Between Two Headunits

[Assyrian]

which of these two would you choose?

Premier DEHP8MP:



"New Deep Blue Dot-Matrix Organic EL display screen, with matching all-blue key illumination. The OEL screen features a 152x32 pixel resolution, great for displaying the included eye-catching movies, animations and pictures. Playback your favorite MP3, WMA or WAV files on the built-in CD player. This new mechanism is lightning-fast, for quick track-to-track transitions. Check out the file and folder names, or the ID3 tag info, on the bright blue Organic EL Display. The revolutionary Rotary Commander makes finding your favorite tunes easy! Hit the List button then Spin the rotary dial to scroll through all your MP3 files and folders, then punch the dial to select a song to play."


OR


Panasonic CQ-C9701U



70 watts x 4 peak power: The internal digital amplifier pumps out plenty of power to your speakers for great sound.

Multi-format playback: Play the CDs you burned at home while you're on the go.

SQ9 (9-Band Sound Quality): Adjust the level in each of nine frequency bands to achieve the perfect blend of sound.

XM™ radio-ready: Connect a satellite radio tuner so you can enjoy over 130 digital-quality channels.

CD changer controls: Built-in changer controls let you control an external CD changer from the in-dash player.

HD 3D dot matrix display: Give your dash a facelift with this cool high-definition display. It features 10 still images and five motion patterns, including a Formula 1 race car in action and a scenic cityscape called Metropolis. You can even upload your own images.

Detachable faceplate: Remove the faceplate for added security when you leave your vehicle.

Remote control: The slim, wireless remote lets you control the CD player without having to take your hands off the wheel.



I like the idea of the 9 band equalizer of the Panasonic... but I've owned two premiers, and they have been super reliable and always sounded beautiful. What would you recommend?

Any other brands worth trying? Don't say Alpine... they sound great... but look like they were made in the 80's.

[Jon11582]

Ive had two panasonics.
My first was a 50wx4 with the matrix display. No issues with that one, but I sold it and updated to a motorized model about a year ago with a 60w x 4 internal amp and a 7 way EQ, and LPF, HPF and the ability to low pass the rear speakers.

My fav thing about this is the low pass to the rear speakers. (I forget what its called). As I dont have subs in my trunk, they basically tunes the rear speakers to act like subs, running the low pass filter on it, and turning any sub controls in the HU to affect the rear speakers instead.

Ive gotten many compliments on my bass, sounding like I have a box in the trunk. I have stock JBL 6x9s back there.

If you acutally have subs, this wont be important to you. If you don't, its a killer feature IMO. Also, the Panasonic's display is just amazing for a simple single din headunit without a rediculous pricetag.

I have no qualms about the pioneer either. If youve been with Pioneer in the past, it would probably make sense to stick with them.

[Assyrian]

Thanks for the awesome reply.

I was actually thinking about giving my subwoofer enclosure to my fiance because she listens to a lot of electronic music... I listen to a lot of hard rock, so I really don't put the subs to good use.

The panasonic might be the right choice for me then, because it'll also make the lady happy. Thanks for the great input!

Anyone else have thoughts on these headunits that they'd like to help me out with?

[SolaraBlue]

i'd go with the pioneer myself

[cam2Xrunner]

Pioneer, but not that particular model, get the DEHP860MP Premier version. That's a good headunit.

[RichD978]

pioneer

[solaraN8]

im a panasonic person myself, i have had 2 and have never had a single problem with them. i currently have the 9700u and it is amazing, awesome sound quality.

[cRaCkeD oUt]

pioneer all the way!

[dvdchris45]

I almost got the Pioneer unit....I say go for the Pioneer

[juicedsolara]

the pioneer has that same function as the panasonic, I also forget what the heck it is called though. I would recommend the pioneer, I've seen too many issues with the panasonics all though they are still good radios.

honestly I would suggest an alpine, best sq and adjustability on the market. Isn't going to be the most user friendly but once you figure it out, your stereo will perform like a champ.

[JAYDEE23]

x2 for alpine..just cant live with out the adjustability options..i tried running a couple pioneers and the 3 position 2 way xover is a bit restricting not to mention you cant change the slope or have a 3 way option either..so alpine gets my vote

prolly go with panasonic next cuz i was never satisfied with pioneers adjustability unless you get a 900 series..

[cam2Xrunner]

x2 for alpine..just cant live with out the adjustability options..i tried running a couple pioneers and the 3 position 2 way xover is a bit restricting not to mention you cant change the slope or have a 3 way option either..so alpine gets my vote

prolly go with panasonic next cuz i was never satisfied with pioneers adjustability unless you get a 900 series..

You must not have been using the DEHP860MP

[Assyrian]

It looks like Pioneer/Premier is the way to go then. Thanks for all of the input everyone, it is greatly appreciated.

It seems as if the Panasonic units have more issues than the Premier units (not including regular Pioneer units).

Again, thanks everyone.

[viper1400]

My buddy has the DEHP860MP. I heard his and compared to my old Apline CDA-9807 I thought it sounded really muddy. He really likes his sound, but I like my sound to be a little bit bright and crisp. Now with my Alpline CDA-9855, everything just came into line. The highs are sharp, the mids are full, and the bass coming from the stock JBLs are great. x3 for Alpine.

[briandayton]

i had the pioneer and loved it. the best thing is the sound quality. it has an eleven band EQ and out of the box it souned ten times better than my alpine. Iam not even a big pioneer fan but this radio speaks for itself. and i Hate poopasonic.