Head Units - What do you use?- Favorites

What is everyones favorite head unit? What model do you use now and why? What makes your unit the right one for your application? 

I personally need a detatchable face, 3 pre-outs (I like having level controls in the HU for front, rear, and sub), EQ, preferably more than one programmable EQ built in, crossovers for sub and highs(even though amps have them too), and definitely no internal NOISE from crappy electronics.

I know people hate Sony's, but I have been Really pleased with my Sony CDX-CA750X. It does what I want, but from what I am told sony electronics do not do the best job. My sound system right now is Awesome and I am satisfied. But I have heard the difference between mine and a Nakamichi. The Nak does make a difference but they don't make a detatchable face model and to me they look just like a Kragen/Checker/Shucks/Pep Boys Kraco or Jenson $19.99 special, cosmetically.  I don't get why some of the best has to look so cheap. I know I'm not supposed to care about looks when it comes to sound, but I do.8D

What do Y'all think?

Angel

Alpine and Eclipse are the best, but alpine leads in useful features.  Like sub control, time corection, cross overs, eqs, and all that.  Just to get all the features you want, you gota fork out about $400 or more.

I personally had a cda-9815, then sold it, and put on order a cda-9835 which i should have in a month.

I use Eclipse head units for all my personal installs. They have amazing sq, and a dynamic sound that you just don’t get with any other manufacture. I would also looking into Nakamichi and Alpine. But I would suggest that you go to your local shops and listen to the different manufactures and see what sounds best to you.

I've heard great things about Eclipse heads. But do they make a model with detatchable face?

I checked out a Kenwood KDC-MP922  and an Alpine CDA-7995 (no internal power which I would prefer)

Both sound great and offer what I want. But the crossovers in the Alpine are not as adjustable.

Anybody else have any suggestions before I buy? 

A 

Eclipse heads do not have a detach face, they do not need them, nor does anyone else. Many manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon when Pioneer brought out the detach face in the late 80's. The problem is that a thief assumes that if there is a detach face, it is probably in the car and there is probably a stereo system attached to it. In 8 years of retailing Eclipse I have had 2 insurance claims for stolen Eclipse heads vs 6 a month for Panasonic detach face. Of these 2 claims, the first was a stolen vehicle, his cd player was part of it. The second resulted in a fraud charge for the owner. Realistically this puts my store at a 100% theft rate, not one cd player was actually stolen for being a cd player.

If you enjoy your music and want to listen to it, nothing will sound as nice as an Eclipse. They have a far superior warranty (3 years) and theft deterrence (free replacement if stolen in 1st year). They have many cd player with 3 pre-outs and high voltage non clipping low impedance preouts, they also have time correction and other bells and whisltes that mostly do not get rung and blown. Some cd players offer crossovers in the cd player, who cares, most amps have them built in already. Internal amp or not has nothing to do with sound quality, the same with glow in the dark, multi color lcd screensaver displays. All of these gimmicks do nothing but suck up your dollars, buy an Eclipse and listen to the drastic difference that a good cd player will make to your system. It is amazing at what a cd player that is not built to hit a price point is actually capable of doing.

Some Dummy will still steal an Eclipse because some other dummy will buy it.

Angel

I am seriously thinking about either a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X959 or an Alpine CDA-7995. They both do everything that I want and should be great electronics.

In California it seems that decks without detatch faces will almost always be ganked if there is an opportunity. Even if it can never be used. I know of 2 Eclipse decks stolen within the last 16 months. And the theives like to do that crap with a battery or high voltage stun gun that shorts/fries your electrical system so an alarm will only do so much.  Even some change or a dollar on your seat may be enough for someone to break your window here. I know because it happened to me when I accidently left my ashtray opened with my spare change visible. But leaving anything visible is just asking for it.

