What Would I Gain With A New Headunit? (Examples)

I had initially thought there was no way I was replacing my stock HU. The look and functionality is fine...but I have had LOTS of people tell me how replacing the HU is a huge improvement...but nobody really said why.

Here are several I am considering (though Id certainly entertain other ideas. Budget <$200)...

:::Crutchfield Comparisons:::

I would only go for ones that include bluetooth, ipod, steering wheel controllable, and removable face. Of course I know those are all improvements over stock. Im wondering what audio-wise will improve. More volume? Clarity? Are you guys replacing your HU for more functionality or is it actually improving the quality of your audio?

Forgive my ignorance. Many thanks for any insight.

 

mine is the lowest factory HU

10 or 12 eq, more power( an assumption really), more types of media you can play(mp3 wma etc) , security/detachable. etc

I betting better audio would be more in the speakers, but the HU helps too. ITs in the power, harmonic distortion and amplifying quality.

I want a better system too, but just in replacing the speakers and HU, not going to make a big system.

 

I like the JVC or the Pioneer. Upgrading your head unit is definatly a huge improvement in sound, clarity, and volume. Keep in mind you will probably want to change your speakers as well, but it is not madatory, just another dramatic improvement over quality. Good luck in what ever you decide to do.

 

Aside from being able to filter your high pass and low pass to RCA for external amps to Bluetooth to iPod hookup to MP3 player to Aux...it is no different then your stock HU.

 

when driving on the freeway w/ the windows down i have to crank the volume all the way up to 40+. after installing an aftermarket HU i barely have to raise the volume to hear it now. i guess it sends more power to the speakers??? idk but it sounds much better.

 

I replaced the factory 6-disc changer with a Pioneer HU. Kept the stock speakers.

Just doing this upgrade made a huge improvement in sound quality and volume level.

 

this thread actually makes me think too. im not wanting a "system" but id like a little better sound than i have now. but i hate to take out a 6 disc cd player since i think that is better than an aftermarket HU. but if i can get better sound quality and control i might have to upgrade

 

interesting... I have thought about it too.. now I have the audio bug, totally due to this site. Anyway, i just put a new H"U on my old 1998 truck and there was a nice improvment to the sound. One thing I would wonder about is if you have a sub or not. If you have a sub and you take out the HU, I am not sure how it would be powered, so you may need to get an amp too.

 

An aftermarket HU GREATLY improves sound control, volume, and quality. If you have an ipod, many aftermarket headunits have ipod cables that you run from the back of the HU into your glove box. That way, you have all of your music at your finger tips and don't need CDs Just plug in your ipod, close the glove box, and control the music from the HU.

 

That's exactly how my Pioneer HU works. It's really nice. I don't even carry cd's in my truck any more.

You should be able to do a decent HU upgrade for about $250 (including the dash kit).

 

^^Or even cheaper. I know Pioneer makes a headunit that plays cds, radio, and ipod for $110. I think it's the 2100 model.

 

You may know this already, but you can hook up an Ipod/MP3 to some of the stock head units if you buy the adapter. I did it to mine (stock non JBL 6 disc) and it works well.

 

Yeah Im currently running it into the aux...but using the bottom out on the ipod takes away too much volume, and using the headphone jack distorts the eq too much since its thus amplified. I want a good usb hookup where I can leave it in the glovebox and control it from the HU.