Considering a new head unit...need advice

[S.F.W.]

Hey all,

I am seriously considering a new head unit. I really want to add GPS and DVD support. My prefrence is a unit with a hard drive, so that I can play MP3 Cd\'s or DVD\'s while using the navigation. I was looking at units Eclipse, Alpine, and Pioneer.
The Eclipse unit is the 5495 http://www.eclipse-web.com/5495index.html, one concern I had with that unit, is if you want to store MP3\'s on the hard drive you have to record them with the unit in real time. You can not transfer from a disc to the hard drive.
From Alpine I am looking at IVA-W200 http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/products/product.php?model=IVA-W200 .
However, this unit does not appear to have a hard drive for navigation.
This brought me to Pioneer, which has the AVIC-Z1, http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_3151_295632461,00.html .
I can not tell if this unit will allow copying of music files to the hard drive. As well, from my reading, but limited experience, I have heard that Pioneer may not have as refined a sounds quality as the other units.

So with all that said..I am looking for feedback and suggestions. Does anyone have experience with these units or similar ? Or just the brands in general.

[Ex-Rolla]

Originally posted by S.F.W.

So with all that said..I am looking for feedback and suggestions. Does anyone have experience with these units or similar ? Or just the brands in general.



Well I don\'t have any experience with the specific models you listed, but in terms of \"brand\" experience, i would go with Alpine. I have owned 2 Apline cd receivers, 1 eclipse receiver and 3 different alpine amps.

For my listening tastes, Alpine has better sound quality. I\'m no audio junkie, so i don\'t know all the specs, but my ears enjoyed the Alpine deck more.

[TheProfessor]

Ami, truthfully all the units/brands you are considering are good. While the Alpine may technically have the better sound, with the system in your car being as good as it is, I wouldn\'t worry, they\'ll all sound good. I\'ve previously owned each of the three brands mentioned plus a few of others (Clarion, Kenwood, Sony, etc.) and they each had their strong and weak points. I know for a fact that the Pioneer AVIC line has been very well received, especially when it comes to navigation. Go check out www.canadiancaraudio.com, www.sounddomain.com, and perhaps www.audioreview.com for some good reading.

[SoopaBanana]

Just a thought: Jeff from Lockdown was telling me that he saw some really cool new Eclipse products due later this year at Las Vegas. You might want to wait or talk to Jeff about it

Personally I have nothing but good things to say about my Eclipse headunit (8455)... Great sound, the ability to tune speaker delays based on the soundspace in the car. Absolutely love it.

Just wondering: are you replacing the stock headunit or placing the headunit somewhere else?

[S.F.W.]

Ideally, I would like to replace the stock head unit, and flush mount a 2 din unit. However, it also depends on Jeff at Lockdown and his thoughts. If he doesn\'t think he can make the 2 din look good and flush mounted, then I will likely go with the 1 din flip up screen unit, and pick up an install kit for above the center air vents.

[fourtrack78]

Did you consider this as an option.
here (http://torontomazda3.com/forum/read.php?TID=5383)

I know i\'m thinking about it

[S.F.W.]

I looked at that, but for $1100 us, I would still have no head unit, or navigation capabilites. I am really looking for an all in one solution.

[Bonk88]

alpine 9855 no doubt.....awsome deck, great quailty