It's new head unit time for me. I've been looking at these single din (because I have a 1.5 din dash) digital media receivers, because I have never used a CD in a car and I like the look of the faceplate without the cd slot. I've found a couple I liked on sonicelectronix.

One is a JVC. I currently have a JVC and have never had an issue with it. I think this one looks very nice. The things I like about this unit are the display, and the rear USB cable. I don't like having cables/flash drives sticking out the front of the faceplate.. it looks tacky. However, I don't like how it only has two pre-amp outputs. I want to be able to run two amps, one for subs and one for my door and deck speakers. If I got this unit, I would probably get an equalizer like the one posted below. It will give me the outputs I need, plus the best part I think is that it will fill the 1.5 din opening in my dash (single din HU + 1/2 din Equalizer). I also like the dedicated subwoofer level **** on it, and I would definitely use it a lot.

It seems very affordable at around $100 on ebay.

Head unit:

JVC KD-X50BT (KDX50BT) Car Stereo Receiver w/ Built-In Bluetooth

Equalizer:

Clarion EQS746 7-Band Rotary Equalizer/EQ (EQS-746)


The next one definitely caught my eye, yet I don't like the price! It's a Kenwood, and it's loaded. It's got an amazing display and a ton of options. The things I like about this unit are the display, the output options, the input options (rear view camera), etc options, and the rear USB cable. The thing I don't like about it is all the extra Ipod interface option crap that I won't use because I don't have an ipod. This is an awesome head unit, but I think I would under use it. Is it worth the $240?

Kenwood KIV-701 (KIV701) iPod/iPhone Digital Media Receiver

What do you guys think of these units? Please recommend some other ones! I would appreciate any conversation

 

I just noticed on crutchfield's site under installation info, that these units will protrude from the dash by 1". That would look terrible!




Wait.. even the model I have now says it will protrude an inch.. which it doesnt ..

 

#1. Clarion
#2. Kenwood
#3. JVC

My thoughts, if those are your options ...

 

Open to anything really.. I just threw a couple up there that I liked scrolling through sonic's page.

 

I just bit the bullet on the Kenwood. I can't wait till it gets here!

 

looking on the sonic site i could have saved considerable money instead of $450 like i spent i could have spent only $376, dangit

 

Dangit Keane.. you coulda spent that extra money on a head unit jk!

Crutchfield is a great site. Has tons of info.. but that's all it's good for IMO. I always research on Crutchfield and then go buy on sonic

 

Im noticing that, the sub was $80 cheaper on sonic...

 

I just found the Kenwood KIV-701 for $218.40.

KENWOOD KIV-701 IN DASH DIGITAL MEDIA iPod & Pandora (019048194497) | eBay

 

That is the exact one I got