I'm definitely giving the stock HU the boot. My dash kit has been ordered from Jamie Chou and will include a slot for my AudioControl THREE.1 line driver/EQ.

I would like to hear some thoughts on which HU/Changer combo to go with for replacement.

Alpine has a 6 disc mp3 changer and JVC has a 12 disc mp3 changer. I know the Alpine unit (CHA-S634) will read ID3 tags but I don't know if the JVC unit (CH-X1500) will. The JVC is actually quite a bit cheaper than the Alpine and yet holds 6 more discs. I'm guessing that much of this is due to the "Name Brand" factor. JVC has a better warranty as well.

Keep in mind, I'm not about name brands - I'm about performance. I've used many JVC products and none have ever let me down. I'm just not sure what I'd lose if I lost the ability to read the ID3 tags....please tell me the difference between CD text and ID3 tags. I want to be able to read the artist and song title from the HU for my mp3s.

Money isn't really an issue. BUT I don't want to spend more than is needed to fit my requirements. To me the HU is only a controller that will let me see what's playing and control it. My amps and EQ will do the rest.

As far as an HU goes, I do want to install an mp3 capable HU since you never know when you just want to pop in a mp3 disc and play it.

Let me give you a quick list of what I do and don't need (my requirements specification) from a receiver and maybe that will help you with suggestions.

Must have from HU:
1) mp3 capable CDR CDRW playback
2) controls a disc changer that is mp3 capable as well as CDR CDRW playback

Don't need from HU:
1) onboard amplification (I've got plenty!)
2) onboard equilization (I've got the AudioControl)
3) 4V preamp outs (The AudioControl is a line driver as well as an EQ) Actually, I only need one set of preamp outs since that is all that is required to input to the AudioControl THREE.1.
4) sensitive radio tuner (I NEVER listen to the radio)
5) XM radio ability (see number 4)
6) TV or video screens.
7) Remote control.

(Prices listed are based on current prices I can get these units for)

The available HUs I've seen as acceptable from JVC are the:

1) KD-SX980 ~ $230
2) KD-SH909 ~ $279
3) KD-LH2000 ~ $289

The available HUs I've seen as acceptable from Alpine are the:

1) CDA-9807 ~ $227
2) CDA-9811 ~ $268
3) CDA-7894 ~ $292
3) CDA-9813 ~ $318

Please keep in mind my requirements when responding. I need NO onboard amplification, equalization, or higher preamp voltage. All of that has been taken care of. I know this looks like a low budget system but why buy a HU that has features you won't use? Of course, YMMV.

I look forward to your opinions on this!!

As always, the installation process will be documented at:
http://www.cardomain.com/id/bozzchem

Thanks for your input!!!!

 

Where are you putting the AudioControl 3.1? It fits nice in the tray above the H/U. Bfor3 did it. Looks nice.
I like Pioneer Premier.I was like you until I tried XM. It changed my thinking about "radio." Also, if you do get a HU with remote you can use PESWIX. It will allow you to keep the steering wheel controls.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pi...020100,00.html

 

Yes, I saw Bfor3's install. It looked great!!!

However, I decided to do my dash with the DIN unit and the EQ within the same mounting space. I haven't tried XM yet so maybe I don't know what I'm missing. I rarely hear something I like on the radio so I'd like a big collection of mp3s at my disposal. That's probably why the JVC is looking so good right now. I could literally fit every CD I own onto 12 mp3 discs. Imagine having your entire library of music in your car!!!

I had a set of Pioneer Premier comps in my last car. No complaints whatsoever. They withstood the beating I gave them and never let me down. However, I wish to step up a grade in this car. It will be ID, Kicker, Focal, CDT, or something in that genre. I have a lot more money now than I did then and I'm looking to have a sound system to show it. It's not about showing off, it's about hearing awesome sound everytime I turn the system on. Like I said, I'm not about the name...I'm about the performance!!

Now you see why I'm asking what I am. I'm just curious concerning which route to take.

The biggest problem I see with car audio is that beauty is in the ear of the beholder. What may sound like bliss to you may sound like a cheese grater to me. That's life. I do know that there are certain brands you generally can't go wrong with....those I mentioned previously. Personally, I'd like a complete Image Dynamics speaker system. I think they are the best sounding speakers on the market. YMMV. That is only my opinion.

I'm going to keep looking for another set and will probably settle for the Kicker's if I can't find a good ID set. Either way, I know my system will sound incredible!!!!

Cheers!

bozzchem

 

BTW, I'm looking for HU/Changer opinions rather than amp/speaker opinions!

I do appreciate all feedback though!!!

 

That is what I am referring to. The Pioneer Premier headunits. Checkout the link and you will see

You might consider PG for the speakers. I could not be happier with them.

Here is my system just for info:
Steve's TL-S

 

:o :o :o :o :o

Sorry, I used to own Pioneer Premeir comps. I didn't know they did HUs too.

DAMN, what a car!! You must have some serious $$$$$ sunk into that baby!

The PGs are a bit rich for my blood. My god is that xover huge!