I'm going to go against the trend here. I know that Alpines are great for sound quality (which is why I use their amps), but personally, they're just not as aesthetically pleasing to me as I'd like. The big square buttons and large fonts just don't cut it for me. I like smaller text so that more fits on the screen, and I've always been a fan of Kenwood HU's. So, as soon as the satellite tuner comes free with this guy, it'll be my next purchase:


Kenwood Excelon KDC-X679


This new model is like the Alpines, in that it doesn't roll over all the time (which interferes with the radio door). It just opens up for CD's to be put in and out. Also, the buttons can be red, which matches the dash a lot better.

Anyway, I know most will disagree, but this is my $.02, FWIW!

Good luck choosing!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PJK3

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by GamecockS2K
I'm going to go against the trend here.

 

Can the dash controls still be made to work with the Kenwoods?

 

I believe so.....not 100%. Check lucids site.

 

alpine or pioneer, I chose alpine. Pioneers are kind of cool, but kind of rice with all their flashy graphics.

Nothing beats an alpine with blue buttons in suzuka blue interior though

 

Its not so much as rice, but as to being overly digital. Everything is a mission. I dont like that. I love the simplicity of Alpine head units. I think Alpine understands this, and thus not putting out any of those single din HU with screens.

 

I bought a :



http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/JVCKDSH9700

Also got a PAC SWI-X, I know they have a delay but it's better than no dash controls at all. And, they have better sound quality than most of the alpines especially in it's price range. I think the display/styling is a lot cleaner too.

 

The JVC rocks for the price and is cake to install. Did mine in 15 min and I'm electronically challenged.

 

I will probably get one of these: http://www.eclipse-web.com/products/cdtune...mage/cd8053.jpg

or one of these:
http://www.eclipse-web.com/products/cdtune...mage/cd5433.jpg
if I'm feeling a little more rational.

BUT..what I really want...is one of these:


Does anyone know if
1. They still have 2 sets of AUX inputs (the CD-45z did, can't find whether the new 400 does or not) and
2. If there is a workable DCI solution for the Naks? I feel like Nak+Xtant+Koda+eD would be a sweet SQL combo. Hell, so would Eclipse, but I just think the Nak is so frickin' cool....