Hey folks, I'm wanting to get a new head unit. I currently have an older alpine with 4x40 watts...but it's old...it doesn't play MP3 CD's, doesn't have an aux port, nor a usb port. I would like to get a new unit that plays MP3 CDs, has an auxiliary port (prefer front) and a USB port (really prefer front!) I could probably do without an auxiliary port, but not without a USB port. A remote control is a plus too, I wanna say must have but if there are any new units this good without one, then that is okay. I also am in a bind of either to get new door speakers, and not do back sidepanel speakers, or leave the door speakers alone, and get some sidepanel speakers. I eventually want 1 or 2 subs in the very back, (RamCharger), but I would get my own amp for that purpose...but I need a head unit that allows me to have 2 amps... 1 in rear, and one for the side speakers.
If you would like to give your additional input on the side speakers...please do. Like I said, I don't know rather to just get really nice door speakers 2, or nice backseat side speakers 2.
All in all, for the price and budget, I'd like the head unit to be GOOD quality, but reasonable price. Nothing over...let's say $150.00. I will probably e-bay the unit, and hope to save a few bucks...so maybe max $200.00 if you see it possible to get it for around $140.00 or so. Also - I would like this unit to be easy to read in the day time (thus no dimness, or color changing units...my brother has a Clarion, that changes colors, but is a .... to read in the daylight).
Please note, just because my unit is old doesn't make me want a new one...I know it's a good unit, but it just doesn't have the options I want, and it's not going to grow them either. Thanks in advanced
It appears the stock price is $210.00 on e-bay, or about 20 bucks cheaper for a used one, or non buy it now. Thats... A LOT of money to me, for just a head, with only 18 RMS, BUT...if this is perfect for what I am wanting, maybe so? In addition to that head unit, does it allow me to have 2 amps, maybe tell me what allows this so I don't have to ask...hahah. I still want more options for head units, and opinions on side speakers in the back...yes or no, or just upgrade door speakers. (2 door)
im willing to bet the 4 x 40 watts your speaking of is PEAK/MAX watts.
the 18 RMS is actual wattage, with the peak/max being around 50, but that is neither here nor there.
Also, if it's an Alpine unit, it will not play an iPod from the front USB slot. All of Alpine's HU's must be wired up through the back. Only other mp3 players and flashdrives can be used through the front USB slot.
What model HU are you running now? If $200 if a lot for a HU, then you might want to consider waiting and buying the speakers now and upgrading the HU later, or vice versa; buy the HU now and wait and save up again to buy some door speakers.
Also, nearly any HU under the sun nowadays will play MP3/WMA/AAC files burned onto a disc. So that base is already covered.
You will not find a unit that does much more than 16-22w RMS without spending some serious coin, and even then, your money would be more well spent on an external amplifier if you are really concerned with how much power the speakers are getting.
Also, you should look for a HU that has 6-channel preouts (or 3 pairs of pre-outs: 1 front/1 rear/ 1 sub)
This will help you to find the deck you are looking for, b/c if you research the deck you want once you know what to look for, odds are you will be much happier than settling for something we tell you to get and having to worry about how much it costs. Teach a man to fish logic. lol