Headunit Poll...Help Me Out!

Still trying to narrow down an HU choice (and still trying to decide if I should do tires first) and Im down to 3. Just curious what the local consensus would be. Ill be using it 90% of the time with an iPod Classic.

Even though the Eclipse isnt rated on Crutchfield, Im leaning that direction due to its features and looks. It seems to get great reviews on other forums as well.

Whatch'all Think?

Alpine CDA-105 v Alpine ida-x305 v Eclipse 5030 Crutchfield Comparison

 

I have friends who have alpine h/u's and they love them, I have no experience with Eclipse, but I swear by Pioneer's. I've had Pioneer headunits my whole life and no other h/u i've ever seen has as much eq control in the h/u as a pioneer. I would also strongly suggest getting anything from Crutchfield; there will be a $100 mark-up between Amazon and Crutchfield.

 

ALPINES FTMFW! just not sure which one to vote for lol

 

Have you checked JVC's? I talked to PD3 about them and that's all he would use in his vehicles, and he's been through many of headunits.

 

it depends on what you are wanting to do with the system. If you are going to be adding multiple amps i would go with the eclipse because of the high volt pre outs other wise i would do the CDA105. I love alpines and they are very user friendly.

 

You'll get the best sound with the eclipse

 

I really like it because I do need to be able to load CDs on occasion. I like the way the search works and it sounds really good with my full audio system. I can change the high pass filter to 80 Hz when I am hitting my speakers at 150 watts each. Or set it to 60 for a little more midbass at lower sound levels. I also like that I can easily turn my sub up and down with one push of the knob.
Plus the ipod controls are the fastest and easiest IMO. I looked at Pioneer and Kenwood also. So I can't say anything about other brands ipod control.

 

True that, they also hook up to our factory steering wheel controls with no adapters...

 

id say kenwood, but i got the touchscreen not one of those so w/e you like but between those probably the eclipse. i dont trust alpine anymore

 

I read people saying this, but Crutchfield couldnt confirm it for me so I swayed back to the Alpine. I ordered the CDA-105 but am still researching...

 

My sister has the first one in the picture. Doesn't seem very good.

 

get a pioneer.... end of discussion... mods can close this thread now

 

I did look at them. The only one worthwhile was the KD-A805 when it came to iPod use, steering wheel controls, etc. but I just dont like what JVC has done with the faces of their units. Like many others, it looks and feels cheap to me. Dunno...

I really liked the idea of the pioneers as they had the dual action ipod control where you can control it through the HU AND the iPod, which many headunits dont have for some reason, but when I hit the stores and checked out every single din Pioneer they all looked and felt CHEAP. Not to mention limited ability to change color. Sadly, it was somewhat important to me to be able to get away from a blue only HU...wanted some red-orange to help match the interior

 

pioneer is what ive relied on forever...do it...and i believe they do have some colors that will match your interior

 

The 2nd Alpine, I was about to get that one but it dosn't have a CD player

 

I have used high-end eclipse and alpine and disliked both of them. They were very good with customization although don't try doing it without the manual present. These were difficult to use and forget about the quick adjustment at a stop light--not going to happen. Neither one played as loudly or as crisp as the Pioneer.

I have a Pioneer premier p800. Love it. Easy to use, easy and extensive customization. 5v outputs, I could go on but why bother.

 

THat eclipse is as close to plug and play with our tucks as it gets. Not too mention you can add the BT controls to the steering wheel and tap into the wires on the eclipse to use the BT on the HU via the sterring wheel. (no voice on command however).

Plus, those Alpines are media players. No CD if that plays a part in your choice. Although, the idea of the 305 with an external HD with my ALL your music could be cool.

 

i can change my settings on my pioneer to match the colors in my rig

 

I can change the colors on my rig to look like my head unit!

 

Indeed, but you are running a DVD unit, not a single DIN.

Yeah buddy! Ive got some blue and red LEDs on the way for my gauge cluster. Going to do blue backgrounds with still the red dials etc. Should match that CDA-105 nicely!