As stated by a member earlier the best theft prevention is to always be in "Stealth-Mode". My system is completely hidden and soon I will be installing a DVD out of view in my glovebox. A nice trick to hide the rear headrest monitors is to buy a pair of sheepskin headrest covers and keep them on all the time except when out on the freeway. Theives out here follow you wherever you are going. And if you are having a system or alarm installed it's best to keep your address confidential and don't leave anything in the car to tip them off to your address.  It's common for dirty installers to pass on that info to theiving friends. But thats common sense.

And what about the idiots with expensive wire wheels held on by knock-offs that park somewhere and expect their wheels to be there when they get back. A close buddy of mine just had one 100 spoke Dayton stolen while parked about a block from the police station. He thought it would be "safe" there.  And these other jerks completely  destroyed the new interior in another friends 71 Chevelle just to peel off his freakin' Dynamat!!! But he was a show-off and let at least 30 peolpe hear how nice his system "was".

Anyway,

DOWN WITH SOUND SYSTEM THEIVES!!!!!!! And PEACE to patient, hard working people who will do the extra side work or whatever to "buy" your own goods instead of ripping off someone else.  

Angel

i've owend 2 alpines a cdm-7874, and a cda-9815 currently.  I probably won't buy another brand of HU unless I can find a sony cdx-ca90 at a resonable price.  Alpine and older sony es would be best buys.

I have been using panasonic's headunits for a couple of years know and have not had any major issue like I have with other companys. Their warranty and service is like no other.

I have to agree with xTimx about the need for at least 1 Eclipse model with a detatchable face. Last night I ran into a guy at 7-11 that I have seen around before. He was selling an Eclipse component set and Deck. When I asked him about it being stolen or if he had the security CD, he just took-off running. This would be the third incident dealing with Eclipse theft in the last 16 mos that I know of. There are a lot of "Rich" poeple up the street from me and quite a few of the youngsters I've seen have Eclipse systems in their car. Or Denon and Alpine. I've seen 1 complete Mcintosh system but to me it looks like crap. It looks like something that would appeal to an elderly audiophile who wants things to look like they did when he/she was young? But that system was all digital and sounded clear as a bell.  There is no question about Eclipse' sound quality. It is awesome. I may try the 8443 model as recommended by Forbidden. If I do, I'll be buying it from a dealer so that I can have the full warranty including the full replacement if stolen in first year. I will probably be alright with it in my car because it only comes out of the garage on the weekend. And I never park it anywhere where it will be unattended.   

>i have a Q about eclipse, and someone was mentioning about theft. but >wouldnt it be logical that if a theif sees a deck like eclipse will most likely >say to himself, oh this car has a stereo in it, and if they do look at the >eclipse deck they're mouthes are gonna be watering also cause of the high >$ for the actual cd player. but correct me if i'm wrong, does eclipse have >theft proof decks? i just think its pointless to have a deck that doesnt have a >detach face plate. cause you know your deck is gonna be stolen but yet its >worthless to the theif cause its theft proof.
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xTimx

Theft is not a new issue, it rears it's ugly head all the time. For the younger generation they know only of detach faceplates, for the older, more distinguished gentlemen, ahem, we came from the days before faceplates. We had quick release tape decks and cd players, Code Security (still around today), and before that permanent mount units. Theft was just as much an issue then as it is now. A thief will take anything, be it your stereo or your cd's or your jacket.

Eclipse has the best theft deterrent available, it is proven fact that they get stolen far less than any other cd player in the industry, this is due to the fact that most (not all) lowlifes know that they are useless. For the ones that don't, they will steal it because it is there, not because it is an Eclipse. The ones that know it is an Eclipse already know it's useless.

It is also common knowledge that where there is a cd player, there is a good chance that there is a stereo system, this makes no difference as to the brand of cd player. At least with an Eclipse it does it's job the best. First it provides unparalled sq as compared to the mid fi category cd players, second, if it is stolen, at least you don't foot the bill in the first year.

