headunit

[GIXXERDK]

My brothers birthday is coming up, which headunit would give the best bang for the buck? Nothing too fancy and nothing too cheap. Something right around the middle, say around $200-250?. Also, if I buy it by this friday, anyone willing to help me install it?

[DJ XtRaK©]

eclipse has got the best sound for your buck...i would suggest the cd2000 from them in that price range

[GIXXERDK]

Thanks man

[redgst97]

or the Panasonic CQ-C5403 at around $190 and the CQ-C7403 near $250

[GIXXERDK]

Thanks, ill check those out too

[DJ XtRaK©]

yeah panasonic is ok but they have more flashy things rather than sound clarity

[Kyle]

Alpine...

[redgst97]

yeah panasonic is ok but they have more flashy things rather than sound clarity

There are features of each I like better than the other (IMO), but I think for around $200, you cant really go "wrong" with either...I just prefer the Panansonic.

Now, give me Eclipse 5-6 years ago...and its no contest.

[DJ XtRaK©]

There are features of each I like better than the other (IMO), but I think for around $200, you cant really go "wrong" with either...I just prefer the Panansonic.

Now, give me Eclipse 5-6 years ago...and its no contest.

this is true but panasonics decks only have 2 volt preouts whereas the eclipse has 5 volt. so if he wanted to add some amps the eclipse will get more bang.

but eclipse is still bangin now and was 5 years ago as well, just not as known

[BanginJimmy]

I got my first Eclipse deck in 02 and I havent looked back. From the low end to the top end, they are easily the best of the mainstream models for sound clarity. They arent always the most user friendly deck though, and not nearly as flashy, but I'm not all that big on blinking lights and such anyways.

[Jecht]

I have to agree with Kyle, Alpine is one of my favorite brands. I've actually got one that my parents are trying to hide from me for a christmas present. If you look in a local Bestbuy, they should have several Alpine headunits on display. The one I've got is the one thats like $179.99.

[redgst97]

this is true but panasonics decks only have 2 volt preouts whereas the eclipse has 5 volt. so if he wanted to add some amps the eclipse will get more bang.

but eclipse is still bangin now and was 5 years ago as well, just not as known

Actually, the Panasonic is a 4-volt unit (at 60-Ohms)...across all 3 outputs F/R/S. The Eclipse is 5-volt, but at what impedence? Probably very low compared to some others...but I dont remember that number, and its not listed on the site.

Do any of you remember when Eclipse was called E-Skips??? Maybe a bit before your time... They rebounded quite well from that fiasco...

Basically, I think we are all suggesting good headunits. My opinion is to take a look at the specifics of all 3-4, and make the best judgement based on your needs...

[BanginJimmy]

Eclipse are 5v rms at 55 ohm