what head unit to choose

[gabbygenier]

Hey guys,

so i am looking at getting a new head unit. i want one with the navi option, bluetooth, and sat radio. there are a few options im looking at but dont know what one to pick. so what one do you guys think i should get.

as for hte power of the output of the head unit amp that is not an issue since i have amps for hte subs and speakers.

here are my options that i was looking at.

JVC KW-NX7000 (http://www.jvc.ca/www/Consumer/products.aspx?h=D1_500#) i know Tim will pick this one haha.

Alpine IVA-W203/P1 (http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=IVA-W203/P1&view=Navigation)

Pioneer AVIC-F900BT (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/Navigation/In-Dash/AVIC-F900BT)

Clarion NX 509 (http://clarion.com/ca/en/products/2009/multimedia/navigation/NX509/ca-en-product-pf_1172413302787.html)

i was waiting for the panasonic one to come out with the one like that and they finally did but the price is outrageous not counting ebay.

the only company i have experience with myself is the clarion, got 2 subs from them and im really surprised by what they can take haha.

does anyone have one of these units. Tim i know u have the JVC one since u recommended it to me and i saw it. by the way looks awesome and now i want one haha:)

[forbidden]

Panasonic is now out of business on the car audio front so they are a nogo. The Pioneer has a uber long boot time of over 1 minute every time you turn the ignition on, it is a real PITA. Here is the video of it so you understand. If the link does not work, google Pioneer AVIC F900BT bootup video. The Pioneer is also going to leave you at the mercy of the dreaded alternator whine due to how it's circuit board was designed.

http://technorati.com/videos/youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D24tVA8vBT58

The Alpine is a alright unit however as with most of their offerings, to make it a stellar unit you must add modules. Eclipse and the AVN6620 is on promo right now with a free bluetooth interface and is out of the box one of the sonically superior units. The Kenwood DNX8120 (if you can find one), is also a very powerful unit, it would be my second choice behind the Eclipse.

[Hives]

Panasonic is now out of business on the car audio front so they are a nogo. The Pioneer has a uber long boot time of over 1 minute every time you turn the ignition on, it is a real PITA. Here is the video of it so you understand. If the link does not work, google Pioneer AVIC F900BT bootup video. The Pioneer is also going to leave you at the mercy of the dreaded alternator whine due to how it's circuit board was designed.

http://technorati.com/videos/youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D24tVA8vBT58

The Alpine is a alright unit however as with most of their offerings, to make it a stellar unit you must add modules. Eclipse and the AVN6620 is on promo right now with a free bluetooth interface and is out of the box one of the sonically superior units. The Kenwood DNX8120 (if you can find one), is also a very powerful unit, it would be my second choice behind the Eclipse.

Based on all the info in this thread, I would have the following in mind:

1) Eclipse (so many features, kinda pricey)
2) Kenwood (good features for the price)
2) Alpine (looks, features---> neighbour has it in his Navigator)
3) Valor (Value)

Surf the web and find various reviews. Check www.crutchfield.com and see what ppl have to say. Also, PM sponsors and have their input before u spend some hefty coin. Goodluck man!

[gabbygenier]

allright well right now its between the JVC and the alpine.

as for the eclipse. my cousin had a deck from them and so far its been back 2 times now. so no go for them

[Thrizzl3]

im installing mine tomorrow..go with the alpine

[Audio Heaven]

Hey

We just got our new display and we have some Kenwood double Din units on display that you can see and play with

Stop by and have a look

Thanks

Jeff Try
Audio Heaven Inc.

905 763 1686

[Whosit]

I really find that Alpines quality has diminished over the years. The sound quality out of my JVC is really impressive and the features are just right.... Not alot of crap you don't need.

[forbidden]

Jeff will have some good units for you to go and see, I recommend you head in and talk with him. As far as the "my brother had a issue 2 years ago..." that was your brother and it was his unit. It is not indicitave of any of the current models at all and perhaps not at all of the entire line. In 22 years of car audio sales, I have not seen one company that is immune to not having a product go bad on them. If I chose to sell based on the "my brother had a issue with brand X 2 years ago.....", I would not have any items at all to sell, neither would Jeff or any other retailer. Keep an open mind when it comes to this, I as a retailer have to as I too am a customer to the distributor as you would be to me. The new Eclipse model has just nailed down a very prestigeous award, it is due out next month and should totally distance itself from everyone as the go to high end unit in the industry for those who are interested.

[gabbygenier]

you make a fine point. i guess thats just the way ppl think. but i chose the JVC one. got a really good deal on it. 300$ off retail price so i couldnt pass that up.

now i have to install it. and then maybe sell my old one

[forbidden]

As a retailer, I can tell you horror stories galore.... The Sony CDX5040 and CDX5080 nightmare with EVERY SINGLE one (and the identical Blaupunkt badged ones as Sony made them for Blaupunkt) back in 1992. Crossfire CFA401 I think the model # was, I blew 9 in one day before the distributor agreed with me that there was a design fault (only after they took one of theirs out and hooked it up in their own car mind you....). Well today, friends don't let friends buy Sony, Blaupunkt pulled out of North America for car audio and Crossfire still makes killer gear.