard a lot about head units. Is there any specific model that people rave about or is it really just personal preference?
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2007 | 11:58 PM
  #2  
NOIR's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
From: Toms River, NJ
Default

Personal preference really. I'm going with a double din, a little custom work involved, but worth it. The new pioneer avic-d3.

What features are you looking for in a head unit and around what price range?
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 12:31 AM
  #3  
Gallstaff's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte, NC
Default

I want something around 150-200 dollars maybe? Maybe a bit more than 200? I have about $700 left over after buying the WS6, but I'm going off to college so I'm going to try and save a bit of that for whatever I may need.

I'm not a huge audiophile so I can't say that the higher end features are a big deal to me. Most importantly is something with an AUX or RCA input because I have an mp3 player, but not an iPod so I'd definatley need a way to get that set up and something that's sirius ready would be good since I'm apparently still paying for my subscription through March.

Customizable EQ is always good to have as is something visually appealing. I can't really think of anything else I need. Most of them in the $200 area are all going to pretty much have what I'm looking for right?
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 12:57 AM
  #4  
Cld069's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From: Greenwood
Default

I like the Panasonic CQC7103U personally, but then again thats whats in my car...
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 01:07 AM
  #5  
Gallstaff's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte, NC
Default

Is there any particular reason you bought it? Looking at it, it seems to have similar features to many other high quality head units made by major players out there. I'm just wondering what, in your opinion, sets it apart from the rest.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 01:22 AM
  #6  
*KANDY SS*'s Avatar
Restricted User - Non Spon Soliciting
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
Default

I love my clarion touch screen!
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 01:34 AM
  #7  
Silas2k's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
From: Lubbock, Tx
Default

i was going to get this:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Pione...oductDetail.do
but i dont have it yet and ive never had an aftermarket hu, so i cant contribute much to this thread
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 11:45 AM
  #8  
RedRallyeZ's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,395
Likes: 2
From: Sugartit, South Carolina
Default

alpine CDA-9856 is what you need, great quality and perfect Mp3 interface, some people have different things to say aobut that line, but im buying my 9857 from that line. I would recommend that one, but even my employee discount doenst put it in the price range you stated above
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 11:54 AM
  #9  
Gallstaff's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte, NC
Default

Wow it seems like there is no "right" answer for this haha.

So I guess, what is it about all of these different head units that people actually like? For the 150-200 dollar range, it seems like they're literally all about the same.

And a quick glance on google showed that there are quite a few places to find the CDA-9856 for around 200 dollars so I don't know why you'd say it was out of my price range.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 12:37 PM
  #10  
MikeFbody's Avatar
Restricted User
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
From: south central PA
Default

you are right... most head units today in the same price range all offer comparable features. So you are going to have everyone recommend the one they happen to use and like. When I personally choose a head unit, after I select a few contenders based on reputable brand name, features I want, then I normally let the looks and ease of use decide the winner. Think about it, the head unit is the only part of the stereo you have to look at and interact with.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 12:43 PM
  #11  
Gallstaff's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte, NC
Default

Excellent, thank you! My mind is much more at ease now. I was worried there might be some HUGE feature lacking in certain models that would totally screw me over if I were to not have it. Thanks!
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 12:46 PM
  #12  
gonefishn1212's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
Default

stock if my fav H.U.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 01:17 PM
  #13  
Gallstaff's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte, NC
Default

Haha yeah that's what I thought until my speakers started blowing out like a cheap hooker.

I've been shopping around and can anyone tell me what I would need a USB port on my head unit for? It seems like you wouldn't use that for a cd changer since thats usually proprietary and most head units have AUX so... what the hell would USB be used for?
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 02:15 PM
  #14  
MikeFbody's Avatar
Restricted User
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
From: south central PA
Default

many new decks can play mp3 or wmv files right off a usb thumb drive. That's what the usb ports are for. Some you can even run a usb cable to an external hard drive, and have 500 gigs or more of storage.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 03:06 PM
  #15  
Gallstaff's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte, NC
Default

Well let's assume I won't be using a thumb drive or external HDD, it would be just as practical to use the AUX for my mp3 player, wouldn't it? I have a SanDisk Sansa so even if I did use the proprietary USB connector, the head unit probably wouldn't be able to read it, correct?
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 04:05 PM
  #16  
MikeFbody's Avatar
Restricted User
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
From: south central PA
Default

if your sandisk player can be mounted as a drive, it may work.. I'm no expert in that area, I've never actually used a usb head unit.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 04:31 PM
  #17  
PowerShift408's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (44)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,741
Likes: 1
From: Bowling Green, KY
Default

JVC G-420 or G-820 if you like a cooler display. I have the G820, has USB input, satellite radio ready, it's basically the ****. Check out ikesound.com. I guarantee you won't find better prices anywhere.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 04:39 PM
  #18  
The Guz's Avatar
TECH Junkie
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,460
Likes: 12
From: Lawndale, CA (310)
Default

I have a Clarion DXZ945MP. It's a good headunit. I am pretty happy with it.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2007 | 06:42 PM
  #19  
RedRallyeZ's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,395
Likes: 2
From: Sugartit, South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by Gallstaff
And a quick glance on google showed that there are quite a few places to find the CDA-9856 for around 200 dollars so I don't know why you'd say it was out of my price range.
I meant the 9857, the lowest i found it on the internet was $260 shipped. I get it for like $210
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2007 | 11:08 PM
  #20  
Bluhaven's Avatar
Staging Lane
15 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Shithole,Ca.
Default

Originally Posted by *KANDY SS*
I love my clarion touch screen!
Which one do you have, I've got the max675 with the navigation. Need to ask some questions about it.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:43 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE