Head Unit Recomendation

[Tommy]

So while trying to directly connect my XM radio to my head unit, i discovered what i thought i could use as a AUX input really is only a CD changer input and no one sells an adapter for it...damn those bastards at panasonic.

anyway, i thought it was time for an upgrade anyway so here's what im looking for.

3 Pre-outs of at least 3v
Aux input
Dont care about wattage, as i have external amps
Nothing flashy, dont want cheesey animations
Reads MP3 CD's
Would prefer to avoid Pioneer, as i really dont like their newer units
Single DIN
$200ish price range on ebay, dont care if its used.

I really like the controls on my panasonic, and want to keep the thing simple to operate, but still sound good and have good control over my speakers.

[cam2Xrunner]

If you could spend around 300-350 you can get a brand new Eclipse 8053

For 200 or so, I'd look for a used alpine 9830 or better.

[DMDrew812]

I am personally quite pleased with my Alpine 9847. sub/font/rear 4v pre-outs, mp3/wma, changer expansion (can be changed into RCA-in or mini headphone-jack in) and sleek design. Also sattelite radio ready.
Ebay buy-it-now offers for 155 159 and 164
Also for 150, from the guy I bought mine from (hes throwing in a remote you would have to buy extra.. i didnt get that deal) but he gets mixed feedback
However, if you are going for as sweet action as possible, I will probably be disagreed with.

[klaymen333]

eclipse makes a badass 5v preamp, mp3 capable that is last years model im sure you could get for cheap (i think they look hot)

you can do a hat dance on a cd, pick it up, put it in an eclipse and it would play...and sound damn good at that.

eclipse spends their money on making it sound good, not so it will have dolphins swimmin in the ocean....dolphins are gay

[eddiem67]

I have a brand new 8053 for 340 shipped, 3 8V preouts, parametric eq, built in crossover with 6-24 db slopes, ESN security. Drop me an email if your interested.

[DMDrew812]

Originally Posted by klaymen333

...dolphins swimmin in the ocean....dolphins are gay

Animations on head units confuse me. Unless they react to the music like visualizations (like in windows media player or winamp) all they do is distract. Booring! and repetitive!
...and yes, in the example of the dolphins GAY!

[userlain]

Pioneer Premier DEH-P770MP goes for $200+shipping on eBay brand new

[DrtySthV6SE]

good deck, a buddy of mine just bought one

[Meperezs]

Alpine HU's

[userlain]

Originally Posted by Meperezs

Alpine HU's

if you like 16bit DACs

[cam2Xrunner]

Originally Posted by userlain

if you like 16bit DACs

Iirc they use 1Bit Dac's

[Tommy]

How important is signal to noise ratio?

my panasonic has 96db, i see that most pioneers run about 94db and the alpines run 105db. I think my panasonic sounds fine, it sounds better than my old pioneer, but that pioneer was just a old cd player, nothing special about it. Will that couple of db difference really be noticable to my untrained ear?

[Corollacrazy42]

I would consider that aspect fairly important mainly because that is showing how much resistance there is between the power and ur reciever, so you always what that number to be a high one..