Audiophiles....

[JSork25]

Hello fellow SOMD'ers - just wanted to see if anyone out there was big into the car audio world. Recently my CD player went kaput on me and I haven't been in "the game" for awhile, so I'm outta touch with what's available. Current (10 year old or so) system was based off an eclipse head unit and 6-disc single-DIN shotgun changer from way back in the day.

Any advice or great experiences with any of the new Eclipse, Alpine, Kenwood, ?? head units?

~ Josh

[blazinlow89]

That all depends on what your after in the deck. Ive always been a panasonic fan, i like some of the kenwood and alpine decks as well the new alpines are sick.

What other components are you planning on running, speakers, subs amps etc. Looking for any video or just sound.

I havent been to many comps, never actually ran in one but i did get a chance to check my setup for SPL. 2-15" subs with a 8cuft enclosure with 400 watts rms and i was able to hit 138db.

Let me know what you want out of the deck and i can look around for you.

[Floyd]

I love my Alpine so much im never going to buy Pioneer again. I had always bought Pioneers but I figured I do some homework and buy a good one and man I love this Alpine. They discontinued the model so I cannot reccommend it but ive heard their new stuff is killer like Josh said.

[JSork25]

Well, my current set-up is a the Eclipse 7002 5.8" TFT screen, but it's not a daily driver so I'm not too concerned about going with a video set-up. I'd rather just find something for around $250-350 that's got great output.

Right now I'm running:
2 12" eclipse aluminum DVC subs from a JL 500/1v2 sub amp
Diamond Audio speakers from an Alpine 4-channel amp

I'd like some solid output power from the head unit, and the only feature I am definitely desiring at this point is something that can play MP3 data discs. The one I was looking at was the Eclipse CD3200, but wasn't sure how that would compare to a current Alpine or Kenwood eXcelon or ??

Thanks for the help!

[Floyd]

Well, my current set-up is a the Eclipse 7002 5.8" TFT screen, but it's not a daily driver so I'm not too concerned about going with a video set-up. I'd rather just find something for around $250-350 that's got great output.

Right now I'm running:
2 12" eclipse aluminum DVC subs from a JL 500/1v2 sub amp
Diamond Audio speakers from an Alpine 4-channel amp

I'd like some solid output power from the head unit, and the only feature I am definitely desiring at this point is something that can play MP3 data discs. The one I was looking at was the Eclipse CD3200, but wasn't sure how that would compare to a current Alpine or Kenwood eXcelon or ??

Thanks for the help!

Eclipse... Yea so obviously you need some new gear.
Whats you budget like?

[JSork25]

Floyd - Yeah, I was thinking of going with Eclipse - even though their quality is top-notch I'm a bit reluctant because of how much you pay for that quality. I've heard Alpine has been giving them a run for their money with regards to quality in the past few years (from reviews I've read) so maybe this will be the time for the switch.

WRT budget, I was thinking $250-$350 for a new head unit. Buddy of mine said the best place to get that stuff now is eBay - anywhere are SOMD that runs good deals on car audio equipment?

[blazinlow89]

anywhere are SOMD that runs good deals on car audio equipment?

Is that an oxymoron. Sorry couldnt resist. If you are worried about ebay or cant find a good deal on there. Use crutchfield to compare the units, makes it a little easier, then when you narrow it down either www.sonicelectronix.com (http://www.sonicelectronix.com) or www.onlinecarstereo.com (http://www.onlinecarstereo.com) to make the purchase. I have ordered from both with nothing but great transactions. Picked up my panasonic cq-vw100u for $500 with a 3 year warranty. DDIN mp3, wma, DVD, Divx, vid CD xm and sirius ready, bluetooth ready, reverse cam and a bunch of other stuff. Like i said im panasonic biased, but thats just the way i am.

For 300 you can get an awsome sound deck, with damn near any features you want. I like eclipse but like JL i think they are overpriced for some products, but with ebay and the other discount sites you may pay $250 for a $400 unit. A good example i got my girls deck off ebay 218 shipped, we went to circuit city and the exact same deck was $400 and some change.

[JSork25]

Is that an oxymoron. Sorry couldnt resist.


Sorry about that! Meant to say "Are there any places in SOMD that run good deals on car audio"

Anyways, thanks for the links! That sonixelectronix site is excellent! On par with eBay seller stores.

I'm looking at the Eclipse CD3200 - bluetooth, WMA/MP3 playback, solid performance stats.... 240 with free install kit

[blazinlow89]

Sorry about that! Meant to say "Are there any places in SOMD that run good deals on car audio"

Anyways, thanks for the links! That sonixelectronix site is excellent! On par with eBay seller stores.

I'm looking at the Eclipse CD3200 - bluetooth, WMA/MP3 playback, solid performance stats.... 240 with free install kit

I wasn talking about the grammar, i am probably one of the worst with that lol. I was just saying down here some places want to make such a profit they will charge at retail or above and make it seem like a great deal. Case in point D&G wanted 300 for a visonik bandpass and 3 12"s subs. Not only are they crap but overpriced to a point of insanity.

I like that unit, not for what i need but if i needed a sound deck i would consider it. $240 is good price i paid 75 for just my wiring harness )damn Gm and there lanbus system). But it works great.

[ron]

I wouldnt go ebay, but you can find good deals out there, just gotta look around...

on the other hand some people LIVE off ebay..

[blazinlow89]

I wouldnt go ebay, but you can find good deals out there, just gotta look around...

on the other hand some people LIVE off ebay..

Thats why i gave him the other sites, they comparable prices to ebay, ship quick, and ive ordered well over 3k worth of stuff between the two. mainly for friends, they dont carry half the stuff i need.

[Floyd]

Buying Audio on Ebay is as good as ordering performance engine parts from Ebay...

I used crutchfield on my last order for my headunit. One day standard shipping to SOMD and their prices are not too bad.

Here is a link to the next step up from mine. http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=DVA-9965

Its very nice and loaded with features. Nothing fancy like little movies on the display or anything but for audio it has alot of great features! BTW that little white "button bar" on the bottom rocks to use. Menus are super easy to go though.

[ron]

Alot of places WILL NOT warranty anything you buy on ebay... why because alot of it is hot... and also alot of it is refurbd even tho they dont say it !!

[Floyd]

Alot of places WILL NOT warranty anything you buy on ebay... why because alot of it is hot... and also alot of it is refurbd even tho they dont say it !!

Yea... Another good reason. My warranty is up on my headunit but it still works great so im going to rock it for a few more years. Might put it in Mindys car and then get me a better one.

[blazinlow89]

Yea... Another good reason. My warranty is up on my headunit but it still works great

Exactly the only thing ive ever had a problem with was one of my subs when i decided to put it to a wall socket. Ive never had something fail during normal use.

[JSork25]

Yeah, I'm a bit skeptical when it comes to eBay.... even the stores.... warranty is so questionable. I feel like once I receive it, neither the seller or product company have any sense of loyalty to provide support - each just point you to the other.

[Floyd]

Yea, Just ran out to the car quick and my headunit is a CDA9853