View Full Version : Good head unit for $200or less
I dislike the audio quality of stock unit (2009 Mazda 3), so I changed the front speakers to Alpine speakers couple of years ago but did not get any improvement in sound quality. An audio installer told me that I should change the head unit to get good sound. Do you think changing the stock head unit would give better sound quality? If so, what is a good head unit for $200 or less.
Futureshop has Alpine CDE-135BT and Pioneer DEH-6400BT for $149. See here (http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/category/single-din-car-decks/28438.aspx?path=0ba48272cb6568cb60a369266435949ben 01). Are they any good? I am only interested in the audio quality not fancy features.
peterm15
11-10-2012, 05:57 PM
Any upgrade to the HU will make for a big improvement in sound.
I am looking for a powerful head unit. Any suggestions?
Can I put both 1 din or 2 din units? Which is better?
peterm15
11-10-2012, 06:28 PM
You can put both, what you'll be looking for is the most power per ch. the HU will say something along the lines of 25w x 4. Ect.
Me personally I was looking for better sound and upgraded my entire system. HU, all speakers, 2 amps and a sub. I even ran fresh 12g wire directly from my amp to my speakers.
It may be a little much for the average but I couldn't be happier. Keep and eye out at the classifieds. You'll get your best deal here.
Has anyone put a single DIN head unit? Does it look very out of place compared to the integrated stock unit?
peterm15
11-11-2012, 01:34 PM
I'd suggest double din for looks. But I doubt you'll find one for under 200.
My suggestion is to save up a little and get a decent double din. You can get good sales for 300ish.
Just keep in mind. It doest just stop at the HU. You'll need a dash kit, wire harness, if you want to keep steering wheel controls you'll need a harness for that. All these things add up.
mrjun18
11-14-2012, 02:51 PM
check sonicelectronix.com
yuvannr
11-14-2012, 03:30 PM
Might be buying the Kenwood DDX319, anyone have reviews on this ?
yuvannr
11-14-2012, 03:37 PM
Might be buying the Kenwood DDX319, anyone have reviews on this ?
Lockdown
11-14-2012, 04:37 PM
Not a fan of that head unit.
The front input, lack of Nav and Bluetooth. I'd save up a bit more and get a better unit.
Ordered double din Kenwood - DPX308U from Cluthfield.ca for $199. Comes with free Dash Installation Kit and wire harness which must be worth about $40. I returned a double din JVC I bought for $140 from Canadian Tire because I felt this Kenwood would be better than the JVC.
Any good installers in Mississauga / Brampton? Otherwise I have to drive over 100km to one of the sponsors in the East. Too bad Selective Sound went out of business.
Is it necessary to install antenna adapter for the head unit? My car is a 2009 Mazda 3.
Lockdown
11-14-2012, 07:29 PM
If you want to come to the east, we can do the job for you, just off the 401 at McCowan but that is a bit of a drive from Brampton. I don't know any shops that I would recommend in that area.
Any idea what the part numbers are of the pieces that they tossed in for you?
There are a few options for the dash kit so make sure you are getting the one that you prefer.
Not sure if they tossed in the SWC but if they did, that's a really good deal.
They included 120957504 Mazda 3 In-dash Receiver Kit and 120707904 Mazda Receiver Wire Harness but no SWC.
http://gallery.photo.net/photo/16593352-lg.jpg
Lockdown
11-14-2012, 08:32 PM
Cool, as long as you got the parts you want. I barely use my steering wheel controls and if you don't need them, it's a great way to cut the cost down
Cool, as long as you got the parts you want. I barely use my steering wheel controls and if you don't need them, it's a great way to cut the cost down
May be you could answer this question: Why installing a "kill start" to prevent grinding the starter is discouraged when installing a remote starter? What problems are associated with the anti grinding relay? Thanks.
Lockdown
11-14-2012, 10:58 PM
May be you could answer this question: Why installing a "kill start" to prevent grinding the starter is discouraged when installing a remote starter? What problems are associated with the anti grinding relay? Thanks.
Didn't you call me today?
Give us a call again tomorrow and I will go through it with you again
p-o-g-i
11-15-2012, 12:21 AM
Ordered double din Kenwood - DPX308U from Cluthfield.ca for $199. Comes with free Dash Installation Kit and wire harness which must be worth about $40. I returned a double din JVC I bought for $140 from Canadian Tire because I felt this Kenwood would be better than the JVC.
Any good installers in Mississauga / Brampton? Otherwise I have to drive over 100km to one of the sponsors in the East. Too bad Selective Sound went out of business.
Is it necessary to install antenna adapter for the head unit? My car is a 2009 Mazda 3.
Krown Lakeshore in Mississauga.
I know the owners very well (Igor/ George), and I've known the installer (Aldrin aka Chunks) even longer. Good group of guys.
Doesn't hurt that they are TM3 sponsors as well :)
Impressive
11-15-2012, 12:31 AM
Krown Lakeshore in Mississauga.
I know the owners very well (Igor/ George), and I've known the installer (Aldrin aka Chunks) even longer. Good group of guys.
Doesn't hurt that they are TM3 sponsors as well :)
Krown does audio installs too? Cool.
They aren't located in Peel region but I went to Lockdown for my audio install and would definitely recommend their services :thumbsup
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