Looking to pick up a new headunit. Need some schooling.

[Ian01]

Planning on upgrading from my Sony HU and trying something new; it's one of the CDX series that changes colors etc at the 120-140 price range (forget model name).

I'm here to ask what is a good entry level audiophile oriented headunit between the prices of 100 and 300 dollars. After reading around I've noticed that a lot of you guys are Alpine, Kenwood, and Pioneer users so I wanna gather some input, see why you guys use what you do. I've read one of the clipping threads and Pioneer seems like a badass win-win route.

iPod Classic so USB is a must. Have every speaker amp'd. Single din only.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[89capricebass]

Kenwood makes badass HU's. From what I've seen you tend to get more clean signal outta them compared to other manufactures. What do you need your HU to do? Like bluetooth, pandora, ipod compatibility... anything like that or just a basic deck?

[reelfish92]

I bought a brandnew Pioneer DEH-80PRS for under $300 new in the box. Here's the phone number of the place, they might ship. His price is $297 on them, best headunit for the money imo!

Here's the ad (mention it for the price) : http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/eld/3459358055.html

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/CD-Receivers/DEH-80PRS

[Ian01]

Kenwood makes badass HU's. From what I've seen you tend to get more clean signal outta them compared to other manufactures. What do you need your HU to do? Like bluetooth, pandora, ipod compatibility... anything like that or just a basic deck?

Kenwood has always been good in my book.. bluetooth would be nice, iPod is a must (classic/iphone), and I'm up in the air about Pandora. I'm kinda tech savvy so features usually get me looking more.. clean signal is key here, though

[Ian01]

I bought a brandnew Pioneer DEH-80PRS for under $300 new in the box. Here's the phone number of the place, they might ship. His price is $297 on them, best headunit for the money imo!

Here's the ad (mention it for the price) : http://tampa.craigsl...3459358055.html

http://www.pioneerel...ivers/DEH-80PRS

I have heard about that unit on here a lot haha, it's definitely on my list. Think it was clean through out the whole volume range iirc.

[HatersGonnaHate]

I've got the Kenwood Excelon x896. iPod compatible, android compatible, bluetooth, usb, pandora, hd radio, cd, 3 sets of rca outs. Best bang for the buck in my opinion. Have had no issues at all with it. Bought it brand new for about $150.

[HatersGonnaHate]

And it's clip free all the way up to full volume

[reelfish92]

I bought a brandnew Pioneer DEH-80PRS for under $300 new in the box. Here's the phone number of the place, they might ship. His price is $297 on them, best headunit for the money imo!

Here's the ad (mention it for the price) : http://tampa.craigsl...3459358055.html

http://www.pioneerel...ivers/DEH-80PRS

I have heard about that unit on here a lot haha, it's definitely on my list. Think it was clean through out the whole volume range iirc.

Yep, I can play at 62 (max) no distortion!!! Its amazing, 3 5v pre outs, blue tooth, ipod, pandora and sound quality is amazing.

[89capricebass]

Well here are 3 different Kenwoods. From budget to expensive.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KDCX395/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X395.html?tp=5684 $99. I have this one and it's a great deck. Havent put a dd-1 on it to test the signal but i would imagine its god up to 32/33 out of 35

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KDCX496/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X496.html?tp=5684

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KDCX996/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X996.html?tp=5684

[Ian01]

I've got the Kenwood Excelon x896. iPod compatible, android compatible, bluetooth, usb, pandora, hd radio, cd, 3 sets of rca outs. Best bang for the buck in my opinion. Have had no issues at all with it. Bought it brand new for about $150.

Just checked it out, looks pretty sick actually.. but where did you pick it up for 150??