new head unit needed

[SomaMP3]

Well, i know nothing about car audio. My Kenwood Z828 was stolen last night and now i need to look for a replacement. What would be similar and worth my while?

Sorry for before so unspecific

 

[1sty]

DO you want a kenwood?

Any options and features you may be looking for?

 

[SomaMP3]

should i stick with kenwood? Everything else is kenwood in the car....what the one in the new mazdaspeed?

 

[RyanJayG]

get somthing else, the kenwood's skip more than anyone elses head units.

 

[1sty]

unfortunitly its a very unreliable kenwood.
If you want another kenwood with similar features then the KDC-X569. Other then that I would not recommend any kenwood unit. The flip face ones are just to unreliable.

 

[SomaMP3]

ok...well then that narrows it down....no flip plate. What else should i look for, besides the look of the stereo. What about sub hookups and what not?

 

[1sty]

Make sure it has a sub specific output for sure.
Other then that the big selling features are:
Satelight radio
MP3 playing ability (and what bit rates)
Time correction
Crossovers
Built in EQs

 

[perfworks]

Make sure it has a sub specific output for sure.
Other then that the big selling features are:
Satelight radio
MP3 playing ability (and what bit rates)
Time correction
Crossovers
Built in EQs

*** thread jack*** 1rst mp3 i need you to help put a nice kit together for me. When you get time.
EVO is going under the knife this week.
*** thread jack***
oh yeah whatever 1rst says

 

[SomaMP3]

well, i don't need satellite radio....i can't believe how expensive the alpine stuff is...whoa!

 

[1sty]

*** thread jack*** 1rst mp3 i need you to help put a nice kit together for me. When you get time.
EVO is going under the knife this week.
*** thread jack***
oh yeah whatever 1rst says

A kit?

 

[1sty]

well, i don't need satellite radio....i can't believe how expensive the alpine stuff is...whoa!

Too expensive for what?
What radio and what features are you looking for?

 

[SomaMP3]

i just checked the alpine website and most of there decks are over $600. I'm looking for under $500

 

[1sty]

ah, look again.

Also keep in mind that is alpines MSRP, everyone sells for less.
Heres the break down:
CDA-9803 - ~$170
CDA-9805 - $199 (3 preouts, XM radio)
CDA-9807 - $270 (Adds silver finish and MP3)
CDA-9811 - $320(add 4 channel time correction maybe crossovers, I can't remeber)
CDA-9813 - $399 ( adds 6 channel time correction, 5 channel parametric EQ and either 2 or 3 way crossovers)
CDA-9815 - $499 (I-personalize and its BLUE )

Above $500 are the 2 1.5 din units that I don't reccomend and the F1 status for $3K

These are basicly the prices we sell for every day at tweeter.

 

[SomaMP3]

Thanks for all your help....i'd be completely lost. I'm gonna go check out some decks and then post their model numbers up. You can tell me yes or no. Wish me luck

 

[servoeyes]

Can't go wrong with that 9813...if you can find an Eclipse dealer, check their HUs out as well. They are *very* unflashy like Alpine...just pure goood quality stuff.

Perf...how much you lookin' to spend on that EVO? You gettin' the buddy discount or just looking for ideas?

 

[asylum24]

i heart my 9813

 

[LinuxRacr]

When my Z-919 was stolen out of my car earlier this year, I replaced it with a KDC-MP922. It has been very reliable! No issues in the 7 months that I have had it installed. Here is my thread on it:

http://www.mazdamp3.com/vbb230/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16591&highlight=Kenwood

The Kenwood that Craig (1st MP3 in NH) I believe is a step up from mine.

 

[Bass Addict]

I strongly reccomend an eclipse also, you won't be disappointed.

 

[SomaMP3]

well, unfortunately i'm not a big fan of the alpines. Don't get my wrong, their quality is out of this world, but they're not flashy enough for my taste(bling) (i can't believe i just used that icon). I was looking at the exact deck that Linux has actually, along with a JVC KD-3150. I also looked at the Sony CDXM850MP but i don't think that i like it. My girlfriend really likes the JVC but i'm more prone to the Kenwood. I'm gonna check out some more today at some other "Premium" audio places....eg/ not bestbuy, a&b sound, or futureshop....

Still, i love Linux's deck. It looks awesome

 

[servoeyes]

DON'T TOUCH SONY!!! UGH!!!!!!! Yeah they're flashy, but their SQ is ass...the ONLY thing sony does well is visuals. I would take the Kenwood before the sony. If the Alpine isn't flashy enough, or if you just don't like the style then check out eclipse. Otherwise find a reliable Kenwood....

oops...wait...just though of something else. Pioneer's Premier line of HUs. They've got some really nice ones. Also...something that looks really really clean without being too *bling* is the new series from Panasonic (not the Ghost ones...the ones with the blue text). Dunno how the Panasonics sound, though...but they're priced pretty well.