Pioneer DEH-4300UB(or Sony CDXGT550UI) or Sony DSXS300BTX

Pioneer DEH-4300UB:
Click here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfbAZrvSeBE
$109.99 @ amazon.com RIGHT NOW
Things I like about this head unit: Cheaper, many color customization options, CD receiver...

Sony DSXS300BTX:
Click here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap26YnE8JNU
$194.99 @ amazon.com RIGHT NOW
Things I like about this head unit: Integrated Bluetooth, Pandora, Integrated Tune Tray, "Advanced" EQ...

I am open to either of these head units, but I would like to hear opinions and discussion on both head units before making a final decision. I would really appreciate some insight, opinions, and alternatives. The main feature I need from any head unit is iPod/iPhone control + iPod/iPhone charging. CD Receiver is not necessary. Intuitive controls. Audiophile advanced EQ is unnecessary, maybe just basic options such as Bass Boost.

NOTE: I have read about an issue with iPhones being left in the tray and experiencing an error in which the iPhone will not connect anymore. Is this the same case for iPod Touch or iPod Classic?

If I decide to go with the Pioneer, should I get the Sony CDXGT550UI since it's basically the same thing for $79.99 @ amazon.com?
Click here

Or should I go with the Pioneer since it is a safe and reputable company. I have heard some negative comments on Sony HUs.

Thank you all in advance!

 

Go with the one that meets your needs. It seems the Pioneer meets your needs although it has a front facing iPod/iPhone connection (I'd prefer one in the back that you can hide a wire to).

Think about possible upgrades to your system in the future as well, i.e. speakers and amps.

 

Thanks for your reply!

I do not mind the USB port being in the front of the head unit. In terms of future upgrades, I plan on installing a set of component speakers at the same time I install my head unit. I plan on going with the Polk Audio DB6501 or MM6501 6.5-Inch 2-Way Component System. Any thoughts or opinions? What is the difference between the two?

I have also decided against the Sony DSXS300BTX due to the fact that users are experiencing issues with the internal usb port when used with an iPod Touch/iPhone. If I am going to spend around $200 for a head unit, it should work with what it claims to function with.

Therefore, I need to decide between the Pioneer DEH-4300UB or the Sony CDXGT550UI.

Which company makes higher quality head units? The look and feel of the head unit is important to me. I am leaning towards the Sony CDXGT550UI as oppose to the Pioneer DEH-4300UB because of the sleek design of the Sony and the cheaper price tag. I have also heard negative comments towards the plastic feel of the buttons and face of the Pioneer. Is this the same case for the Sony?


EDIT:


Made a couple decisions (stayed up researching all night because I couldn't sleep).

1. I am definitely going to choose between the Sony CDXGT550UI and the Pioneer DEH-4300UB.
2. I am going to purchase and install the head unit first.
3. I am going to purchase either the Polk Audio DB6501 or Polk Audio MM6501 6.5 Component System.
4. I am going to install the speakers along with an amp at the same time.

I believe this will be a smart route considering that if I buy the speakers and head unit together, the head unit will under power the speakers and may break them. Is this correct?

What is the difference between the DB6501 or MM6501?

What amp should I get to power the speakers(tweeters?)? I have no intention of purchasing a subwoofer in the future.





EDIT 2:

Made a couple more decisions. I hope with all the information I provide this can be helpful to anyone looking into buying a head unit.

I would just like to point out that the genre of music I frequently listen to is trance, hip-hop, house, dub step, etc...

I decided against the Pioneer DEH-4300UB because I find that the Sony CDXGT550UI can do the same as the DEH-4300UB, but the Sony also includes Passenger Control, a sleeker and more user-friendly design, and on paper... has better specifications than the DEH-4300UB. I would like to make a note that what the Pioneer DEH-4300UB has that the Sony doesn't is greater customization of the receiver illumination.

I have narrowed my choices between the Sony CDXGT550UI and the Pioneer DEH-P8300UB..

Although there is a great difference in pricing between these two units, the Pioneer DEH-P8300UB offers a sleeker design that the Sony, as well as integrated Pandora, Full-Dot OEL Display, expandability(The DEH-P8300UB is compatible with Pioneer SAT Radio, HD Radio, and Bluetooth Adapters, so you can add features at a later date.), and custom audio components that the Sony lacks.