EzekialPhoenix

If you are going to take the time and invest the money into installing an aftermarket audio system then you should spend the time learning how to properly use your equipment. Once I flipped though my Alpine CDA-9815 manual I understood how to use my radio perfectly, there is nothing complicated about it. It's common functionality that you find in external crossovers and eq's, the features just happen to be built in. I have never heard anything in the price range of my alpine, except eclipse HU's, that sounds better. If you don't want to use all of the features of the HU you don't have to, just plug and play. I personally have had two very bad experiences with kenwood HU's and I don't care to repeat them. Mabye they have changed their act since I tried them but getting burned twice is enough for me. 

I think that you have very good and valid points, a backstrap is always a good idea on a cd player.

Is a theif gonna stop taking out your cd player just because you have a backstrap? Dont think so unless he's an ametuar or dosnt want your radio that much. You even said it in your last post "the theif could just take apart your dash to take off the backstrap" but who knows how much of your dash would be usuable once he is done with it. If you like the idea of using a backstrap then use one. Me ,I would just try to stay away from areas where a theif would walk by your car or truck and see your stereo(busy sidewalks) and detach my faceplate when you feel it neccessary.

Anyone using the Alpine CDA-7995? It is either going to be the CDA-7995, Eclipse CD 8443, or Kenwood KDC-X959. All three will suit my audio needs and would look "Stylish" in my ride as well. I don't care about the screensaver type stuff. I will be installing one of those all in one DVD players/monitors in my glovebox for something cool to look at   

Forbidden- I almost forgot about the "Pull-Out Era" I remember making my own pullout tapedecks with sheetmetal and a multi pin plug back in the old days before pullouts. Remember they started selling aftermarket kits to modify your in-dash to a pull-out? 

Backstraps can be good or bad because as stated above, the theif will just rip your dash apart. On the other hand, you might catch them yourself if they have to take the extra time to rip it out with 2 giant screwdrivers. They don't seem to care about destroying the deck in the process of stealing it. But why should they. They are just Freakin A-Holz who break into your car to steal "your" sh*t.

I personally like detatchable faceplates because they stop my windows from being smashed and having to got through cleaning up so much glass in every nook and cranny. Small pieces of glass will make instant rattle traps. But I have less worries about this car because it won't be going anywhere but to Santa Cruz on Sundays or a trip to L.A. so I may go with the Eclipse because I know how good they sound. All the rich-kids up the street have Eclipse or Denon usually with Infinity's.

A   

I currently run an eclipse 5506 and have ran eclipse decks since 95. Except for a 6-month trial of a McIntosh 406, (OMG sweet sounding with McIntosh amps and Focal speakers) but it didn’t have the look or the features I wanted. So back to Eclipse I went. and have stuck with them.

The main reason I have used Eclipse is for the line level output, good voltage and a clean sound. I wouldn’t really use the Fade or bass control, eq or environment settings on a deck; I try and use external devises for that. I just don’t think a Deck can accomplish those tasks with a quality result. (well except for Fade) but if you have the choice it's better to get the right components for what you want to accomplish. Whether that is Bass or Sound Quality. Save your money and get the right gear.

As far as theft goes. I have never thought detachable face was the way to go, just too much of a pain in the arse to carry the face around with you all the time. So then you leave it in the car and BAMB it's gone. I have to agree with Ezekial about layering your security. 1) Don’t advertise your stereo when you pull into your Neighborhood or pull into work, turn it down. 2) Do advertise your alarm make sure your LED can be seen and you have a good alarm, preferably with Batt backup, Strobes and Pezo's 3) If you can tint your windows do so. 4) Back strap your deck, make it as hard as possible to get out. 5) Try and park it where people will pay attention to your alarm when it goes off. Got to echo if the Thief wants your gear bad enough nothing will stop them all you can hope for is to not make it easy for them.

My two cents

P1

I dont think pioneers quality is that great ,especially compared to a brand like Alpine or Eclipse. They kind of remind me of Audiobahn because of all their stuffs features. They can put alot of features on an inexpensive product if thats what you really want ,but I wouldnt buy their more expensive stuff.