HU: Point me in the right direction

[Philo]

I know it's been covered before, but there are still many options. I want to put a new HU in my car. I'm capping my budget at $150 if it's worth it (I don't mind spending less). I am looking for something with an amber or red display. I also want to hook my ipod up to it, but don't really care if the HU can control the ipod or not. I don't know anything about HU outputs to speakers and what to look for. I'm looking for the best bang for my buck and am open to any suggestions or you can simply tell me what not to get so I can eliminate it from my options.

Oh and don't be afraid to chime in luke.;)

Thanks

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

Clarion DXZ735MP

[Philo]

Thanks, I've been looking at Clarion's line. So far i've narrowed it down to:

-Alpine (xxxx) there are too many different models that appear to be the same thing.
-Kenwood. Something random, but cheap and red. I'm not sure how good of quality they are.
-Clarion. DXZ785USB DXZ735MP DXZ385USB One of those.

If someone can give info on the quality of kenwood HU's it would be appreciated. As of right now I'm leaning towards one of the clarion models. I don't feel like spending hours figuring out which alpine to get, and am unsure on kenwood's quality.

[Philo]

Well I got antsy and just bought the Clarion DXZ385USB

It has a simple look and does what I need. Plus for $82 shipped I can't complain. I plan on painting the silver knobs and buttons black.

[E30 Cabrio]

The Clarion DXZ785USB can be had for about $125.00 these days and is loaded with features including adjustable illumination:

[Philo]

Ha. I've read enough HU threads to see you suggest it. I would have gone that direction, but I can't get over the cyborg look. Thanks for the advice :up:

[E30 Cabrio]

Ha. I've read enough HU threads to see you suggest it. I would have gone that direction, but I can't get over the cyborg look. Thanks for the advice :up:

It does look better in person then in pics, and looks great at night.

I went thru the same thing you did - I searched for a decently priced HU that didn't look like the 4th of July and matched colors with the features I wanted and that's what I came up with.

[Philo]

Yeah. I figured I would start cheap and work my way up.

I had an idea about making a sticky list for head units. I'm sure it's been tried, but It would help out if it actually happened. Like a list of HU's that are red/amber. Something we could update as new products come out. The ultimate HU thread.