Head Unit Recommendations

[ACHTUNG]

At any rate, I have the Kenwood X996 installed. It sounds *vastly* better than the Pioneer it replaced. (Since I have a JBL MS-8, comparing head units is pretty easy - I just defeat as much of the DSP as is possible and go. Since you can't actually bypass the DSP fully on the Pioneer, it wouldn't shock me if that was a big part of the problem.)

Nothing like a truly awful experience to make returning to a barely adequate one seem like a relief.

Pics of it installed? What speakers are you using? I'm thinking about getting this HU but not sure what to pair it with.

[nparente]

Just finished installing this one. Perfect color match, doesnt look too out of place on the dash. Only thing its missing is rear USB. It has front USB, and Front/rear AUX, but not Rear USB. But for $89, ill survive.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KDX40/JVC-KD-X40.html?search=KDX40&skipvs=T#details-tab

[PNWDan]

you have pics of the pioneer installed?

I posted one earlier in the thread

[jrobie79]

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/CD-Receivers/DEH-P9400BH

I have that bad boy...the only thing I don't really care for is the built in EQ, my old pioneer 6800UB had way customization in terms of the EQ....but the bluetooth, color customization, and front auxiliary sold it for me. and I got it for a steal on ebay.

[nrubenstein]

Bought this and its the best headunit ive ever had!

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...ers/DEH-2400UB

Hope it sounds better than the P7300. That was one of the worst head units I've ever heard.

[CB-M3]

you have pics of the pioneer installed?

[MattTHEe30GURU]

Bought this and its the best headunit ive ever had!

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/CD-Receivers/DEH-2400UB

[DaveNorCal]

Kenwood KDC-BT948 HD has the right look for me and lots of features. The screen can be hard to read in bright light. Sorry, I haven't figured out how to post pictures. Here is a link to mine.

http://i1059.photobucket.com/albums/t424/davenorcal1/77a06229.jpg

[CorvallisBMW]

oops :)

[nrubenstein]

OP, ever thought of trying the Kenwood X996, the next step up? I just bought one for myself.

I guess you weren't paying much attention. :p. I have had a replacement X996 installed for a couple weeks.

It sounds great (I never had any complaints about the sound quality of the X994 either), although the interface is no better. In some ways, it's actually worse - I despise the new source switching setup. Net-net, I'm back where I started. Not exactly happy, but not actively angry or disappointed whenever I use it.

[CorvallisBMW]

OP, ever thought of trying the Kenwood X996, the next step up? I just bought one for myself.

[Mastrcruse]

I went to look at HUs today. He recommended the kenwood x396. Not sure if I need Bluetooth which is why he recommended the 396...it doesn't have bluetooth. My mins are USB for phone and pandora and USB for iPod. The 396 seems to have though.

Any comments? The unit was 129.99 and free basic install which I think it will be since the PO had a Hu in it already. Should I spend a little more for a bit more deck?

There seems to be others like X596, X696, X796 and then I'm at more than I want to spend. Trying to stay below 200 but if I can get a "better" unit for $20 more I'd be okay with doing that.

Edit: maybe a 996 off of eBay since they are under 200

[nrubenstein]

At any rate, I have the Kenwood X996 installed. It sounds *vastly* better than the Pioneer it replaced. (Since I have a JBL MS-8, comparing head units is pretty easy - I just defeat as much of the DSP as is possible and go. Since you can't actually bypass the DSP fully on the Pioneer, it wouldn't shock me if that was a big part of the problem.)

Nothing like a truly awful experience to make returning to a barely adequate one seem like a relief.

[nrubenstein]

if you are going away from CDs (like the rest of the world) i recommend the Apline IDA-x305s or the 305bt (bluetooth version)

they are digital media players and do not have cd players

they display album artwork and you control your ipod allowing you to shuffle and browse all your ipod music insanely fast and in an organized fashon, almost like you would on your device.

works great with i4s as well

Unfortunately the feedback that I've gotten on the X305 and its Alpine ilk is that they sound like crap.

[agent]

Thanks for the off-topic help.

You bet. ;)