Decent head unit?

[noobcake]

Hey guys, i made a thread previously and was deciding what head unit, it was a pioneer or jvc but i went indecisive and changed again to kenwood! I'm buying it off Ebay because the Australian dollar is surging! I'm not a expert on audio but this unit seems decent. I was hoping what set up should i go on my DC5 amp,speakers, and sub
Please audio experts can i have some advice? :)


The Kenwood eXcelon DDX-814 is the top of the line unit in vehicle audio-video applications. Comes loaded with integrated BlueTooth phone interface (no additional module required), 5.1 surround system and 2 USB inputs!
It features an amazing graphic user interface, that is fully customizable. It has an AM/FM tuner, single-disc DVD and CD player that also plays DVD-R/RW, CD-R, and CD-RW discs with MP3 or WMA files, Double DIN-size for in-dash mounting. A full-function remote control is included. The LCD screen is 6.95" wide. Maximum power is 50 watts x 4 through the integrated power amplifier (25W RMS x 4), and comes with 4 PreOuts (1 front, 1 rear, 1 subwoofer, 1 center channel)(5.0V) to add amplifiers. Includes 5.1 surround with Dolby ProLogic II and Dolby Digital. The LCD screen features Touchscreen Control and comes with a beautiful GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE (GUI) and 3 customizable wallpapers so you can add your vehicle`s logo or other image. It has 2 sets of Audio-Video input (RCA Rear), 1 A/V output (RCA Rear), and 1 rear view camera input (RCA Rear). It is satellite ready (optional module and SIRIUS or XM subscription required for service). The unit comes complete in the box with all wire harnesses, in-dash head unit, manuals and remote. In addition to the optional satellite radio module, there are other optional modules you can add like TV Tuner (digital tuner under development), Navigation, etc. And now you can connect your iPod Video to the USB port to listen as well as watch videos on the screen with the optional KCA-iP301V adaptor! Use the 2 available USB ports to connect any USB storage device with MP3 or WMA files as well!

[TRD_4age]

Yeah that unit would be OK, But kenwood is nothing flash. Just your basic audio company. If your after really quality stuff. Go with Alpine or eclipse they make really top quality headunit and Eclipse are in most high end SQ cars and not to mention some SPL car's cause they can withstand the vibration that the system can dish out and not skip like most lower end units. Also look for somthing with adjustable EQ and stuff like that. As it will make your life just that much easier when it comes to tuning your system. Also the best way to reproduce and Song would be by CD, But if you rather use USB make sure there Bit rate is high so you can get the full most sound out from your speakers and subs.

[noobcake]

I see thanks for the input but i decided to purchase that unit, i was wondering if i can use budget speakers, budget amp, and sub i don't mind so much! i don't know what's the size for the dc5 speakers i've heard it was 6 1/2 but you need to have spacers or some something like that.

[TRD_4age]

Yeah you can get away with buying budget stuff. But don't expect it to sound great and loud. But if your gonna do it, Do it right the first time. Iv'e spent thousands on my audio gear cause i was always upgrading until i got what i wanted and what sound decent.

So spend the money now, you wont look back once you have.

also yeah just buy or make some MDF spacers. But it depends what speakers you get. If you get the normal speakers with the common ferrite magent, then yes you will need a spacer cause the magent is a old bulky item. But if you get somthing with say a NEO magent then you could get away without using a speaker spacer. I got speakers and subs with neo motors and the speakers weight as much as a mobile phone yet can easily out power a speaker that weighs 5kg's each.

Also what is your budget ?

[catacaustic]

The problem with a decent head unit and "budget" amps and speakers, is that no matter what you do, the amp and speakers will always be budget. You will get better sound from a stock head unit with better speakers and no amp... If you want to go hard core, get a decent head unit, decent amps, and great speakers. Ultimately, it all dpeends on your budget and your car.