Whose Head Units Do You Prefer And Why?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6,120
Likes: 1,961
From: Morris County New Jersey
To be clear, the immediate goal is to upgrade the 2012's aged telematics—what makes this otherwise magnificent vehicle (we're big fans of Louis) feel dated. The most desired feature is the CarPlay the lady has gotten used to in her foul-weather driver and CD playback is still required. Integration with steering wheel controls and car warning sounds is also desired and I feel like I might as well add a backup camera while I'm at it. XM/Sirius is no longer relevant.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 411
From: Somewhere in the middle of Kansas
Don't forget, people perceive and hear music differently. What might sound good to one person sounds tinny or harsh to another. The way you adjust your bass/subs to your liking may not be to someone else's liking, etc... My point is, if you can listen to something before buying it would be helpful, but there is a general consensus that Alpine and Kenwood models sound good. A lot of guys like the Pioneer also, but man they don't sound right to me. There are different levels of ability in terms of hearing, too, just like athletic ability which causes a varied opinion on what sounds best. You may end up like me and have to go through a few head units to find the one you like best. It will not be as prevalent if you are going to use the existing factory system but if you upgrade with high end amps, speakers, processor, and subs, it will make a huge difference! Good luck!
Last edited by 02BlownZ06; Mar 4, 2019 at 03:44 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 5
From: Baytown, tx
Kenwood Head unit
I have Kenwood head units in my C4, Silverado, and Road King. Sound quality, features, price for reasons.
I have been using DS18 speakers and amps with great results in my Hummer and C4.
Pioneer is fine as well, have used their products for years, Alpine has always been overpriced IMO. (As good as Kenwood, maybe better, but not enough to justify the cost.)
I have been using DS18 speakers and amps with great results in my Hummer and C4.
Pioneer is fine as well, have used their products for years, Alpine has always been overpriced IMO. (As good as Kenwood, maybe better, but not enough to justify the cost.)
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,150
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Here is what I installed in my 2011 GS:
The aftermarket amp and speakers have been in the car since I purchased the car new in 2011 ... The Kenwood head unit is going to replace the OEM head unit in about a week.
Rear subwoofer location:
Attachment 48335933
.
The aftermarket amp and speakers have been in the car since I purchased the car new in 2011 ... The Kenwood head unit is going to replace the OEM head unit in about a week.
Rear subwoofer location:
Attachment 48335933
.
Last edited by Turbo6TA; Mar 31, 2019 at 08:21 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 47
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
I have always preferred Alpine and Kenwood. I have never been a huge fan of pioneer, I have had issues with them and I can never seem to get the sound I am looking for out of them. Latest example my C4 has a Pioneer in it now (previous owner installed) and the bluetooth music cuts out (I've used 2 different phones with it, same result) and when running an amplifier it hisses on quiet parts of a song (quick google search revealed this as common on some pioneer head units). I have never had these issues in any of the Alpines or Kenwoods I have run, and I am always able to get them dialed in much easier to sound how I want them to sound. In the end its all personal preference, go with what you like.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 459
Likes: 74
From: Oregon
I was pretty sold on a Kenwood DDX9905 or the Kenwood DNX575s then I got a chance to listen to a Alpine ILX-107, pretty impressive with the 7” Capacitive Screen and Wireless Apple Car Play! Tough decisions
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Instructor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 119
Likes: 6
From: Chester SC
Heh... you ever been to my neck of the woods - BFE, South Carolina? I lose cell signal on the regular... even sitting on my couch at home. It still happens.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 27
I've had both Alpine and Kenwood. It's tough to hear the difference in sound quality but I seemed happier with the Kenwood. Although I couldn't tell you why. It also depends on what features you want. Pioneer is very good also. Jensen is a noticeable but slight drop off in sound quality but still a good sounding stereo (and still significantly outperforms the factory head unit), especially for the money, a great budget stereo. The Jensen is probably the best "bang for the buck" stereo.
Last edited by htown81vette; May 30, 2019 at 12:11 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 13,300
Likes: 16
From: TX
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
I've been into car audio for 30+ years, and have owned HUs by Alpine, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, Clarion, etc. From cassette decks to cd changers, to Carplay/ Android Auto. Pretty much everything. I don't think anyone can say with any degree of certainty which company's HU sound the best. There are more differences within each brand's models (high vs low end) than differences between brands. Find one with the right combination of features, looks ,and price, and I think you'll be happy. Just stay away from budget brands though.