8 replies to this topic

[SPLvrWAGON]

hay guys...
when looking for a head unit what are some good key spec to look for ?

[peaandham]

http://www.mobileele...43#entry1271043

[shiny_car]

I wouldn't rely on specs, cos as with most car audio components, the specs don't tell you much about how it sounds.

The way I see it, most of the main players have a 'mainstream range' of headunits. These will all sound virtually exactly the same, SQ-wise, and only differentiated by tuning features like EQ, time correction, and xovers. Then they may offer a flagship model which is 'way out there', much higher in price, but developed as something special that should be noticably better.

For example, take Alpine. If you don't use the tuning features, I am confident that the entry level CDE-100EUB $169 will sound exactly the same as the high-end CDA-117E $529. Why? Because I would expect the circuit design, DACs, etc, to be the same, or very-nearly. Then, Alpine offer their flagship F#1 series; though, these are largely discontinued now, but the series II HU was around $3K and very, very basic without the $$$ matching processor.

Ditto Clarion: mainstream models, then the HX-D2. Pioneer: mainstream models, then the P99 (and overseas ODR).

Unless you're looking at this flagship stuff, you will be choosing from their mainstream models. In which case, you choose according to what features you want, including number of preouts, USB, BT, iPod, tuning features, cosmetics, etc. The tuning features will make an SQ difference, but that's about it; the rest of the design of the HU is otherwise pretty generic IMO.

Perhaps at the end of the day, 'price' is as good a 'spec' as any!

What price bracket are you looking at? If I was wanting an all-in-one SQ HU, I'd go with the Pioneer DEX-P99RS over a Clarion HX-D2, then an Eclipse CD7200mkII. If going for a 'separates' combo of HU + processor, I'd go with an Alpine HU featuring digital output, plus their PXA-H800 processor; or of course a secondhand F#1 combo.

[static existence]

Depending on the purpose and budget, i think the reasons for buying a headunit are very individual.
What do YOU want the headunit to do?

[Big_Valven]

I'd buy based on the features I need, followed closely by aesthetics / looks. That's about all there is to it these days.

[SPLvrWAGON]

ive got a ebay special dvd single din head unit and the problem i have is, if i turn the volume down to zero i can hear my subs producing bass noise even when my bass controller for my mono block amp is on zero ! so i was wondering if that is normal and also would my stereo be louder with a better head unit ?

[shiny_car]

1. not normal to hear bass if volume is at zero; but is it a problem? It might be a poorly designed HU, but are you entering SQ comps?
2. No, a HU with higher level preouts or whatever features, won't make the stereo louder; not after you properly set the gains; if you want louder, you need more powerful amplifiers and speakers/subs that can handle it

[SPLvrWAGON]

it is engine noise !!!!!!!!! how do i get rid of it ?

[268669♫]

turn the engine off