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I have been looking for a head unit to put in my Vette. I know I need an AUX input (for the MP3 jukebox that I plan on adding relatively soon). I would also like to find one that can play MP3 encoded discs. The people doing the work said that Eclipse makes the best head unit (at least the best they sell), but the major problem with that is that they don't play MP3. The Sony unit and Pioneer Premier units I am comparing the Eclipse to both play MP3 discs, but they said I would be sacrificing some sound quality with either of those units. All cost about the same (the Eclipse is a bit cheaper). So what say you? Should I keep looking for an all-in-one, or should I just get the Eclipse and continue to use CD's until I add the jukebox? Any thoughts and comments are welcomed!
Re: Best MP3 head unit with AUX inputs? (Last Ride)
Eclipse head units are considered great, but only because of the signal to noise ratio coming out of their pre-amp stage. Only Nakamichi has a better pre-amp output. But Alpine is just as good, and for the money and features, it's a much better product. To answer your question, any of the high end, good, MP3 players will have Aux input capabilities. The Sony CDXMP70 is an awesome unit, but retails for $549.95. This unit comes with an Aux input built in, no adapters needed. Alpine makes a few MP3 head units, the 7894, 7995, 7897, 7997. All these units would rank up there with the elite CD players. Btw, Pioneer and Kenwood also make very good MP3 players as well, can't go wrong with any of them, just stay away from stuff like Aiwa, and other off the wall brands. Hope this helps.
Re: Best MP3 head unit with AUX inputs? (Z oooooo 6)
Thanks for the reply. I never even considered Alpine, but I had one of their head units in the past and really liked it. I have heard the Sony has problems skipping, but never really heard anything about Pioneer Premier. I was originally going to go with a Kenwood Excelon unit just because I was going to use the Kenwood music KEG as my MP3 Jukebox, but since have decided to go another route. As far as looks go, I like the Sony because it has ***** for a retro look. What I don't like is that it is silver, not black. I am more interested in sounds quality than looks, though, so I am open to almost any head unit. Again, thanks for the reply.
Re: Best MP3 head unit with AUX inputs? (Last Ride)
The CDXMP70 from Sony does NOT skip, in fact, you can pretty much beat it to death and it will not. The Alpine units are always going to be top quality, especially the recently released 7997 and 7998. Remember one thing, sound quality is the ONLY thing that should matter, so in this case, the Alpine is heads and shoulders above all else.