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Old 18-05-2007, 03:47 PM   #1
Hebz
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Headunit of Choice

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
---------------

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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

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
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Old 18-05-2007, 05:51 PM   #2
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that last headunit looks the go ive always liked the future looking ones with no knobs for volume...:P
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Old 18-05-2007, 07:20 PM   #3
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Gah, i used to have a Clarion in my Beetle and it pissed me off. Useless navigation menus and if you moved the volume control too quickly it would turn the volume down, or do nothing!
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Old 19-05-2007, 01:24 AM   #4
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hmmm mind if i ask why u dont have any pioneer ones in ur list?

at that price range ull get a nice one that will easy keep up...

just a thought...
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Old 19-05-2007, 01:28 AM   #5
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Never really been a big pioneer fan I guess . . .

Had a look at some of their H/U's but nothing really stood out.

Anything in particular you had in mind?

Heb
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Old 19-05-2007, 08:39 AM   #6
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well here is a few sugestions...
DEH-P7950UB

CD Features
CD-R and CD-RW Compatible Yes
1-Bit D/A Converter, 8fs Digital Filter Yes
Random Play Yes
Track / Manual Search Yes
S-10.5 Mechanism Yes
Playback for MP3, WMA and WAV Files Yes
ID3 Tag Recognition Yes
Digital Compression selection Yes
BMX (BiMetric Equalizer) Yes
Playback for AAC Files (as used by iTunes) Yes
Disc Title Memory w/10 characters (48 discs) Yes
CD Text Display with Auto Scroll function Yes
Track Scan, Pause, Repeat Yes
Supertuner Features
Supertuner IIID with Digital Processing Yes
Automatic Seek (Up / Down) Yes
24-station 6 preset buttons Yes
18 FM and 6 AM presets Yes
BSM (Best Stations Memory) Yes
9kHz / 10kHz AM switching Yes
Selectable Sensitivity Local/DX Yes
Audio Features
MOSFET 50 Watts x 4 high power Yes
SLA (Source Level Adjuster) Yes
3 prs RCA Preouts (F + R + Subwoofer) Yes
5 Preset + 2 Custom EQ Mode Yes
4 Volts RCA Preout Level Yes
Spectrum Analyzer and Level Indicator Yes
LPF Subwoofer Crossover(-24~+6dB by 1dB)50/63/80/100/125Hz@-18dB/oct. Yes
EEQ(Easy Equalizer) Yes
*Bass, Mid & Treble Tone Controls not supported Yes
*Bass Booster : 0 ~12dB in 2dB steps Yes
*LPF Subwoofer Crossover(-24~+6dB steps) 50/63/80/100/125Hz @-18dB/oct. Yes
*Normal/Reverse Subwoofer Phase Selection Yes
*Direct Subwoofer Drive(from headunit power) Yes
*HPF(High Pass Filter) 50/63/80/100/125Hz@-12dB/oct. Yes
*Selectable 3-Mode Loudness Control Yes
Electronic Volume/Balance/Fader controls Yes
Additional Features
DFS Hard Carry Case included Yes
System / auto antenna relay control Yes
Front or rear mounting options Yes
Toyota/Nissan factory mounting holes Yes
10-key IR Remote Control Yes
Cellular Mute/Attenuate for In-car phone kit Yes
Brightness Adjustment Yes
Pure Blue button illumination Yes
Motorised Flap-type DFS (Detach Face Security)
"This model ensures that the widespread usage of USB memory devices is available to Pioneer users. Access and play your portable memory (up to 250GB) via the supplied lead, with supported music formats being MP3, WMA and AAC."

