Head Unit Question

[Jarrod]

Hey guys. How's it going? I'm not a big stereo guy, but the stock deck in my '89 is starting to give me fits. I think it's time to replace it.

Now, I don't need anyting absolutely spectacular, but I want a good product. My buddy, who is more into stereos than I am, suggested this deck. I'm just looking to get your opinions on it. I've read a lot of reviews on it, and people seem to like it, but I was just hoping to some more personal opinions or points of view on it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

Alpine is a great brand. The only thing I would say is the output seems a bit low. Most head units seem to advertise 22-25watts rms today. (Not gonna get into as to what they really put out.)

From the reviews, I wouldnt use it with an Ipod. Also, it only has one set of RCA outputs. Thats fine if you not planning to do any extra amps (at least not more than 1).

 

[Jarrod]

Well, it' s going to be a basic install. As in, pull out old deck, put in new, remove stock amp and add harness adapter, then go.

But, as I understand, it does have preamp outputs, so, later on down the road, I could add an amp mounted in the trunk, then just wire all my speakers out of the amp from there by just splicing into the factory harness. Correct?

 

[K-Dawg]

Alpine used to be a good brand but has really gone downhill in the past couple of years. Right now I'm loving my Kenwood eXelon.

 

[0V3RC10CK3D]

Got a Pioneer DEH-P7800MP here, it rox

 

[Jarrod]

Also, if anyone is looking to suggest anything else, could you suggest something in this relative price range? I really just need some music. The car is gonna make a couple of short road trips this summer, and might even drive to Kalamazoo, and I'm NOT driving to Kalamazoo without tunes.

 

[93rev2sev]

Alpine used to be a good brand but has really gone downhill in the past couple of years. Right now I'm loving my Kenwood eXelon.

K-Dawg apparently read my mind. When I was a teenager, I loved alpine. In my 20's, I learned that Kenwood had better sound and more power for a lower price. 3 months ago, I bought a basic(not bottom feeder) $129.99Kenwood and I am VERY impressed. 3 preouts and a REALISTIC 22w RMS per channel from the built in amp...

This $129 Kenwood head unit has MP3, Flip down removable face, 3 preouts, built in crossover(for all 3 channels- front rear and sub), separate subwoofer control...the list goes on...and all the features work.

But Alpine is good too...

 

[Jarrod]

Alpine is a great brand. The only thing I would say is the output seems a bit low. Most head units seem to advertise 22-25watts rms today. (Not gonna get into as to what they really put out.)

From the reviews, I wouldnt use it with an Ipod. Also, it only has one set of RCA outputs. Thats fine if you not planning to do any extra amps (at least not more than 1).

From what I've read, the iPod interface just takes some gettin-used-to. Way more positive reviews about it than negative. Besides, I don't have an iPod. The girlfriend does. She can eff with that. If you guys have any other suggestions in that price range, I'm more than open to ideas.

I'm just looking for a decent unit that'll work well, and sound nice. (as nice as it can with the factory speakers [which eventually be replaced too])

 

[Jarrod]

K-Dawg apparently read my mind. When I was a teenager, I loved alpine. In my 20's, I learned that Kenwood had better sound and more power for a lower price. 3 months ago, I bought a basic(not bottom feeder) $129.99Kenwood and I am VERY impressed. 3 preouts and a REALISTIC 22w RMS per channel from the built in amp...

This $129 Kenwood head unit has MP3, Flip down removable face, 3 preouts, built in crossover(for all 3 channels- front rear and sub), separate subwoofer control...the list goes on...and all the features work.

But Alpine is good too...

What Kenwood model do you have?

 

[93rev2sev]

err...lemme look it up....Bought it on ebay...lesee...

KDCMP4032 is the name on the PDF Manual I downloaded.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kenwood-KDC-MP4...ryZ39751QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$98 + $6 shipping What a deal...

 

[kzoosho]

well i have a pioneer 6600mp hooked to the factory amps and sub but i have a kicker 8 in place of the tired 6.5 . i have no probs at all with the output .. its not the loudest but it is very clean and thats what i wanted.

 

[TwistedMunky]

how about trying out a 2004 stock mustang system. a friend of mine and also a SHO owner has about four and put one in his 91 sho and it rocks, plus it's still a stock system so no theives are interested

 

[hawkeye18]

I have a Pioneer DEH-P6800MP in my 94 and I must say it r0x teh s0x. Yes, it costs just over $200 total, not including the harness adapters, but the sound is nearly infinitely adjustable and it's LOUD. I run it with Pioneer 6x9s in the rear and Pioneer 6.5s in the front and 2 JL 10W1s in the trunk. I think it's about purrfect.

 

[firstgen89sho]

I'm running a Pioneer DEH-P8MP setup, with the stock dash tweeters, pioneer components in the door, stock rear speakers and 2 pioneer 12" subs and she pounds pretty damn good I definitly cannot complain.