 

Again, list what you need out of your HU to help make your decision. Do you really plan to upgrade to SAT radio, HD radio, Bluetooth, etc.? When I made my decision for what HU to buy, I narrowed it down by looking at what I was going to use it for - namely listening to my ipod and on occasion the radio. Made my choice pretty easy. You have two good choices there, so pick the one that meets your needs. It is good to think of what you might want to do in the future, but ask yourself what you would actually do vice think of doing. HU's are pretty easy to install and remove, so if you decide you don't like one, you can always return it and get the other one. Every brand will have it's issues with some HU's, but you are usually going to be ok with whatever brand you choose. You might want to check through Crutchfield on whether or not they will 'fit' with the radio door closed. Some HU's force you to keep the radio door open. Based on what you have stated and what I have read about the HU's, I would go with the Pioneer.

As for the speakers, if you are going to amp it, then go for the better/higher rated ones. Just make sure you match the specs accordingly when mating everything up. Just with a quick glance, I would lean towards the MM series.

 

Thanks for your reply!

I have decided on the Pioneer DEH-6300UB.

It seems to fit all my needs, without any of the miscellaneous stuff that I don't need such as bluetooth and HD radio.

I just hope the complexity of the interface isn't an issue... I've heard some stories about complications with handling the radio during a drive.

As for the Polk Audio MM6501s, what amplifier do you suggest? JL Audio amplifiers seem to be very popular. I do not plan on having a subwoofer, so what specifications out of an amplifier am i looking for?

DEH-6300UB - 14 RMS
MM6501- 25-125 RMS, 3 ohms

I read somewhere that the suggested amount of power that should be powering your speakers is 60% of the continuous output. With this information, what kind of amp should I look for?

 

Is there any reason you are so set on the Polk MM speakers? For an amplifier, I would recommend the Kenwood XR-4S. It is comparable to the Alpine PDX series and is small, stout, clean, sounds great and has excellent output.

 

Well, I just heard some good things about them on the forum and decided to check them out. They aren't too expensive and they appear to have good lows and mids, which is what I'm looking for. The Kenwood seems like a good amp, but it's 4 channels. I don't plan on using a subwoofer, so wouldn't I be overpowering the speakers? I read that it is just as bad to overpower your speakers as under powering.

 

That is incorrect. I would say that it is better to have additional headroom. Having an amplifier with ratings that exceed a speaker's does not mean the speakers are being overpowered. Speakers are overpowered by what you do with the volume knob, not by written specs. The additional power capabilities of the amplifier will allow it to output a clean signal without while maintaining a cooler operating temperature as it is not working as hard.

With a 4 channel amplifier, you would of course be using two channels. I recommended the 4 channel amplifier as it provides you options and good sound quality. 2 channel SQ amplifiers with a high pass filter aren't typically found in the more known brands' offerings as they are typically labeled as subwoofer amplifiers.

In regard to the Polk speakers, they are alright, but if it were my choice and I has your budget, I'd probably pick up a set of Massive Audio CK6 speakers. They will blow the Polks away. Since you don't intend to run a subwoofer, you will very pleased with the additional midbass response as well.

 

Are you talking about these right here?: Massive Audio CK6

They do not seem like a very reputable company though, which is making me a bit hesitant. Crutchfield doesn't even recognize them.

Do you run these components? How long have you had them?

Do you have any recommendations for an amp? Brand-wise? Just so that I know where to look.

 

The better options in car audio aren't known to your average listener. The majority of what I would consider high end brands Crutchfield doesn't sell. Not that Massive Audio is a particularly high end brand, what they offer are solid products that typically exceed their price range. The CK6 components that I mentioned will blow the Polk MMs away. Heck, you can purchase a $40 set of speakers and blow the Polks away, ask CVJoint (His system sounds awesome).

I personally do not run the Massive Audio CK6 but am familiar with them. The speakers I run are by another brand you may be unaware called Hybrid Audio which cost about 3x as much as the Polk MM and Massive CK6.

I just wanted to let you know that there are better bangs for your buck by companies lesser known.

I recommended the Kenwood XR-4S as I owned it and it fares very well against the Alpine PDX series as a class D amplifier with excellent sound reproduction at a more than affordable price. I personally run an amplifier by Arc Audio (KS Series) for my components which is a class GH amplifier but it will set you back by at least $400.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Polk Audio, in fact, my subwoofer is by Polk and blends fairly well with my system.

I don't personally care what you decide to purchase, I just wanted to let you know that you can get more for less than or equal to the cost of the Polk MM components.