Audio Head Unit Recommendations
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: GA
Audio Head Unit Recommendations
I am looking to yank the factory stereo..... very soon. I have thought about how I use the car and really can't justify having a DVD/NAV system in it as I don't really drive it enough (or far enough) to really get the benefit to justify the cost. So what I have decided is that I want a moderately priced system with excellent clarity for mainly music listening. I am leaning based on my research to either an Alpine or an Eclipse brand of head unit. Anybody have input on these or an alternative that I have not considered. I am very interested in Focal speakers; my local audio shop seems to really tout them. I guess the amp(s) and sub will be decided after I spect the headunit and speakers...
Oh yeah - 2004 Z06...
Oh yeah - 2004 Z06...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,718
Likes: 20
From: Dyer IN
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Unless you are super concerend about using seamless ipod integration pass on the alpine. This last year there build quality and sq capability has dropped greatly. The eclipse line of units is absoultely killer, DPG has a high end model and can comment. I have worked alot with the CD3000 and CD4000 and no complaints. As well the new Kenwoods and Kenwood Excellons are really nice.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
If you can find one, the CDA 9835 was an excellent unit from just a year or 2 ago with excellent sound processing features including media expande, bass engine pro (great for subs) and a 60x4 internal amplifier. not to mention one of Alpine's Bio-lite displays that looks so much better than the dot matrix or LCD displays.
Also consider the CDA 7995. It has been hailed as one of the greatest Alpine head unit ever for SQ but requires an external amplifier.
Also consider the CDA 7995. It has been hailed as one of the greatest Alpine head unit ever for SQ but requires an external amplifier.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Originally Posted by TOOGECKO
I am looking to yank the factory stereo..... very soon. I have thought about how I use the car and really can't justify having a DVD/NAV system in it as I don't really drive it enough (or far enough) to really get the benefit to justify the cost. So what I have decided is that I want a moderately priced system with excellent clarity for mainly music listening. I am leaning based on my research to either an Alpine or an Eclipse brand of head unit. Anybody have input on these or an alternative that I have not considered. I am very interested in Focal speakers; my local audio shop seems to really tout them. I guess the amp(s) and sub will be decided after I spect the headunit and speakers...
Oh yeah - 2004 Z06...
Oh yeah - 2004 Z06...
I've always liked having the maximum # of options and Pioneer has always delivered that (I have a Pioneer Elite receiver too =) ).
As to the Focal's, I'll back that up. Heard a pair of 165 K2P's in a z06 about 4 days ago and it was killer. My pair are arriving Tuesday.
For trying to get ballpark price ranges I like to goto www.woofersetc.com, they carry just about every major audio brand I can think of (even though they arent supposed to on some).
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: GA
Originally Posted by TGKx
The Pioneer (or Pioneer Premier) H/U's are excellent IMO. I have a DEH-940MP which includes 3 high voltage preouts, a 13 band EQ, fade, auto adjustment via mic, and crossovers. If you arent planning on adding any external equalizers or crossovers I would highly recommend the newer version of this unit. They also support mp3s and such which is basically a must. If you want an AUX in you can get an IPBUS to RCA converter for $40 from Pioneer or $30 from a different manufacturer.
I've always liked having the maximum # of options and Pioneer has always delivered that (I have a Pioneer Elite receiver too =) ).
As to the Focal's, I'll back that up. Heard a pair of 165 K2P's in a z06 about 4 days ago and it was killer. My pair are arriving Tuesday.
For trying to get ballpark price ranges I like to goto www.woofersetc.com, they carry just about every major audio brand I can think of (even though they arent supposed to on some).
Good luck!
I've always liked having the maximum # of options and Pioneer has always delivered that (I have a Pioneer Elite receiver too =) ).
As to the Focal's, I'll back that up. Heard a pair of 165 K2P's in a z06 about 4 days ago and it was killer. My pair are arriving Tuesday.
For trying to get ballpark price ranges I like to goto www.woofersetc.com, they carry just about every major audio brand I can think of (even though they arent supposed to on some).
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: GA
This is what the locals are recommending to me:
Pioneer HU - DEHP9800PRS
JL Audio 5 Ch. Amp - JL5005
JL Audio Comp Speakers - ZR650CSI
(also reccommend these in 5-1/4 for rears)
JL Audio 10W3 sub in stealthbox location.
They are a bit priciey so I thought I would shop around but does this make for a clean all-purpose system that is not to conspicuous?
I did compare the JL speakers to the Focal K2P and actually did like the sound of them a little more for my own personal taste...
Pioneer HU - DEHP9800PRS
JL Audio 5 Ch. Amp - JL5005
JL Audio Comp Speakers - ZR650CSI
(also reccommend these in 5-1/4 for rears)
JL Audio 10W3 sub in stealthbox location.
They are a bit priciey so I thought I would shop around but does this make for a clean all-purpose system that is not to conspicuous?
I did compare the JL speakers to the Focal K2P and actually did like the sound of them a little more for my own personal taste...
Last edited by TOOGECKO; Nov 11, 2006 at 08:46 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Originally Posted by pentavolvo
Unless you are super concerend about using seamless ipod integration pass on the alpine. This last year there build quality and sq capability has dropped greatly. The eclipse line of units is absoultely killer, DPG has a high end model and can comment. I have worked alot with the CD3000 and CD4000 and no complaints. As well the new Kenwoods and Kenwood Excellons are really nice.
7998 was the last great alpine head unit.
the entire 98xx series should be avoided.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,071
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From: GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!! Illinois
I disagree about the 98XX series HU. I just changed out my old 7845 for a 9857 and it sounds BETTER! Not to mention the seamless Ipod controls which is the main reason I upgraded. I do also agree that the Eclipse units are probably the best on the market right now though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 0
From: DP(oh you know where) IL
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by EVIL ZO6
I disagree about the 98XX series HU. I just changed out my old 7845 for a 9857 and it sounds BETTER! Not to mention the seamless Ipod controls which is the main reason I upgraded. I do also agree that the Eclipse units are probably the best on the market right now though.
will yo dont know what you are talking about!
j/kanyway. i have no experience with the newer alpine stuff. I used to like the older stuff. I really like my eclipse but i HATE HATE HATE the ipod interface for it. Its slow and quirky and not really reliable. Im going to switch back to using the AUX on the HU and just control the ipod using the ipod. or get one of those remotes for the ipod.
oh and I have the cd5000 model
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by Kale
Yeah, every year alpine gets worse. Their displays look worse, their components feel cheaper, they have worse sound quality (hiss.)
7998 was the last great alpine head unit.
the entire 98xx series should be avoided.
7998 was the last great alpine head unit.
the entire 98xx series should be avoided.
If you can do without HD radio, the 7998 is Sat Radio ready and flat out rocks. I want to add an old school ERA-G320 EQ to it and be done.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Bogus: that's the exact setup i'm getting (just got the ERA g320 last week and the CDA 7998 yesterday in the mail)
I'm already a huge fan of the ERA processor
I just looked at the features of my new head unit and am utterly astonished. Now my mom wants one for her C5 vert.... but since she wants to buy new, she's going to have to buy from australia and drop about $600.
I'm already a huge fan of the ERA processor
I just looked at the features of my new head unit and am utterly astonished. Now my mom wants one for her C5 vert.... but since she wants to buy new, she's going to have to buy from australia and drop about $600.