General Head Unit Question

One thing I always wondered about was: does it really matter what h/u you use? I mean aside from trashy equipment, the cheapest h/u, from brand X, will sound the same as the most expensive h/u, from brand X, with less features right (assuming you use amps to power the speakers)? And also assuming the EQ is set to flat on both.

The head unit is the most important part of your system. The best amp and speakers in the world will sound poor with a low end head unit giving it a low end signal.  A low end amp and speakers will sound better with a good head unit. Big Dave

I guess that makes sense, thanks.

It's not just pre-amp output voltage, actually.  I have an older very high-end McIntosh HU that has 2-volt outputs and will blow away most HUs available today.  I've seen low-end flea market brands that advertise 8-volt preouts.  So you can't go by that alone.  It's all about the quality of the electronics, the CD laser system, and the mechanical parts used in the system.  Cheaper products (no matter whay they are) have to cut corners to be sold so cheaply.  One easy corner to cut in electronics products is to use lower-cost Chinese made components that will (at least on paper) perform acceptably.  Another way to lower cost is to lower the performance specs and allow more distortion, noise, etc.  Another is to use cheap pot-metal in the construction rather than steel or aluminum.  Another is to use cheaper smaller gage wires.  The list goes on.  In the end, the message is for the most part you get what you pay for. Support the12volt.com

I didn't mean for the pre-out to be a sole measure, was just trying to put a very upfront difference you tend to see. I also thought that it would be common knowledge that lower sale price usually means a cut in quality of production materials.  :) Thanks for the clarifications.1998 Monte Carlo w/

Eclipse CD8454

2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C

2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369

1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel

2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm