Head Unit

[Solara916]

Alright, I've decided to finally buy a new head unit for my 00' Solara. I've come to the conclusion that I am no longer going to use cd's and just going to rely on my ipod.

I don't really know anything about car audio, or cars in general, so any help you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated.

I've been looking at all brands, but been paying special attention to Panasonic, Pioneer, Eclipse, JVC, and Kenwood. I'm not looking to spend more than $200, just because I am not looking for it to do anything special but play music from my ipod. My main concern is quality. I want the sound to be clear and crisp. I already have an RF amp and 2 10" subs, so I want something that delivers nice bass as well. I am also going to purchase the ipod adapter that most places offer for like $50.

SO ya...any feed back on what head units i should really look at, and which head units i should avoid.

[SolaraPete]

Kenwood, Pioneer, Eclipse, and Alpine all make good headunits - Alot of the decision comes down to which one is the easiest for you to use. Spend a little time before you buy and scroll through the menus and see which is set up more to your liking. The ipod interface is a good choice - way more convenient to control it thru the radio itself than trying to locate the ipod while switching lanes.

[hskrsolara]

Take a look at the Clarion lineup...you won't be dissapointed.

[Solara916]

Best Buy and Circuit City don't carry Clarion. Where do you guys suggest I look?

[Solara916]

By the way, does anyone have any experience with the Panasonic line? So far that's my favorite design, although from past experience, I have found that I am very fond of the Clarion line, but the only issue with that is I don't know where to look for Clarion head units.

[hskrsolara]

crutchfield.com.

Reliable and good prices. Awesome support as well.

[Solara916]

HAHA, I don't think I'm brave enough to install the unit myself. Any other suggestions?

[cklinh]

^^^Find what you like, order online, and take it to an installer... (but check prices first for BYOB... Bring Your Own... Beat?)

[Solara916]

I didn't know you could do that. Where in NorCal r u bro?

[hskrsolara]

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-ddChgNLWFc ... =020DXZ465

This would be a good setup for under $200. $50 off right now plus it has iPod controls as well.

Damn good buy for $150.

[Solara916]

I'm talking to a Crutchfield representative right now, and he's pushing an Alpine that allows connection to an iPod through a simple cable instead of having to buy another unit that allows control through the head unit. Does anyone have this set up?