I really wouldn't buy a higher end HU for it's internal amp. They are a bit like speakers on TV's. They are there because of marketing demands them and nothing else. Any decent install uses an external amp and speakers (both TV's and car audio).

I don't have an opinion outside my own experience on Sony Car Audio, but Sony has quite a reputation in the consumer electronics world in general and I can't see why this would be much different in car audio.

 

AusS2000,

I think you're being a little narrow-minded here. I've got a home theater setup with five matched speakers and a subwoofer, and I've got a bedroom TV. Guess what? I use the built-in speakers on the bedroom TV, and I don't feel it's indecent.

For my needs, I would like the sound in my S2000 to be somewhat louder and higher quality that the stock setup. I have replaced the stock 'speakers' with a better pair of co-axial speakers, but still not enough volume. I hope to be able to replace the headunit and thereby get enough more power to satisfy my needs. I track my car on occasion, and I carry stuff in the trunk sometimes, and I'd like to save weight, space, and money so I can buy performance mods. For those reasons I'd prefer to not add an external amp. I know I won't have top quality sound, or maximum volume levels, but that's not what I'm after.

In my opinion, if an expert doesn't ask you "what are your goals" when you ask for advice, they're not doing you any good.

Sorry for the off-topic rant...

Ted

p.s. As to Sony's quality reputation, I like a lot of their equipment, especially video stuff (monitors, projectors, TVs, DV stuff). Some other areas don't seem to be their strong suit, like phones. Car audio? I don't know...

 

Bit of a harsh response don't you think?

You asked for someones opinion, I expressed mine, and you call it narrowminded.

Does your bedroom travel at 100kph and suffer from excessive wind noise (I don't really want to know the answer to that one ).

FYI, I've been where you are. After I replaced my speakers and head unit I wasn't really satisfied with the result and asked Pinky's advice. His response was that you need lots of power, not to listen to music loud, but to listen to the same volume with more clarity. He suggested the 50W PMPO of my head unit (that's Sony Watts ) wasn't enough and we debated the point over a few posts. I didn't, however, resort to calling him narrowminded. Eventually I came around to his point of view and gave it a go. I installed a small 2 channel amp under my seat.

Let me tell you, the difference is chalks and cheese.

I might be narrow minded, but at least I can hear my stereo clearly at 100Kph.

 

and now back to the important stuff...

group buy...group buy.....group buy!!!!!

 

anyone know where I can get a good deal on a Sony CDX-MP450X? seen at a few dotcoms/ebay for $240-260. Anyone here need one also?

 

I just got mine from SBH Enterprises for $232.95 and free shipping in the continental U.S.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/sbhenterprises...ndehincdp5.html

Kaptain Insano

 

AusS2000,

I apologize for the 'narrow-minded' remark. Sorry about that.

I just hear too many people go off about what someone 'must' do, in lots of areas, without regard for what the goals are. When you said:

you pushed my buttons. My point was that for a bedroom set, the built in speakers can be adequate; for a home theater room, I agree with you.

Some S2000 owners, like my friend jerrypeterson, have enough external amps that they can't run their stereo for more than 30 seconds without the engine on, or they'll drain the battery.

Some S2000 owners have been satisfied with deck power (at least from relatively high-powered head units like the Alpines). I'm hoping for modest improvement from a minimalist system. I still think I can have a 'decent' install.

 

Cool. I guess the 'Any decent system' bit could be a bit condescending.

What I really mean is that if you are going to the trouble and expense of a decent head unit you might be selling yourself short by not getting an amp.

That little DIN sized box has a whole lot of stuff in it. I'm sure there are some corners cut to get four channels of amp in there as well. Another point I've noticed is heat. My centre console gets quite warm and their is very little ventilation down there. Running off the internal amp only adds to the load.

But your comments about weight can't be ignored. If you add an amp (and decent, sorry, high-end cable) it's additional weight.

And heck, you can always add one later if you like. Have a look at my install (link below). The amp is under the passenger (left) seat and is very small. I think it weighs about 2lb's.

 

I suppose if I added five more car batteries I could stretch that out to six minutes... Nevermind, I've already added enough extra weight to car. Then again, one of those turbos might be worthwhile.

Its all about the right tool for the job. I wouldn't split hairs over deck power though, double the power is only good for ~3db of volume. While you can easily tell the difference between the low end and high end decks, a few watt difference is what I would consider discernable. I like to recommend that people purchase a deck that has the options you need, that stills fits in the install point. Nearly all of the high end equipment uses the same OEM chips and components. In most cases you are buying the name and the options.

In summary, I wouldn't sweat the Sony if you are planning to run on deck power as long as its has the options you need.

 

From what I can find, here are the current Sony CD receivers that support wired remote:

Sony ES CDX-CA660X [4/5.5 volt outputs]
Sony CDX-CA750X
Sony ES CDX-CA760X [4/5.5 volt outputs]
Sony CDX-MP450X [MP3, slightly lower power]
Sony CDX-M610