Headunit of Choice

[Hebz]

I am looking at getting a new headunit for my 'stina - to replace the current tape deck that exists in there

Here are the few options that I am considering:

First of all I had a look at Clarion.

Mid-Ranged product:

The DXZ376MP
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Price: $269.00

Features:
* CD-R/RW ready
* MP3 and WMA compatible with ID3-TAG display
* 18 FM, 6 AM station presets
* iPod® control capability via optional EA1276
* Subwoofer volume control
* Z-Enhancer sound customisation
* MAGNA BASS EX dynamic bass enhancement
* Built-in High-pass filter & Low-pass filter
* Built-in amplifier canceller
* 4-channel × 50 watts amplification
* High visibility single line display with Screensavers
* Mobile Phone input and mute
* Front-panel auxiliary input with level control
* 4-volt/4-channel audio pre-out
* CeNET control of: DVD changer, TV tuner, 6-disc CD changer and iPod®
* OEM steering wheel remote wired interface capability
* AUX Bluetooth transceiver BLT370 ready

Summary: Pretty much all that i need, but i mean . . . look at it - it's ugly! Clarion's new 'Shooting Star' Design isn't all that it is cracked up to be and I don't think that I could stand it in my car, I hate the design and that in itself is enough to turn me off getting this headunit.
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So I went to have a look at some Alpine beasts - as you do

Lowest priced Alpine Headunit . . .

The CDE-9852i

Price: $399.00

Features:
* Includes iPod Direct Cable
* 45W x 4 (Max), 16W x 4 (RMS) Power Amplifier
* 1 Pre-Out
* Pop-up Rotary Knob
* MP3 / WMA Playback
* MP3 Text Information Display
* Full Flap Face Design
* Bass and Treble Centre Frequency Control
* Remote Control Ready
* Quick Search

Summary: Slighty less Amplification than the Clarion (not sure if that amount makes much of a difference) But looks loads better, not quite the most outstanding headunit and the price is quite a bit more than the Clarion with less features. I'd still lean in favour of this over the 'Shooting Star' Clarion. So Alpine FTW . . . . . Except for this puppy. .
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Back to Clarion now - A huge step up from the 'Shooting Star' Design. Can only be justified because it is the same price as the Alpine

The DXZ576USB


Price: $399.00

Features:
* CD-R/RW ready
* MP3, WMA and iTunes® AAC compatible with ID3-TAG display
* Front USB slot
* Maximum track capacity: 65,025 (255 tracks in 255 folders)
* 18 FM, 6 AM station presets
* iPod® control capability via optional EA1276
* Subwoofer level control
* 24-bit D/A converter
* Sound Restorer
* Digital Z-Enhancer sound customisation
* 2-band parametric equaliser
* MAGNA BASS EX dynamic bass enhancement
* Built-in High-pass filter & Low-pass filter
* Built-in amplifier canceller
* 4-channel × 53 watts of MOS-FET amplification
* Flip-down console
* High visibility 2-line display with Screensavers
* “SLIDETRAK” for dynamic volume control
* Mobile Phone input and mute
* Auxiliary input with level control
* 6-volt/6-channel audio pre-out
* CeNET control of: DVD changer, TV tuner, 6-disc CD changer and iPod®
* OEM steering wheel remote wired interface ready
* AUX Bluetooth transceiver BLT370 ready
* Detachable control panel

Summary: More and Better amplification than both the other headunits, maybe not as nice as the Alpine but comes fairly close. Comes with 'Clarion 3 year Warranty' and is just all-round juciy . The Only thing that I query about this unit is the volume control. Instead of having the good 'ol ajustable nob to play with, you use the screen as a touch screen - Slide up for more volume slide down for less.

I guess that I will find out how good this is when I go have a good look at them in the store - if they are stocked.
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Well thats my thoughts, but I thought that I might share it with my fellow AGT members and listen to some views and thoughts about such products.
If there are any headunits that I have overlooked please feel free to point me in the direction But I am after something fairly good quality, as I view the H/U as the 'Control Center' of my car

Cheers Guys,

Heb