RRP: $649.00 AU $369.99 Buy It Now ebay



OR

DEH-P7850BT

CD Features
CD-R and CD-RW Compatible Yes
1-Bit D/A Converter, 8fs Digital Filter Yes
Track Scan Yes
Pause Yes
Repeat Yes
Random Play Yes
Track / Manual Search Yes
S-10.5 Mechanism Yes
Playback for MP3, WMA and WAV Files Yes
ID3 Tag Recognition Yes
Digital Compression selection Yes
CD Text Display with Scroll Function Yes
BMX (BiMetric Equalizer) Yes
Disc Title Memory w/10 characters (48 discs) Yes
Playback for AAC Files (Advanced Audio Coding as used by iTunes) Yes
File and Folder List Search Yes
Supertuner Features
Supertuner IIID with Digital Processing Yes
Automatic Seek (Up / Down) Yes
24-station 6 preset buttons Yes
18 FM and 6 AM presets Yes
BSM (Best Stations Memory) Yes
9kHz / 10kHz AM switching Yes
Selectable Level Local / DX Yes
DAB (External Tuner) Control Yes
List Search Yes
Audio Features
MOSFET 50 Watts x 4 high power Yes
EEQ (Easy Equalizer) Yes
Electronic Volume / Balance / Fader controls Yes
SLA (Source Level Adjuster) Yes
Selectable 3-Mode Loudness Control Yes
Normal/Reverse Subwoofer Phase Selection Yes
Bass and Treble Tone Controls Yes
Direct Sub Drive (from headunit power) Yes
HPF (High Pass Filter 50, 80, 125Hz @ -12dB/oct.) Yes
3 prs RCA Preout (Front + Rear + Sub/Non-Fading) Yes
7-Band Graphic EQ within EQ Yes
5 Preset + 2 Custom EQ Mode Yes
LPF Subwoofer Crossover (50, 80, 125Hz @ -12dB/oct.) Yes
4 Volts RCA Preout Level Yes
Additional Features
DFS Hard Carry Case included Yes
System / auto antenna relay control Yes
Front or rear mounting options Yes
Toyota/Nissan factory mounting holes Yes
Operation Beep Tone Yes
Detach Face Reminder Warning Beep Yes
External Source TV, DVD, CD, CD Control Yes
AUX Input via CD-RB10 or CD-RB20 Yes
iPOD Adapter Ready (CD-IB100 via EXT control) Yes
Motorised Flap-type DFS (Detachable Face Security) Yes
Motorised Flap-type DFS (Detachable Face Security) Yes
Cellular Mute/Attenuate for In-car phone kit Yes
OEL Pure Blue (Organic ElectroLuminescent) Display Yes
Rotary Commander with menu access Yes
Display Brightness Adjustment Yes
10-key IP Remote Control with Bluetooth functions Yes
Spectrum Analyzers (4) and level Indicators Yes
AUX Input via Rear access Yes
Bluetooth device control Yes
iPOD Adapter Ready (CD-IB100-2 via dedicated control) Yes
Multiplay CD Control Features
CD Text Display with Title Scroll Yes
ITS (Instant Track Selection) Yes
Disc Title Memory Yes
Track & Disc Scan Yes
Repeat Play (Track/Disc/Mag) Yes
CD Pause Yes
Random Play (Disc / Magazine) Yes
Digital Compression selection on MCD Yes
Disc List Search Yes
RRP: $799.00 or AU $499.00 bu it now ebay





both of these are in ur price range ruffly if bought through aust ebay.... but most shops will have them so have a play see what u think.... one has built in bluetooth and includes the mic so that u can use any bluetooth mobile through the HU including caller id and phonebook browesin and the other has a USB port ...

cheers kyle
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Old 19-05-2007, 11:30 AM   #7
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Cheers bud,

They look pretty good. I'll be sure to have a good look at both.

eBay you say? I probally just wrote thpem off as out of my price range. Never really bought anything from eBay before Should be good though.

Cheers again

Heb
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Old 19-05-2007, 05:29 PM   #8
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Cheers bud,

They look pretty good. I'll be sure to have a good look at both.

eBay you say? I probally just wrote thpem off as out of my price range. Never really bought anything from eBay before Should be good though.

Cheers again

Heb
not trying to take buisness away from the local guys and all but ebay has saved me in the thousands over the yrs man dont rule it out u will find that even the ones ur looking at can be had for cheaper on ebay....

that being said along the warranty side of things if you buy from other countrys ie.US etc it will need to be sent back there for warranty repairs ... so if its your first time stick to the au ebay and you will be right :P

good luck and let us know what you end up going with man..

cheers kyle
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Old 19-05-2007, 05:40 PM   #9
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Meh, I have the 2nd cheapest Pioneer headunit you can get (DEH-2950). It's all I need for a car that will see occasional track use, so I don't have any huge audio going into the car anyhow. It plays MP3s, so I'm happy...

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Old 20-05-2007, 01:42 PM   #10
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Yup ebay is awesome, i saved $204 on my pioneer DEH-P5950IB ($469 but got it for $265 express posted and fully insured) just by looking on ebay for 5mins
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Old 21-05-2007, 02:28 PM   #11
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it all depends on what you want it to do...if your not gonna be using it in sound comps then dont go for the best and most expensive...if its just everyday stuff and not a big sound system bottom ranged stuff is prefectly fine...
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Old 21-05-2007, 02:38 PM   #12
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it all depends on what you want it to do...if your not gonna be using it in sound comps then dont go for the best and most expensive...if its just everyday stuff and not a big sound system bottom ranged stuff is prefectly fine...
i agree with this ....

but i also came across this on ebay man it was in your list....

