Looking for a new head unit?

Question

So I'm looking for a new head unit to put in my car. There are a few requirements, as well as a few "nice" features that i could live without if need be.

First, the "musts":
1. Single DIN.
2. Plays MP3 CDs.
3. Supports RDS (radio station info).
4. Around 200w maximum power output.
5. A "clean" all-black look to it (ie, no chrome knobs, multicolor lights, etc).

Now, the "would be nice to have" features:
1. USB port.
2. RCA input/output.
3. Some kind of bus connector for perhipherals (CD changer, iPod, Satellite receiver, etc).
4. Somewhat high resolution screen, ie, not the generic single-line digital readout, multi-line readable text is preferred.

My vehicle (Jeep Liberty) has an aqua/green sort of illumination to it, so it would be nice if I could find a head unit that has the same.

If anyone could give up some suggestions, that would be great.

Thanks!

So it seems like Alpine is the popular choice. I realize that RDS support is slim, and after market head units with clean designs are even slimmer.. Too bad. One unit I was considering is the JVC KD-BT1 with integrated Bluetooth phone support. I could go with that, as my experience with JVC has so far been nothing short of excellent. It looks like a number of people on eBay have the KD-BT1 in the low $200 range.

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

I think you'll need to make some compromises on your "musts" list, specifically #3 and #5.

#3 - Aftermarket support for RDS is small, if not non-existent. When I was shopping last year for a stereo to replace my factory deck, I did not find a single one that supported RDS. Not sure why -- might be some kind of royalty issue, or perhaps they've all decided to ditch it in favor of only supporting satellite and HD radio.

#5 - The only all-black aftermarket stereos I've seen are the low-end decks. Anything over $100 with a decent set of features is probably going to have at least a chrome knob.

And the more "nice to have" features you look for, the more likely it'll be on a deck with a multi-color display, since they tend to throw those in on the higher end models.

So I guess it's a bit of "pick your poison". BTW, if you want to browse online I suggest http://crutchfield.com (even if you don't buy from them, they have by far the best web side for aftermarket stereo equipment out there).

Answer 2

I easily have the variety # you pick. It purely is going (went) for $249, it somewhat is a million/2 of what you needed to spend! that's a CDA-9830. some useful properties. Cooling fan (my fav section, reason i comprehend it won't overheat -too easily a minimum of) Motorized faceplate ('tilt') HPF/LPF - eighty, a hundred and twenty, or 160Hz 4 band parametic EQ - freq., width, +/- 12db XM waiting Mp3, WMA, ACC Fr. Rr. Sub -Rca outputs 18wwrms x 4 *Adapter required for Aux enter This probable is composed of all the useful properties you will possibly be able to desire to start a good funds squaredevice. save around as that's an '04 variety. good success!

Answer 3

first off, never look at the peak power, thats the way retailers rip you off, look for RMS power- which is average power- I'm not sure how sleek you're looking for but it sounds like an Alpine Deck might suit you well.

Answer 4

Look at alpines they are the best for quality,price,features,and style go to onlinecarstereo.com they have great deals on ALL brands

Answer 5

id also say look at your local ////ALPINE dealer as they have lots of head units in different colours and switchable illumination(on some models) also they are quality built and are also very simple to use yet powerfull GOOD LUCK