The Great Head Unit Search

Post by **fuzzysnuggleduck** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:51 am

I've been mulling over a new/different HU for quite some time now.

I have a couple requirements that are making it hard to find just the right HU:

Digital iPod Connection (USB)
24-bit Burr Brown DAC
Good iPod Control (browse by Genre a MUST!)
Three pre-outs
Decent voltage on the pre-outs (better than 2V)
CD player
Something that doesn't scream "Steal me!"

I'm still up in the air about the pre-outs and whether or not I want really good xover and EQ built in to the HU. If a unit had really good xover and EQ, I would want 3 pre-outs and then get rid of my EQ-230 and AX204A and do all processing on the deck. This would be optimal for trying out and running active. If it doesn't have really good xover and EQ, I would keep the hardware EQ and get an appropriate xover for going active and just use one pre-out.

The options thus far are:

Alpine iDA-X001 (and friends)
Pioneer DEH-P700BT
JVC KD-PDR80
JVC ABT22

The Alpine doesn't have a CD player. Even though I could get a changer, I don't want to. I want CD built-in. Also, lots of review are saying bad things about the font-size on this unit and various other interface glitches. I need awesome iPod control, not just OK. Also, this unit looks a bit too space age for me, but that's not the deal breaker.

The Pionner doesn't have a 24-bit DAC and the 800PRS that does, doesn't have USB iPod connection! I like most of the things about this HU but the lack of some pretty basic buttons on the front has me wondering. I haven't looked at it's manual yet to find out why it doesn't seem to have a pause, ffwd, rwd or what not. I like it's looks and the price range is alright. I heard the rotary wheel on this unit is a bit crap.

The first JVC unit is priced well, looks alright and has nearly everything I want, expect the USB port is ONLY on the front. I want to route the USB cable from the rear of the unit into my center console. The second JVC does have rear USB connection but it's a lot pricier. However, I'm not sure I trust JVC build quality.

I suppose the most important thing after the technical requirements is usability. I want something that is easy to use and doesn't have some strange mix of buttons to use for controlling an iPod. My current Alpine deck fails there. While I've learned to use it well enough, I would prefer something better.

Any suggestions or comments?

Post by **Bfowler** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:58 am

im really really partial to the kenwood x592

meets or exceeds all functional requirements...it comes down to if you like the looks

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-8PCQhuEg2j ... 113KDCX592

forgot to mention, i have the 791 (higher series, older unit) and im thinking about swapping for this one)

Post by **fuzzysnuggleduck** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:10 am

I was just going to revise my list and add a couple Kenwoods...

You're right, it does satisfy the technical requirements, and quite well it seems. Let me look it over some more.

Post by **Bfowler** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:17 am

sounds like the reviewers didnt like the ipod interface. i thought it rocked!

you should read the reviews on that link for more info

Post by **fuzzysnuggleduck** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:25 am

Yeah, looking at the x692 as well.

Seems the iPod controls are the hardest thing to nail down... no one seems to have "got it" just yet.

AaronK · Post by **AaronK** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:05 pm

I have a alipne mid line don't know the model # and a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X689. Alpine always seem to sound better. I will always go Alpine.

Post by **fuzzysnuggleduck** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:56 pm

I also found this guy:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/ ... 020D785USB

Clarion DZX785USB

Looks to have most of what I want, but at a higher price range than the rest. I wonder how Clarion's iPod control interface is... it's a "touch screen" apparently...

gkitching · Post by **gkitching** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 4:13 pm

Does it have to be single DIN?

Post by **fuzzysnuggleduck** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 1:21 am

No.

However, it would have to be a rather convincing head unit... and not some crazy touch screen thing for $800.

gkitching · Post by **gkitching** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 6:07 am

Well, as far as I-pod controls are concerned, some of the touch screen units have identical control to an I-pod. But most do not sport the greatest d/a's. This Pioneer may be worth a look. Pricing is $500 Retail.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/ ... 0DVD?tab=A

Otherwise I agree with Brian. The KDC-X592 is the best 'bang for the buck' right now imo. However, depending on how pressing the need for a new one is, it won't be long before the next year's lines start showing up. I know Kenwood and Pioneer both shoot for full production on thier new head unit lines by the time CES rolls around at the beginning of the year. My Kenwood rep is already talking about whats coming soon. And they typically have product shipping by early fall.

denim · Post by **denim** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 7:42 am

What about the iPod adapter for the PRS-800?

Post by **fuzzysnuggleduck** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 8:15 am

denim wrote:What about the iPod adapter for the PRS-800?

It sends an analog signal from the HU as far as I can tell, like my Alpine. I think every non-USB iPod connection so far has been analog (line-out pin on the dock connector) so the DAC on the iPod is being used and not the nice 24-bit when playing music from the iPod.

Post by **Rold Gold** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:33 am

Put in a laptop...................

Post by **Bfowler** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:34 am

he might be on to something there....carputer?

buckster · Post by **buckster** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:51 am

gkitching wrote:Well, as far as I-pod controls are concerned, some of the touch screen units have identical control to an I-pod. But most do not sport the greatest d/a's. This Pioneer may be worth a look. Pricing is $500 Retail.

Since getting my head unit stolen, this thread has been very helpful for me. Greg, when looking at double DIN setups, would prefer the Pioneer line over the Kenwood at this price point?

I found a Pioneer 5000UB on CL for 50 bucks. It has 3 4v pre-outs, 3.5 aux, Hi, LPF and USB,. Gonna throw that in until figure out what to do.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/ ... 0DVD?tab=A

Post by **fuzzysnuggleduck** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 10:54 am

I'm leaning towards the Frenchy DXZ785USB...

BUT.

I think I'm going to want to demo some units in store just to get a feel of the controls. I don't want to be stuck with a fancy new deck that has a control interface I don't like.

gkitching · Post by **gkitching** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 11:40 am

buckster wrote:
gkitching wrote:Well, as far as I-pod controls are concerned, some of the touch screen units have identical control to an I-pod. But most do not sport the greatest d/a's. This Pioneer may be worth a look. Pricing is $500 Retail.
Since getting my head unit stolen, this thread has been very helpful for me. Greg, when looking at double DIN setups, would prefer the Pioneer line over the Kenwood at this price point?

I found a Pioneer 5000UB on CL for 50 bucks. It has 3 4v pre-outs, 3.5 aux, Hi, LPF and USB,. Gonna throw that in until figure out what to do.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/ ... 0DVD?tab=A

The Kenwood Excelons have better d/a's. I like Pioneers' GUI's better, and have been the best for reliability. But if sound is what you're going for ... the Excelons are a bit more $ (twice to be exact). The Kenwood equivilant DDX512 is still $100 more than the Pioneer AVHP4000. The Kenwood still requires an add'l interface to do I-pod video but does play DVDs. Where the Pioneer only does DVD audio but does I-pod and SD card video.

In the $500-600 (retail) price point for dbl din a/v unit, I definately like the Pioneers better.