need opinion on a new HU

[jimmyd]

Ok, so here's the deal. I didn't originally plan to replace the stock HU in my new P5, since I liked the red stock look, but I've decided I want to upgrade. I want to be able to get an iPod controller interface and also have easy hook-up for an amp some time in the future. I am looking at options that have a similar red look to match the stock guages, etc. I am looking at getting JVC KD-G820 or JVC KD-G720.

The G820 has some bonuses over the G720. Basically it has completely customizable looks. There's 1728 display color choices (and 12 preset colors that can be changed). That would allow me to match the stock guages almost exactly. Custom pictures and animations can also be uploaded to the deck. It also has 3 gold-plated 4v preamp outputs (front, rear, and sub). How much nicer would the 4v outputs be compared to the 2v on the G720? I have to check local audio stores to see if the carry either of those models so I can view them in person.

Anyways, I just want general opinions on JVC decks. How is the sound quality, reliability, and features? Has anyone used the JVC iPod controller inferface? if so, how easy is it to navigate with? It seems that none of the ipod interfaces are too great from what I have read.

That's about all I wanted to know for now. Any advice or comments will be appreciated. Thanks! (BTW, my plan is to upgrade the HU and front speakers first. Later I will add an amp and sub when I get more $.)

 

[chuyler1]

I'm not a big fan of JVC only because there are other brands I would consider beforehand (Clarion,Alpine,Eclipse,Pioneer,Nakamichi,etc). However, I haven't heard anything bad about them.

2v outputs isn't bad...but it isn't good either. You can easly make up for this with the amplifier gains (if you're not using external amplifiers than the statistic is moot).

Go to a store and play with alll the decks they have there. Get a feel for the buttons and how the display looks. I personally prefer simple displays that are easy to read. It's hard to judge sound quality and power output in a store but for the most part they are all very similar in these respects except for a select number of head units over $500 that have 24-bit DACs, crossovers, EQs, and other gadgets to further tweek the sound.