Head Unit

[johnprocter]

Hey was looking to install a new head unit what are the best brands for head units? I need something with either AUX or some sort of ipod control.. I am not looking to spend over $550 for it and i dont have any amps or subs just factory speakers etc at the moment

[Zdster]

Brands:

Alpine
Clarion
Pioneer
JVC
Sony
Panasonic
Kenwood
BlaupunktPretty much all of the major brands will have what you are looking for. It really depends on what you are trying to achieve (ie SQ etc etc).

[johnprocter]

lol i know what brands but i'm asking what particular brands are better for headunits..

[Zdster]

First four and the last one I would say, but everyone has there opinions.

[Fr3aKi3]

Pioneer:
www.pioneer.com.au

DEH-P5950 - $469
DEH-P6950 - $569 (should be able to get it under 500 with some haggling)


Alpine:
www.alpine.com.au

CDA-9852i - $399
CDA-9856i - $469
CDA-9857i - $599
CDA-9855R - $799 (see it on sale for $550 or so at JB)


JVC:
www.jvc.com.au

KD-PDR35 - $325
KD-PDR55 - $389


Clarion:
http://clarion.com/au/en/products/2007/audio/source_units/cd/index.html

Eclipse:
http://www.eclipse-web.com.au/

Kenwood:
www.kenwood.com.au


Just keep in mind that some headunits need an external control unit to controll the ipod and some have a cable that connects directly to the ipod. Pioneer, Alpine and JVC now have headunits which can connect directly to the ipod.

Can't go wrong with Alpine or Pioneer, I think you'll need an additional ipod adaptor with Eclipseunits. JVC is good value for money. Another thing to consider is how the headunit actually sounds. No point in getting a headunit that has all the features that you like but doesnt sound pleasing to you.

[johnprocter]

thanks for your help mate i can find some of these on ebay for fairly cheap then get it installed somewhere

[Fr3aKi3]

Is this going to be for the euro?

If it is then you might want to take a look at this thread as well:
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64966

[D4rk4n63l]

I use Premier P880PRS one of the top of the line range from Premier (Pioneer premium brand) should be just right on the budget ($550) does have ipod control and aux in but will cost extra for the interface... JVC decks also good value for money with lots of features such as USB and built in AUX

[Zdster]

thanks for your help mate i can find some of these on ebay for fairly cheap then get it installed somewhere

Careful when buying off ebay with warrenties and overseas models being sold (messes up radio settings etc).

[tRipitaka]

definitely vouch for alpine..

[teaseR]

i can get cda-9857i for $500 posted. with ipod cable
PM me for details

[theseven]

mmm... sq still goes to pioneer and clarion for me...

[pkb0i]

i got the premier version as well p680mp, similar to the p6950. premier is the premium version, but AM radio doesnt work, i dont use it anyway, and it was very cheap on ebay.buying 2 on ebay would be similar price to buy 1 here,so warranty didnt bother me.

[Hullabaloo]

I'm also looking head units right now, and iPod control is also something I'm looking at. Having read another thread:
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48785&page=2
someone said that Pioneer's control over iPods is not as good as Alpine. Does anyone have any experience or opinions with this? Not meaning to hijack your thread, but thought maybe you might also be interested in this question.

Having a quick look at the Clarion range, it seems you would need to buy an additional device (eg EA1276) so you can use an iPod with the headunit.

[johnprocter]

Yeah mate no worries, You need to buy a extra cable for most head units if you want it to control your ipod.. they usually cost between $30-$60 depending on what brand and where you get it from, but yeah the only thing i dont like about the alpine head unit range is that they havent brought out some 2007 models with DVD mp3 etc like other brands..

[pintara]

Well,

For sound clarity, alpine is still the winner, but for more sound reproduction in low freq, pioneer is the one.

It is depend, but I prefer somethin like 6950 from pioneer or even the 6850 plus the ipod cable will do the job and it will be still under your budget.

With alpine, get yourself the 9855 type, plus the KCA cable for ipod.