Hello. My head unit won't eject CDs anymore, so I've switched it out for a 200W Dual I had lying around. Since then, I've put the stock on my dining room table, and it hasn't been opened for inspection/repair. If I can get it to eject CDs again, I am thinking of selling it on these forums because it'* still good.

However, I'd like to buy a 50W RMS × 4 Kicker amp for my Infinity speakers, and I was thinking that the stock might do just as well, especially since the Dual doesn't play MP3 CDs as promised. Then again, I could get a much better head unit from Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, or so. Which do you think would be better?

Front: 2 × 5.25" Infinity Kappa http://www.infinitysystems.com/car/p...=US&Region=USA

Rear: 2 × 6×9" Infinity Reference
http://www.infinitysystems.com/car/p...=US&Region=USA

I work at Fry'* Electronics, and the speakers were $170 for all four, taxes included, because of the employee discount. It'* awesome.

What are you looking for, Feature wise? All those brands are good quality items.

Figure out what features are important and narrow it down. Are you looking to add a sub(*). If not thats cool too. I think a 4 channel amp is a good idea.

Whatever brand of head unit you go with, I would definitely lose the dual unit you are using now. You will be happier with any of the brands you have listed.

Look around and learn the products.

Tim

I was recently at an Ovation and looked around at head units. I've found some Alpines and Eclipses that I like. However, I could only hear one Eclipse playing over JL speakers. The sound was absolutely awesome. I saw on Alpine'* website that they have iPod connections. That'* unfortunate because I have a Creative Labs Nomad MP3 player, and the sound quality is much better.

Some of the head units I like:
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...model=CDE-9852
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...model=CDE-9846
I can't find the Eclipse anywhere, but it matches my dash, and the sound is great.

What do you think?

Either would be a good choice, but, for my money I would spend the extra 20 bones and get the better unit. That is just my opinion though. Get the one you like and suits your needs best.

Happy Hunting

Tim

At a local Ovation, the cheaper is $150, but the volume control **** is the power button when pushed. I don't actually like that, and I prefer the more expensive one'* "external" power button while the volume **** can be pushed in to be put out of the way. That'* the only difference I could find between the two head units upon quick inspection.

Shop around. You may try Crutchfield, Car Stereo Warehouse, Best Buy,etc...

Look em over know what you are buying.


Good luck

Tim

I went to Ovation and asked a salesman about specifications on head units like wattage, various Hz ratings, and so on, and he didn't know, but it'* cool how he professionally tried not to let me know that he didn't have a clue. Instead, he recommended that Ovation could install everything, and he told me that I probably didn't know and needed to go to the manufacturers' websites to find out everything, and then I could just walk into the store to pick up the one I wanted. That'* really awesome. He doesn't need to know anything.

That'* funny. I like the sarcasm. I have had similiar experiences. That is why I started doin my own work. I don't know a lot but I know a little, and I apply it as best I can. I am much happier with the results.


Good luck


Tim