DXZ576USB:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Clarion-DXZ57...QQcmdZViewItem

they want;
Buy it now price: AU $289.00 inc Free Postage in Aust

and the this warranty:
WARRANTY

Upon receiving the item within 3 days, any defective item(s) not due to misuse will entitled to 1 to 1 exchange. We will absorb the shipping cost sending to you.

This product has a 1 year warranty . Please contact us if your item becomes defective, we will help arrange either a service or a replacement. You will be responsible on the shipping & handling for both ways within the warranty period.

looking at the specs and the fact that you originally liked this one, if you arnt after hard core quality this will meet all ur needs man it looks like quite an nice lil HU and a good price too.

cheers and good luck
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Old 21-05-2007, 03:48 PM   #13
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Quote:
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it all depends on what you want it to do...if your not gonna be using it in sound comps then dont go for the best and most expensive...if its just everyday stuff and not a big sound system bottom ranged stuff is prefectly fine...
That's why I got the DEH-2950, as it does the job I want, and Pioneer is a brand name that I trust, all for a good price off eBay...

Gav.
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Old 21-05-2007, 04:24 PM   #14
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if it was me out of your origional list id stick with the ALPINE...lovely looking unit and heard them going and they do most things
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Old 22-05-2007, 01:19 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bourbon View Post
it all depends on what you want it to do...if your not gonna be using it in sound comps then dont go for the best and most expensive...if its just everyday stuff and not a big sound system bottom ranged stuff is prefectly fine...
Well it isn't for sound comps :P

All I want really is quality, style and functionality - all equally important

Quote:
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i agree with this ....

but i also came across this on ebay man it was in your list....

DXZ576USB:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Clarion-DXZ57...QQcmdZViewItem

they want;
Buy it now price: AU $289.00 inc Free Postage in Aust
Thanks man, I actually went into AutoBarn the otherday and had a look at this one - and right there infront of me, it broke.

The guy there said they always break, and to be honest after a couple of minutes it really annoyed me - not at all what I thought - but a lumpy plastic thing that moves around a bit then falls off so I digress, move on.

I'm actually going with your previous advice and going pioneer. The new model ones look really good, probaly better than the ones I have been looking at. The only problem now is which one? It really sh!ts me to have dial-up because everything takes soooooooooooo f*@$ing long to look at. The main question I have with Pioneer is what is the difference between say the DEH-P7950UB and the DEH-P6950IB. They look to be exatly the same to me, bar say $100.

Is there really a difference between 4x50watts Amp than 4x45watts??

So now I am at a crossroad. Atm I am 90% Pioneer, 10% Alpine. Going to have a look at the local Alpine dealer tomorrow to see how they look in the flesh - as I have yet to experience this

I will let you know how that one goes . . . might sway me a littel perhaphs, we shall see.

All I really want is a 'Wow' factor

Cheers for the input guys.

Sleep time

Heb
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Old 22-05-2007, 07:33 AM   #16
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if your goin to look at the alpine dealer where you goin??? i suggest gold coast car sound at slacks creek...best guys there...alpine in known for quality...im bein biased though, and im tryin to get away from pioneer stuff...

also if your gonna be using amps the 45x4 and the 40x4 makes no difference as youd be using the AUX jacks...but if your using the speakers from the headunit the 45x4 sounds the go...all depends on sound quality out of them though...
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Old 22-05-2007, 08:56 AM   #17
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I'm actually going with your previous advice and going pioneer. The new model ones look really good, probaly better than the ones I have been looking at. The only problem now is which one? It really sh!ts me to have dial-up because everything takes soooooooooooo f*@$ing long to look at. The main question I have with Pioneer is what is the difference between say the DEH-P7950UB and the DEH-P6950IB. They look to be exatly the same to me, bar say $100.

Is there really a difference between 4x50watts Amp than 4x45watts??

So now I am at a crossroad. Atm I am 90% Pioneer, 10% Alpine. Going to have a look at the local Alpine dealer tomorrow to see how they look in the flesh - as I have yet to experience this

I will let you know how that one goes . . . might sway me a littel perhaphs, we shall see.

All I really want is a 'Wow' factor

Cheers for the input guys.

