choosing a double din unit
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=106185
Printed Date: May 14, 2024 at 12:33 AM
Topic: choosing a double din unit
Posted By: whiterob
Subject: choosing a double din unit
Date Posted: July 17, 2008 at 12:29 AM
I recently bought an Eclipse CD3200 for my 2003 Volkswagen Jetta with the Monsoon system. I love the unit and it works great. What I didn't love was the pocket I had to install to cover the other half of the Double DIN opening (cheap metra pocket).
Well I was looking at this magazine today and saw this really nice Pioneer double din unit for about $500. I didn't see it when I was looking for new deck before otherwise I may have got it then. I found out I can get a pretty good deal on this unit so I'm interested in possibly getting this for my Jetta instead.
So basically I'm wondering if this unit looks good or if I should look into another double din unit.
These are a couple I have found in my price range. I think the Pioneer is the best of these.
1) Pioneer AVH-P4000DVD
2) Clarion MAX385VD
3) JVC KW-AVX710
4) Panasonic CQ-VW100U
I like the Pioneer one but I'm not really excited with the fact that it is a Pioneer unit. I had an old Pioneer with the RCA grounding problem that they are notorious for. Is it worth going from my Eclipse to this Pioneer or another one of these units?
I mostly just use my Ipod, CDs, or radio so the DVD function isn't that big a deal or any other features.
Replies:
Posted By: whiterob
Date Posted: July 17, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Oh yeah, I'm mostly doing this for a better look inside my car if that matter at all, lol. The pocket and single din just looked too out of place for me. 
Posted By: whiterob
Date Posted: July 19, 2008 at 1:03 AM
Anyone have experience with these units or have another suggestion?
Posted By: abob89
Date Posted: July 20, 2008 at 1:18 AM
IMO Pioneer is always good. I watched part of Pirates of the Carribean on the 4000 today. Nice touch screen, with a clean look. I has some vanity stuff to it. Its accent colors can be changed to your taste which is cool. All together I think it's a good double-din, though I have never had it in my car so I'm unaware of any of its quirks.
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Studying for MECP basic certification and looking for job at an install bay.
Posted By: whiterob
Date Posted: July 20, 2008 at 1:51 AM
abob89 wrote:
IMO Pioneer is always good. I watched part of Pirates of the Carribean on the 4000 today. Nice touch screen, with a clean look. I has some vanity stuff to it. Its accent colors can be changed to your taste which is cool. All together I think it's a good double-din, though I have never had it in my car so I'm unaware of any of its quirks.
Yeah from what all the reviews I read it sounds like the best option. Thanks for the help!!
Posted By: kgerry
Date Posted: July 21, 2008 at 10:12 AM
i know i'll get boos and hisses for this, but out of the DDIN units i've watched lately, the Sony unit had the best picture quality of the bunch..... ------------- Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer
Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979
Posted By: forbidden
Date Posted: July 21, 2008 at 12:26 PM
^^^^ How's about a e-smack upside the head? I had to..... Now that you have spoiled yourself with the tonal response of a cd player from Eclipse, are you willing to take a step backwards and have the less than stellar performance of a inferior double din unit? Weigh the issue here, good sound and single din pocket or inferior sound and better looks. Personally, I don't watch my radio when I drive. ------------- Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.
Posted By: megaman
Date Posted: July 21, 2008 at 3:31 PM
I agree with forbidden. Any of your selections will be a step back in performance. The other option is to look into a single din EQ that will fill the void.
Posted By: megaman
Date Posted: July 21, 2008 at 3:33 PM
Here's another option of DDIN units that would work if you're willing to "sacrifice" the Eclipse sound. Clarion UDB275MP Clarion DFZ675MC Both are Double Din, "unique" looking, and provide all the sources you're looking for.
Posted By: whiterob
Date Posted: July 22, 2008 at 1:22 AM
forbidden wrote:
Now that you have spoiled yourself with the tonal response of a cd player from Eclipse, are you willing to take a step backwards and have the less than stellar performance of a inferior double din unit? Weigh the issue here, good sound and single din pocket or inferior sound and better looks. Personally, I don't watch my radio when I drive.
Lol, I knew someone was going to say something like this. Well I did think of the difference but thought that it wouldn't be that great on a stock system. All I have is a sub and my stock Monsoon setup (which I don't plan on changing).
I was thinking of buying one of these at best buy and hooking it up for a little bit. Does anybody know bb's return policy for head units? 
I like my Eclipse but I really like the double din for a better appearance. I know I'm shallow.  That is why Audiobahn is my favorite brand. 
Posted By: joshboogie
Date Posted: July 22, 2008 at 9:40 PM
I've got the Pioneer 4000 in and I like it. The picture is probably one of the clearest I've seen. I got is because 1) it's a double DIN and I hate the pocket 2) it sits allot more flush than the Panasonic I had & 3) it's got 4V preouts. The only draw back I can see to the pioneer is the is only has 2 preouts 1 for front and 1 for sub/rear. If you aren't running a 4 channel it's a great unit. If you are then you're either going to lose you fade function or your sub control through the deck.
Posted By: whiterob
Date Posted: July 23, 2008 at 1:08 AM
joshboogie wrote:
I've got the Pioneer 4000 in and I like it. The picture is probably one of the clearest I've seen. I got is because 1) it's a double DIN and I hate the pocket 2) it sits allot more flush than the Panasonic I had & 3) it's got 4V preouts. The only draw back I can see to the pioneer is the is only has 2 preouts 1 for front and 1 for sub/rear. If you aren't running a 4 channel it's a great unit. If you are then you're either going to lose you fade function or your sub control through the deck.
Yeah, I'm just going to be running a sub so that is not going to be a problem for me.
I really am pretty set on this unit now. All the reviews I've read have been good. I have read the clear picture as well a few times.
Now I just have to sell my Eclipse and I'll be all set. 
Posted By: Ravendarat
Date Posted: July 23, 2008 at 9:51 PM
I use a Clarion 685 double din and I prefer it over my pioneer. I have the 6800 Double din 6 disc dvd changer from last year and while I like it I wanted the clarion navigation system and the clarion video ipod hook up is far better than the pioneers so thats why I have that deck in my nice weekend vehicle and the pioneer in my comuter car.
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double-secret reverse-osmosis speaker-cone-induced high-level interference distortion, Its a killer
Posted By: luckytii7
Date Posted: August 26, 2008 at 11:01 PM
I know this is a old thread but I just want to say the Clarion MAX385VD is junk. Im on my third one and its acting up already
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The greatest revenge is living well and showing it
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