Is there a difference in SQ between head units?

[jas_kidd32]

I'm a noob in car audio but not in hi-fi systems. I'm not sure whether there are differences in SQ between head units. It seems as price is dictated by features, brand and release date. Hi-fi systems are somewhat different as SQ precedes all other aspects.

Can someone school me on car audio and refer me to good head units if SQ is a concern? Say within a $500 budget. All I want is that it plays CDs and has an AUX input. No bling bling, mechanical face plate and flashy lights required. Which brands/model should I look for?

[Vinnie]

yes there is a difference. for an good h/u look at eclipse and alpine, they both have produsts with decent features in that price range. :)

[integraz]

yes there is a difference, but depends what your system consist of

ie/ $200 sony headunit with pioneer splits, 4 channel jaycar amp and JL audio sub.

$200 sony headunit, Dynaudio splits, 4channel audison amp, Image dynamics Sub

In the second case, the headunit is the weak point in this system, but if your running stock or entry level gear.. you shouldn't worry to much about the SQ side.
You can benefit from better SQ from good installation and better speakers.

[aka_NSX]

if you after a good SQ CD player make sure its 24 bit DAC, most of them on the market is only 1 bit

[ICACHA]

some 24bit DACs (not all) are not as good as some 1bit DACs, yes I've heard it for myself

[DANMAN]

That is true. A lot of JVC head units are 24 bit yet a 5 year old Alpine unit of equivilant value will mop the floor with it.
Look for an Alpine or Eclipse as previously mentioned. 5V Pre-outs on the Eclipse can offer a lower noise floor for systems using amplifiers. Try to get something with a parametric or graphic EQ and preferably time correction also. (worth it's weight in gold). The head unit is one of the most critical parts of your system. For example an amplifier does just that, AMPLIFIES. If you feed it sh*t you will end up with louder sh*t. Look at an Alpine CDA 9887. Great value for money. We have our Alpine demo board and JVC board right next to each other. If you compare a $650 JVC unit and a $300 Alpine unit, the Alpine sounds so much better it's not funny. JVC Has some awesome features though, I'll give them that.