Hey guys,

Currently im using the original honda headunit which is basically a tape deck, sadly i really don't use cassette tapes anymore.

Only problem is i dont know which headunit to get, there are three brands that i know of and each of them has their pros and cons - Pioneer, Kenwood and /////Alpine.

The kind of set up im looking is very simple -

1. Im happy with the current speakers and dont need these to be changed - if you do have suggestions for something that is not very expensive but outputs a much crispy sound do let me know.

2. I want to be able to attach the audio controls to the headunit so everything works well - i.e volume, mode button all working.

3. I would like the headunit to play MP3's, plug in an external audio device (like my sony walkman mp3 player)

4. The headunit looks decent.

5. My budget - medium to high range models.

Would appreciate your help, im getting tired of listening to the radio and would like to listen to my own tunes asap.

Thanks.

 

Maybe head to the local shop and check them out.... Best thing you can do.

BTW... a Sony Walkman?....

 

Kenwood KDC BT-838U. Absolutely love this deck, looks amazing and has a lot of features.

 

thank you both for your advice.

In my country, all they are out there for is to make the bucks, they dont give two damns about customer service or even practicality in terms of what you need, as long as they can sell the most expensive item to you.

so please if any one can help share their set ups. Im sure there are some people out there with relatively simple audio set ups - just what im looking for.

 

oh... that sucks...

Well out of the 3 companies you listed I would list them in this order of importance: Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood

For you and you wanting to listen to your personal music I would say you should take a look at this unit, the Alpine iDa-x300. I think it will be a good unit for you, as it comes with the cable to connect an iPod once you get one... but for now you can use the USB connection as well.

You can get these for a good price. Even on Crutchfield its listed for $149.99.



Or you could get the upgraded version of this unit with more options and a much nicer display. Its the Alpine iDa-x100.

You can score these for a great price on Crutchfield right now as its listed for $299.99 after savings.

 

I'll vouch for this radio. With a sub, upgraded components, and this stereo I couldn't be happier with my stereo setup.

My ONLY complain about the Apline is the lack of a built in equalizer that you can manually just (need an extra $150 unit). None the less still a great deck, highly recommended.

 

hey dark and aeonracer thanks for your input, i read some reviews on this unithead, deck sounds awesome. Makes me wanna buy an ipod now (even thought ive never really liked those things - my bro has been through 4 of them and they keep breaking for some reason).

I will look at what my local audio stores have to offer anyway like you said but if i want to get this type of unithead ill have to order it from overseas i doubt we have this available here.

Theres just so many unithead models its hard to know whats what.

 

they have pre-outs at 2v, should this be avoided, just wondering what the quality was vs 4v

 

Personally, I'd never limit myself to mp3 format like the iDa's do. But, I like the quality of CDs and am an Eclipse fan... Ran Alpines, didn't like their sound characteristics. Maybe they've changed, I don't know...like Eclipse sound enough not to bother really trying to find out (last girl I dated had iDA-X100, wasn't impressed).