hey guys, i know several head unit questions have been asked, but i think this might be slightly unique.

i dont want a head unit to look too out of place. id like it to at least match the black plastic / oak trim inside my runner. i was going through crutchfield.com and found this clairon:

clarion head unit

is this a good unit? anyone know anything about it? ive seen some clarions before.. some bad, some great, but im a really bad judge.

if i dont get this, ill go with:

this expen$ive alpine

 

My vote is for the Alipine. The Clairon looks boring and basic. It isn't even Sirius ready.

 

Go for the Alpine.

 

another vote for Alpine

 

damn! you guys are predictably right.

 

While I too vote for the Alpine, I have seen that exact same unit at my local Mom & Pop Alpine dealer for $169. Now you will have room to put a CB in your other DIN slot.

 

I agree with others when they say go with alpine. definately the best for the money by far. i have yet to have a single problem with alpine products.

 

Don't forget a Amplifier...Without it.no better sound...Link.

 

I would get this Alpine for just a few more $ than at Crutch(overpriced)Field. Way more features and the illumination is green and the the trim is black. I have this HU...you will not be dissapointed!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=18798

 

sweet, thanks.

what kind of amps do you all have?

dont worry, crutchfield was a reference, not the place im gonna buy from.

 

i have the Alpine 1507 amp which is 1500 watts. they do not make this model anymore though which is quite a bummer. it is one of the best amps i have come across yet. since it has so much power i had to run 4 gauge power wire which was an absolute pain. but it was well worth it. sounds extremely good with the 15's in the back.

 

Of the two, the alpine is the way to go. As for it looking stock, I used to have a Kenwood Xcelon deck and it fit flush into the dash as the stock units do, my pioneer deck sticks out. I'm pretty sure the alpines stick out also, but i'm sure someone with one would know more than me.

 

Not to hijack the thread, but 4runninstyle, don't you think you need higher gauge power cable than that? I have 4 ga for my little Fosgate amp. Im not an audio expert, and seeing how you have JL products, you must be an audio nut so I'm probly wrong. I cannot even imagine having 2 JL 15s. Wow.

me--> :cry: I wish i could afford JL products!

 

Go with the Alpine, I went with the CDM-9801 and it's a great unit, but I might upgrade to the CDM-9803 which has XM capability for the future. Have to check with Circuit City for their upgrade policy.

 

I say go with Pioneer




It doesnt look out of place

 

I run just a single Kicker KX600.1. Its just used for a 12" Image Dynamics sub.

 

Look at the Alpine CDA-9813. The green buttons and illumination look completely at home in my 2002 4R. I also love my Infinity Reference Series speakers and BassLink Sub. My 20 year old son even said my ride is totally bumping. :rockband:

 

thanks, manymods and all.

i dont need the most powerful amp in the world -- im gonna change out the front speakers and head unit then not touch that for a while.. that should suffice till i mod the tweeters and rear speakers. i definitely wont get a sub. any other suggestions are appreciated!

looks like alpine is the way to go. now all i need to do is pay for it :cry:

 

Sorry, but you are all wrong. The correct answer is Nakamichi.

Seriously though, the Nak decks are so simple looking, but they are very highly regarded in the world of audiophiles out there. I think they only make one head unit right now, but you can find one of their older models that will do the job very nicely on ebay or somewhere else. The 35z, 40z, and 45z come to mind.

www.nakamichi.com

 

Nakamichi is the best choice for sound quality but that would mean changing out all the speakers to keep up....I know they also make factory units for Lexus vehicles but my vote goes to ALPINE!