Celica Forums General Discussion Exterior Need a new head unit - Advice

Hello,

Looking for a new head unit to replace the factory HU. My setup right now is the stock HU running to a Fosgate Punch 800 and onto 1x12" JL 12W3-D4 Sub.

I want a Head Unit that is not going to break my wallet since I am trying to save up for other things. I just want something that is better than stock and will actually use my Amp wisely.

I have narrowed it down to 4 choices. 2 are Alpines and 2 are Pioneers.

So, which one do you think is best, and other than price, what exactly should I be looking for when selecting a Head Unit.

Here are the choices:

Pioneer DEH-P4600MP $180
Pioneer DEH-P3600MP $170

or

Alpine CDM-9821 $140
Alpine CDM-9823 $180

Also, installation, how easy would this be? Keep in mind that right now, there are wires already running to the trunk so would it be more like plug and play?

installation should be easy if you know what ground and positive is but i highly suggest going with Pioneer from my experience but i know Alpine is better. look for built in crossovers (low pass and high pass filters), equalizer, frequency it plays back, the RCA outputs it has (rear, front, subs), what volts are the outputs at (5V is very good).. theres just a long list

pick the 4600mp cause i know they are good from experience or the 9823 because of reputation backed up by Alpine

alpine 9831
alpine 9833

9835 is too expansive

anywho, it all depends on ur habbits... go to the store and check all of them out.

Can't afford the 9831 or the 9833. Also saving up for a Short Shifter.

Hmm...then I will either get the 4600 or the 9823. Same price range and everything.

I like the color scheme of the 9823.

It is an Alpine, always wanted an Alpine...

Hmm...

Alpine Alpine ALPINE

hehe, have you heard anything regarding the 9823?

You know, I don't know much about Alpine or Pioneer other than the fact that they make great home audio equipment. I was checking out the JVCs just because they look better than the others. To me, it's not only about Performance, but style. Check out the JVC KD-LH300.

Motorized face plate with tilt. Plays CDs/MP3s/WMA/ files. 50 watts power x 4 channels. PICT so you can download images to the faceplate. Hella lot of colors. 3D Graphics are awesome, but not the best. Dedicated sub output, gold plated rca line output terminals. And its Sirius compatible.

Check it out here:http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027149&pathId=54&page=2

$249.00 at Best Buy, but I spotted one for $211 and bought it on the spot. Haven't installed, but just looking at it makes me drool.

Thanks for the tip. However, I think I will be sticking with the Alpine.

I used to have a JVC. Didn't like it that much. It was the one with tons of display and etc. I always turn the display off and just have the Time being showned, so I doubt I would enjoy one with lots of pictures and etc.

Thanks man

since your gonna get alpine, the 9821-$129 and 9825-$169 lowest i found, those units are just cd players fyi...

Where did you get those prices from Verano?

And what do you mean that they are just CD Players? They do read CD-RW and MP3 files don't they?

Chelica815, my advice is to not go cheap on a head unit. Its the most important part of your system. A decent quality deck with some extra features like digital eq and digital filters can make a huge difference. Spending about $500 or $600 will get you the good stuff.

$500...? Really?

I really do not bump my music super loud tho. Just think of it this way, I was 100% fully satisfied with the Stock System on my GT.

I just need something a bit better than the stock Head Unit and most importantly, something that read MP3/CD-RW.

In another word, those Pioneer and Alpine model that I have listed, that would be no different than the Stock Head Unit??

^^ of all the HUs you listed only the Pioneer DEH-P4600MP plays MP3/CD-R/CD-RW i think..

just stay away from sony. there both good brands but i prefer alpine. whichever looks better and sounds better, go for that. also get some speakers and tweaters if you really wanna enjoy the music in the car