Head Unit Opinions

[4x4fun]

I think lin got the same hu as I. go kenwood you won't be disappinted. But you do need to read the manual. Not hard there user interface can get alil tricky.

 

[flash517]

The one I bought is an awful lot like that, JVC KD-R600.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-xchgJYPZ4oi/p_105KDR600/JVC-KD-R600.html

I second this one. I've went through tons of headunits until I found that one. It was the best by far. And Not expensive either. I got it when they first came out for $170. To bad the Integra I had it in was stolen last Sunday.

I'll be buying a new one for my Ranger this week. I was surprised when I seen Jay had the more upgraded model and loved it too. I would screw mine If I had it back.

 

[Jay FX4]

I never thought I was going to end up with a JVC. I researched all the brands quite a bit before I made my choice. In my opinion, just because brands like Pioneer and Kenwood seem to be the most popular, does not necessarily mean they're the best. Some of them are over rated, over priced, and anything but user friendly. They both make good stuff, and I'm by no means saying anybody is wrong for suggesting them, but there are other options. I'd strongly suggest at least taking a look at the JVC unit I have or the one MountainMike has. Even if you don't like either one of them, you should know that even though it says JVC on the front instead of Kenwood or Pioneer, they are high quality with no compromises. They pack a lot of features, they're priced right, and very user friendly. I've never needed the manual for mine. Everything is simple and straightforward.

EDIT: Add Flash517 to the list of JVC advocates.

 

[lindsay_elaine]

Here's what I have. I LOVE it:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KDA...?o=p&showAll=Y&tp=5684&tab=features_and_specs

I had actually had my mind set on that one for a few months before I changed my mind at the last minute. The only thing I didn't like about the JVC was the buttons on the left hand side when I went to play with it in the store (it felt cheap or something, I don't know,) and I didn't want a flash drive to be sticking out of my dash with the front mounted USB port (I can't remember if it has a separate rear mounted one or not.) That's JUST ME though, it had great reviews and was a little cheaper than the one I ended up with, and I pretty much made my decision based on looks (call me shallow)

This is mine, it's already dropped in price from when I bought it two weeks ago
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_18545_Kenwood+eXcelon+KDC-X693.html#

 

[Jay FX4]

It's funny because when I was deciding on a head unit I wanted one with front USB/aux inputs. Mine does have a rear USB, but I didn't think I was going to use it. It turns out that the rear USB is the only one I'm using now! The rear USB is on a 4' cord. I have it fed into the glove box, and bought a cheap 120GB hard drive off Newegg to use with it. I love that setup, because it's a lot cleaner looking with no cords dangling in the front. Also what's awesome about having a big hard drive is I'm now re-ripping all my CD's at 320kbps. I have 50+ albums on the hard drive so far and it's only using about 8GB of space. I'll never fill it up, even at the highest quality MP3's, and I have 500+ albums.

 

[flash517]

I'm definitely a JVC advocate now, is that a club? Ha. It's funny I thought the same thing about the USB port. I thought I would never end up using it and it would just be there. But then I wanted to burn a CD and my burner had taken a crap on me. So I had a Flash drive laying around and I never looked back. I had Hundreds of songs on there. I actually just went out and grabbed a 8gb today for when I go out and buy my new headunit because My flashdrive was in the headunit when my car was stolen. I'll never burn another cd again. The Hard drive seems like a good idea. I need to gather up some money first. I took a big loss when the car got stolen. Good thing the ranger only cost me $400 and I love it.

 

[Jay FX4]

I think it may take a few extra seconds to read a hard drive over a USB flash drive at first, but once it initially reads the hard drive, it accesses instantly. No delay whatsoever between folders or tracks.

I'm sorry to hear your car got stolen, by the way. Good to hear you have a Ranger, though.