Recommend a new head unit

[47_MasoN_47]

Well YW, I think it's about time to replace the old Eclipse CD3200. It's been great, and I still absolutely love it, but the non powered USB 1.1 port is holding me back too much. I'm not afraid to spend a little money on a replacement for it.

So, the main things I'm looking for, in order of importance:

1. Audio quality needs to be good and I'd prefer an EQ. I don't care if it's graphic (my Eclipse isn't) but I do like having more than just bass/mid/treble control.
2. USB 2.0 ports, preferably 2, I don't care if they are front or rear mount
3. I vastly prefer single din. I loathe touchscreens with every atom in my body. I could live with a 2 din if I had to, but I would definitely prefer to avoid it.
4. A decent interface for browsing for USB playback. I would like at least a 2-line display, but 3 line is best. A file browser and the ability to "shuffle all" would be a huge plus
5. CD playback is important. I couldn't care less about DVD.

I've done some research on my own and have a few that I have my eyes on, but I'm not that impressed with any of them. When I saw the CD3200, I knew 100% that it was the one for me. I'd really like to have that same feeling about whatever new one I get. So I welcome your suggestions and comments.

Thanks fellas.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Based on your requirements, here is one:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_43523_Pioneer-DEH-80PRS.html

[Kaotic Lazagna]

1. Audio quality needs to be good and I'd prefer an EQ. I don't care if it's graphic (my Eclipse isn't) but I do like having more than just bass/mid/treble control.
2. USB 2.0 ports, preferably 2, I don't care if they are front or rear mount
3. I vastly prefer single din. I loathe touchscreens with every atom in my body. I could live with a 2 din if I had to, but I would definitely prefer to avoid it.
4. A decent interface for browsing for USB playback. I would like at least a 2-line display, but 3 line is best. A file browser and the ability to "shuffle all" would be a huge plus
5. CD playback is important. I couldn't care less about DVD.


1. Has a bunch of tweaking options. 16-band equalizer with left and right adjustability (never seen that before actually), 5 volt pre-amp outputs for front, rear, and sub, etc.
2. 2 rear USB, but couldn't find out if they're 2.0 or not.
3. Single DIN
4. It has a 3 line (can switch amount of lines I think)
5. CD/MP3


More info: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-rG4PagsTMYd/p_13080PRS/Pioneer-DEH-80PRS.html#details-tab

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/CD-Receivers/DEH-80PRS

[47_MasoN_47]

ermagerd Kaotic... 16 band EQ... brb I need to change pants.

This may be the one.

Before seeing this, this was the one at the top of my list (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSXS310BTX-Digital-Receiver-Pandora/dp/B005J7YD98/ref=sr_1_16?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1375935118&sr=1-16) even though it didn't have CD playback, but it has been swiftly replaced with this mystical Pioneer. Going to hold out for a bit more to see if anyone comes up with anything else, but this one looks fantastic.

[WeeYari]

I believe sqcomp (or one of the other serious audiophiles) sings the praises of the Pioneer DEH-80. That should be all the endorsement you need. ;)

[47_MasoN_47]

The only thing that concerns me about the DEH-80 is that some people say USB is slow to start up (taking over a minute to index and whatnot). I'm not sure if this is exaggerated or maybe due to a crappy USB drive they are using, or if it's actually a problem with the HU.

I have a hard time thinking that a $250 HU would be slower than the $85 kenwood I have in my Hardbody.

[UberSilver]

The only thing that concerns me about the DEH-80 is that some people say USB is slow to start up (taking over a minute to index and whatnot). I'm not sure if this is exaggerated or maybe due to a crappy USB drive they are using, or if it's actually a problem with the HU.

I have a hard time thinking that a $250 HU would be slower than the $85 kenwood I have in my Hardbody.

It's not a minute, more like 12~15 seconds. I've got one with a 500 gb HD.

It's a killer unit, but it has no presets!! I put a $100. HU in my Yaris, it has presets, and I love it! If you want my 80? it's yours for $200. shipped.

I bought it new in April of last year, but has like 5 minutes on the CD player, as I use the HD. It's in my Land Cruiser and for the last 1.3 years it's only been powered on once per month for a couple of hours, yes I dont drive the LC but once per month, as it's now a camping trip rig.

[fnkngrv]

^ that sounds like a pretty good deal in my book! I have actually gotten used to not having presets with how often I am performing a reset on the power in my car.

[47_MasoN_47]

PM sent :)

I'm not worried about presets. There's only 1 rock station here so I don't even bother with them.

