[quote="toastedoats"]To reduce internal heat and keep the signal clean as possible. Thats why the top shelf in car audio are all dead heads.

does the internal amplifier of a head unit function differently than a regular amplifier? Why would it create heat if the internal amplifier of the headunit isn't being used?

Blackice I never said that toastedoats did, and as far as deck amp, I have it shut off because I'm running my speaker thru my high freq. on my amp so I don't need the decks amp, and running my subs off of my low freq.

As an apline owner, Eclipse does have some nicer components inside, and on some specs they are better. But the Alpines have many more features, the best iPod controls IMO, and are still good SQish decks.

When going from my old RF > Alpine it was better in EVERY aspect. I prefer my Alpine to the various pioneers i've installed for friends, had in my own vehicles, or used frequently.

For most people there is much more SQ to be gained through a quality install, and drivers. Solid-state head units and amplifiers are essentially the same output watt for watt before sound shaping and equalizing. It boils down to actual specs (not published ones)

The internal-IC shut-off feature is a good one IMO. Car electrical systems are horrible for noise unless you run some expensive power conditioners (which no one here has ) and top notch equipment.

That Nak sounds like fun though.

I have had a lot of head units over the years, but nothing has impressed me like my Eclipse. Ok, ergonomically, it does have some issues. Not the most intuitive unit to operate, but it does seem that Eclipse put the money where it matters: SOUND! The thing sounds amazing! Just gotta get my steering wheel controls hooked up through it, and I will be good to go.