Grand Moff Joseph Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 A couple of days ago, the amp in my Alpine headunit popped, cutting off all audio output. So, I now have to upgrade my stereo sooner than I thought I would, and I need some advice from y'all. My wishlist upgrade includes: 1. New speakers 2. New headunit 3. Small amp 1. As for the speakers, I'd like to get higher grade Pioneer speakers. I currently have basic Pioneers off the Walmart shelf, and have been very happy with their performance. But, any other ideas would be appreciated. 2. For the headunit, I'd like to get another Alpine, as my old one was very good until it died. However, I have fallen in love with this Pioneer unit: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069882_291094587,00.html Anyone else own one of these, or any Pioneer unit? How has your experience been? 3. As for the amp, I really have no clue what I need. All I know is, I want a small amp to boost the sound level, but I don't want to waste money and trunk space on subs. Any information on how to shop for an amp would be good to have. *If you read this far, thanks! -Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiscoStudd Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 Pioneers own all. I've owned a few Pio's, and by far they've been the most "reliable" brand of HU that I've came across (never owned an Alpine or Kenwood, so I can't comment, but the Sonys, JVC's, Clarions, Jensens, etc. can't hold a candle to Pioneer.) I have 2004's DEH-P7600 in both my Impala and Regal (yeah, the same model in both cars) and after 2 years, I have nothing "bad" to report so far. The Organic EL display is worth the price of admission by itself, and the extra features thrown in make it one hell of good deal. It'll take you several hours to go through all of the "customization" features to get it set up and sounding just right, but it's well worth the extra effort. Pioneer really goes the extra mile to get the best sound out of its higher end units and it shows. So I say you should buy the Pioneer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THe_DeTAiL3R Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 Keep Kenwood in mind. My headunit is about 4 years old now, and my amps haven't had any issues at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevegasm Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 I've always had Pioneer head units, and they are most definately worth it. I also have the DEH-P7600 in the camaro, the organic EL display is awesome That P680MP looks nice too, especially since you can control your iPod through the head unit and everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
97loudcut Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 I have Pioneer door seakers, tweeters, 6x9's, and HU and I love them. it has been proven many times that Pioneer makes the best HU. Thats your best bet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94CutlassSLCoupe Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 my sister has a DEH-5 or DEH-6 pioneer head unit in her cutlass (made in 1996!!!) and its still working great. I've run pioneers in all my stuff and i love them. I have all the cheap models and they sound good (mine is 50x4 MOSFET despite being the $100 model) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 Ive had the cheapest model Pioneer and now I have a more 'top of the line' ( although this model was last yrs and they now have a new line ) and they both have sounded great! Id stay go with Pioneer, youll be happy you did. To match up speakers with an amp that will power them good, sound good, and have everything you want, will involve a little research. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1138 Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 Pioneer x6 here too. They're great, I've yet to find a better budget HU. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 Pioneer x6 here too. They're great, I've yet to find a better budget HU. You wont anymore, especially how now on their new line, every single on of their HU have 5v preouts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1138 Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 Pioneer x6 here too. They're great, I've yet to find a better budget HU. You wont anymore, especially how now on their new line, every single on of their HU have 5v preouts! Once they have builtin RCA Aux inputs, I'll worship Pioneer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 Pioneer x6 here too. They're great, I've yet to find a better budget HU. You wont anymore, especially how now on their new line, every single on of their HU have 5v preouts! Once they have builtin RCA Aux inputs, I'll worship Pioneer. AHhhh but they do!!!! For example heres the new HU I wanna get: DEH-980BT Built-in Auxiliary InputThe DEH-P980BT features a new built-in AUX input, which can be easily connected with a wide range of external devices, such as digital audio players. Simply connect a mini-jack cable to the connector on the front of the unit. Heres more info on their Premier CD players: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/album/compare/0,,2076_310069882,00.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94CutlassSLCoupe Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 Pioneer x6 here too. They're great, I've yet to find a better budget HU. You wont anymore, especially how now on their new line, every single on of their HU have 5v preouts! Once they have builtin RCA Aux inputs, I'll worship Pioneer. they make a chord that goes in the bus plug for the CD changer controller..you can get that easily on Ebay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1138 Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 Pioneer x6 here too. They're great, I've yet to find a better budget HU. You wont anymore, especially how now on their new line, every single on of their HU have 5v preouts! Once they have builtin RCA Aux inputs, I'll worship Pioneer. they make a chord that goes in the bus plug for the CD changer controller..you can get that easily on Ebay I've got one of those. I just wish it had RCA's so I didn't have to spend $40 in the first place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THe_DeTAiL3R Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 Oh yeah... FWIW I bought my fiance a Pioneer HU (DEH-2700) for her car, cause it's hard to find anything better for under $100. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 1. Pioneer HU's all the way(Alpine's are good too, Kenwood are iffy IMO) 2. Pioneer speeks are pretty good bang for the buck 3. Elemental Design Nine.4(4 way amp) $235 Its got 3x the RMS output of the HU at 4 ohms, and nearly 5x the output at 2 ohms. I will be buying this amp shortly. http://edesignaudio.com/category.php?type=amps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GnatGoSplat Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 Don't know about your other Q's, but I have that exact HU in the 94 Cutlass. It's an excellent HU, you won't be disappointed. I replaced a 7600 with the 680 mainly to get the enhanced iPod interface, but the 7600 was a really good HU too. Since you are not adding subs, I personally don't see much need for an amp. The built-in amp is adequate for driving speakers in the stock locations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19Cutlass94 Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 1. Pioneer HU's all the way(Alpine's are good too, Kenwood are iffy IMO) 2. Pioneer speeks are pretty good bang for the buck 3. Elemental Design Nine.4(4 way amp) $235 Its got 3x the RMS output of the HU at 4 ohms, and nearly 5x the output at 2 ohms. I will be buying this amp shortly. http://edesignaudio.com/category.php?type=amps That amp kicks ass! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrett Powered Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 I went and looked into some alpine stuff yesterday and looks like they got the most dynamic sounds available to date. their new amps promise to be crystal clear and the one I am getting has no rca's. Its a 5 channel theater amp 60watt x 5 with fiber optic signal from the HU. they advertise a dvd freq. response down to 5 hz. also..they are the only company I have seen that has offered a DVD changer yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter_0029 Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 I'm with Shaun. I also have the same HU you want. The only complaint I have is it's bright as hell at night. Love the 7 band EQ. You won't be disappointed with it. I got mine off ebay for around $200. As For speakers I have 5 1/4 M Class Memphis Componants in my Doors They are the best I've ever heard. I also got the Pioneer Wal*Mart Specials in the rear. (Just because they're the only place open at Midnight) And I have RF Punch 12" Subs and a 600 watt RF Amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevyguyss18 Posted July 4, 2006 Report Share Posted July 4, 2006 I stand behind Pioneer 100%. Specializing in custom car audio work and installations, and being in sales for years, i've been around and Pioneer is by far the fewest complaints. Personal experience, owning pioneer products, has been excellent. I currently have Pioneer 6x9's and a pioneer indash which i am trying to sell to get the latest model. (anyones interested, let me know). Amplifiers, theres a list of good ones, personally i like directed, as said before i've been around quite a few amps, installed quite a few systems, but nothings held up like a directed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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