[YarisSedan]

I would highly recommend the DEH 80 I have it installed in my car and i abosolutely love it, it is far better than any other head unit i have ever owned and used. It has so many input options as well as 3 usb ports and it plays mp3s off my usb pretty quick there is maybe half a second delay when skipping sounds about the same you see when you skip songs on a cd.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

hmm, didn't notice that it has no presets, but if you don't need em, that's the one for you. =D

[47_MasoN_47]

hmm, didn't notice that it has no presets, but if you don't need em, that's the one for you. =D

Well I sent UberSilver some coin. Hopefully I'll have a new HU soon :) While I'm in there I'm going to try to fix whatever's wrong with my mounting bracket thing. For some reason a couple years ago it started sagging back in the dash. I think Adrian said the same thing happened to his. I'm hoping I can reinforce it with some sheet aluminum or something and keep it from doing that.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Well I sent UberSilver some coin. Hopefully I'll have a new HU soon :) While I'm in there I'm going to try to fix whatever's wrong with my mounting bracket thing. For some reason a couple years ago it started sagging back in the dash. I think Adrian said the same thing happened to his. I'm hoping I can reinforce it with some sheet aluminum or something and keep it from doing that.

I've never had any sagging issues tho, but yeah, hopefully it's an easy pic.

Nice, you must be excited! I'd love that HU if I had it, being able to tweak all the stuff that you can. I might even let the fact that there are no presets go (I listen to the radio a lot). :laugh:

[UberSilver]

I like the last unit (800) better, as it had BBE. I also really liked the dual shafts of the previous series, as I thought it looked better.

I was an Alpine guy, until I tried a Pioneer. Pioneer has everyone beat on SQ.

I started with an 860, than a 880, 800, 80 and I had a 99 that was stolen. The 80 sound about as good as the 99, so I replaced my 99 with the 80.

Now my ears are going, so i care less about having top of the line audio.

I still enjoy my $1400. headphone rig:smile:. But in my noisy Yaris, it's mostly talk radio.



I would highly recommend the DEH 80 I have it installed in my car and i abosolutely love it, it is far better than any other head unit i have ever owned and used. It has so many input options as well as 3 usb ports and it plays mp3s off my usb pretty quick there is maybe half a second delay when skipping sounds about the same you see when you skip songs on a cd.

[UberSilver]

Well I sent UberSilver some coin. Hopefully I'll have a new HU soon :) While I'm in there I'm going to try to fix whatever's wrong with my mounting bracket thing. For some reason a couple years ago it started sagging back in the dash. I think Adrian said the same thing happened to his. I'm hoping I can reinforce it with some sheet aluminum or something and keep it from doing that.

I'll pull it when I get off work. I'll try to ship today, but most likely Monday.:smile:

[47_MasoN_47]

It's out for delivery :) Thanks for the quick shipping!

[fnkngrv]

I've never had any sagging issues tho, but yeah, hopefully it's an easy pic.

Nice, you must be excited! I'd love that HU if I had it, being able to tweak all the stuff that you can. I might even let the fact that there are no presets go (I listen to the radio a lot). :laugh:


Yeah, my mounting kit moves around pretty easy. You can flex it back into the dash with your pinky by a 1/4-1/2 inch

[47_MasoN_47]

I found out why our dash kits are loose.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8n7WIhjR3yw/Uglnx9MsUII/AAAAAAAAJ4Y/ZK0GYwixO_g/s912/IMG_20130812_175453_821.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Gmw5AJHCxU/UglnzTCU5iI/AAAAAAAAJ4g/wgBiFmv9o70/s912/IMG_20130812_175504_198.jpg

Anyway though, the 80 arrived :) As you can tell above, as soon as I got home I tore into the Yaris and pulled the old HU. Today is my birthday, so I'm going to be out to dinner with family and whatnot and probably won't finish the install, but I plan to at least get the wiring harness soldered up. It's so nice that the Yaris's radio wiring harness detaches from the car. Soldering indoors with a set of helping hands is so much easier than trying to solder inside the cab.

[UberSilver]

Wow! That was super fast shipping! Let's us know how you like it!

I just bought the replacement from Abt electronics. I got another Pioneer 5500 for $95. shipped.

[UberSilver]

Also Jason, let me know if you need some mids. I've got some new Pioneer PRS520 mids. Folks say there's nothing better for the money. I'd sell them for $90. shipped for the pair.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_7177_Pioneer-Premier-TS-C520PRS.html

[47_MasoN_47]

I'll keep that in mind, I've already got Kappas all the way around though, so I'll probably just stick with those :)

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Also Jason, let me know if you need some mids. I've got some new Pioneer PRS520 mids. Folks say there's nothing better for the money. I'd sell them for $90. shipped for the pair.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_7177_Pioneer-Premier-TS-C520PRS.html

Us sedan folks cannot utilize 5.25" speakers unless we get adapters for it. Pretty sure those would sound WAAAAAAY better than the factory 6.5" haha.