Can a Valor DTS-603W replace my clarion dxz745mp?

[hskrsolara]

Alright, so I make a lot of long trips in my solara and would like to upgrade to a double din dvd receiver. No, I do not need navigation as I already have it on my computer, which I can integrate into the Valor hu...

Crutchfield has the Valor DTS-603W for sale right now at $449, free shipping, free ipod cable. Sounds like a great deal.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-2HGdqnDwu7 ... 077DTS603W

I currently have a Clarion DXZ745MP hu that has been awesome for the last 3 years and I have had great luck with it. Looks like the clarion has a little better audio controls and output voltage, plus the color controls are nice too.

http://www.epinions.com/pr-Clarion_DXZ7 ... _CD_Player

My question: is the valor any good? anyone have any experience with the brand? is the pricing too good to be true? How much audio quality will I lose or is there anything I can do to prevent this? I would like to avoid integrating an external equalizer if I can.

I searched for reviews on valor's new models and didnt have much luck. thanks guys.

Come on you audio gurus, I know you still lurk around here...

[hskrsolara]

Another question, does anyone know how difficult it is to override the e-brake on a valor? Anyone tried it before?

EDIT: man, has everyone disappeared on here? Well, I may be able to get a hell of a deal on a Clarion VRX 765VD hu and am giving that some serious thought. Anyone use that hu?

http://cbsnews.com.com/car-video/clario ... ml?tag=sub

Only catch with the Clarion is that it is a single din, flip up...not so sure about that.

Help me out guys. thanks.

[hskrsolara]

wow, 50 views and no votes...come on guys, someone has some input dont they?

[bassthrive]

i have the clarion proaudio dxz745mp and wouldnt give it up.

imo, having any screen (double din or motorized single) seems lke a waste if you dont use it for sat nav.

many touchscreens are harder to control by feel.

you said you make a lot of long trips - how does that impact your h/u choice? are you ever going to watch dvd's in your car? how (un)safe is that? sorry, i have no input on valor as a manufacturer.

[hskrsolara]

^^yeah, 7.5 hour drive home and my wife watches the movies on her little laptop, but that thing gets in the way and is pretty annoying, trying to shuffle it around, charging, etc. don't try to tell me that nobody overrides the e-brake safety on these dvd units...

I also want to get a hu with ipod integration, which with the clarion seems very easy to use and its a reputable brand.

I already have navigation, which I dont use very often, on my laptop. For the little time that I use navigation, I dont feel spending $900+ is really worth it.

As far as I know, the CeNet controls on the 745mp are not able to control the ipod, so this whole time I have just used the auxillary input via monster cable to link my ipod. I would really like to have full integration, which the valor and clarion dvd units can do.