Sleep time

Heb

hey mate the 4X45w ur refering to last time i checked was 16-18wrmsX4 and the 50X4 pioneer one is 22wrmsX4 so its just slightly more power but if ur running an amp for ur speakers dont worry...

as for the difference between the 2 models UB and IB is the UB has a USB port on it to conect external music devices etc and the IB doesnt ... it has an option to have an ipod coneted and a thats about it. but if you dont plan on using an external mp3 player/ipod with ur HU then get the cheaper one. as you WONT notice the diff. that being said i am gussing you will not be using an amp so... if your useing the stock standard speakers either wont matter, but if you have after market speakers i would advise the one with the higher rms rateing as ur speakers wont get as much damnage at high volumes and they will also go louder.

inregards to alpine VS pioneer i have owned both and i personally wont go back to alpine hey dont get me wrong the unit never broke and did all i was after but i love the practicality and usablity of pioneer not to mention there spec level and bang for buck. pioneer is all about HU's thats there key market and they have been making them for yrs they are producing so awsome products with awsome fetures. i thing that now u have had a play with the 07 model pioneers units u will not be swayed by alpine unless its by ur bank....


hope that helps man good luck
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Old 22-05-2007, 09:37 AM   #18
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Your volume levels of built in amplification will not make a cent of difference no matter what brand you run. Sound quality however will vary between a no name head unit and a brand.

I suggest the main feature you look for is the in built high pass filter and low pass filter which means you can manage your frequencies from the driver's seat and not have to crawl in the boot to tweak, go back the the drivers seat to test and then back to the boot to tweak etc... pain in the anus. Tweak and listen simultaneously it's the only way.

Same goes for EQ, most people wouldn't have a clue how to use them, but once you play with it you will realise the flexibility and how you can change the sound to specifically suit your genre, some head units have some presets, they are usually bull****... make your own.

I personally would go with either alpine or clarion. I have an Alpine CDA-9855R, and i would never ever ever buy another head unit. It retails for $799, i managed $630 at JB-hifi, i think the guy nearly cried when he sold it at this price, he told me to get lost and never come back coz he'd forever regret the deal.

Anyways, the clarion definitely has the better features, so in your case with your budget i would go the clarion for the features. Pioneer is OK, but I'm simply not a fan, maybe it's because I've heard a cheap pioneer sub (gross) and every man and his dog has pioneer, I had the top of the range sony before the alpine, it was good, but retailed for same as alpine, and had less features and lower quality.

Don't rule out kenwood.
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Old 22-05-2007, 12:08 PM   #19
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Quote:
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Your volume levels of built in amplification will not make a cent of difference no matter what brand you run. Sound quality however will vary between a no name head unit and a brand.
.
it will if ones only putting out 16wrms and the other is 22wrms thats a rather large diff at those low watts....

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Originally Posted by FLiP View Post
Pioneer is OK, but I'm simply not a fan, maybe it's because I've heard a cheap pioneer sub (gross) and every man and his dog has pioneer
as i said there HU's are there main item u cant not like them because there speakers are crap.... as there HU's are what make pioneer. and that is why everyone has them they are both reliable and easy to use with awsome fetures for your needs as a general listener with a general system its right up your ally. But true there are other brands... and everyone has different taste. second to pioneer in your budget range i would rate alpine (depending on model). but everyone has different taste and different things apeal and at the end of the day the 2 brands arnt that different in quality and name so its a mater of which you prefer the look, feel and fetures of that fit in your buget all we can do is sujest ones in ur requirments...

i personally woundnt consider sony or kenwood as options as you obviously have said you want to step up above these levels by the spec levels and models of the units in your above first post.

on a different note will this be running stock speakers? amped speakers? a sub? an ipod? a car kit? now or in the for seeable future? as if the answer is no to all or most of those then these options above are probalbly over kill for your needs. aaron got an awsome lil deal the other day on a alpine unit and it came with an ipod cable... it was around the 300ish area i think for the 2 items and it is pritty good would meet all your needs. and has some cool features. short of that there is things like:

DEH-P5950IB RRP: $469.00 or Buy it now ebay price: AU $225.00 with 1 yr warranty
Product Information: -

iPod® direct control
USB adapter ready
Segmented OEL display
BMX (Bitmetric Equalizer)
EEQ
3-band parametric equalizer
2-way crossover: HPF/LPF
3-mode selectable loudness
Rotary Volume
3 RCA preouts; 2 preouts + Subwoofer out
Aux-In (Rear)
Flap Face



that might be more in ur ally if as it is even over kill for the basic user and it still has upgrad potential

cheers kyle
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Last edited by skitz; 22-05-2007 at 12:35 PM.
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Old 22-05-2007, 01:01 PM   #20
FLiP
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agreed...

that's good value...

i like it... good features... good price... esp with warranty...

skitz: how often do you turn your head unit all the way up??? im just putting this out there... but that is quite possibly the reason your speakers keep blowing... i have a 16w rms alpine and on the volume scale of 0 to 35 i never turn it up past 21ish... and that's freaking loud (and i'm only running front splits off the h/u and sub) ... i wouldn't be in the car it that point either... when i had 6x9s in the rear 18 was deafening after 5 minutes

head unit wattage will not matter... it will always be more than enough... even factory units can be turned up to obscene levels
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