Recommend Stereo Head Unit

[allcarfan]

It has been a long time since I have dealt with anything concerning a car audio system. Last time was in the late 90s...rollin in my 5.0.

Now that I have an 06...and a wife that is an audiofile...it might be time to switch head units in the car. We do have the shaker 500 sound system.

What we want:

- to be able to hook an Ipod up to the stereo via an auxillary hookup in back (preferable) - or front

-Something that plugs right in (with an adapter harness if necessary)

-Something that sounds as good as or better than the shaker 500 head unit

-Something that loks good cosmetically - preferably something that fills up the entire hole where the shaker 500 unit is...I think they call this a double DIN??

-Should be a CD/mp3/etc player. Doesnt have to be multiple disks since it will have an IPOD hookup

-Price should be under $500

Fire away with your suggestions...where I can get it, specs, price. I can build an engine, I can build a trans, I can powdercoat...etc...but when it comes to these new sound systems, I am dense!

 

[allcarfan]

I see a lot of units I like out there....but their 'peak' power is something like 22x4 or something.....

The Shaker 500 is 500 watts peak...is that because it has a built in amplifier? Do I need to buy a head unit that has 6 speaker capability?

 

[stanmckinney]

Search Alpine's web site. Alpine's ipod controls are among the best on the market. The double din is a problem. There are a few out there but most leave the storage compartment.
I have an Alpine and it sounds much better than the Shaker 500. It also permits direct Sirius hookup.
I am very pleased.

 

[Infinity]

The Panasonic actually works better than the Alpine unit, and it's a double din touchscreen. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7z029LaHKRJ/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=168550&I=133VD6503

It has XM and Sirius, and a second gen IPOD control. I suggest not using the IPOD if there is any conception of "audiophile". It has horrible sound quality even amongst portables, and MP3 sucks anyway. This unit has the ability to play MP3's burned to DVD, so that's cool.

 

[A&B 06GT]

if it wernt for the price i would recomend the one i have and its the alpine iva-w200

 

[allcarfan]

so the shaker is externally amplified? I can use nearly any head unit that will fit and still get a full 500 watts as the shaker boasts? If not, how does that work?

 

[Infinity]

No, only the 8" door speakers are externally amplified, and there is a harness to hook that up to aftermarket decks. No issue. Besides the "500 watt" is WAAAAAAYYYYYYY overrated. It is only about 150-200 true watts.

 

[stanmckinney]

I love my ipod through my Alpine. It sounds as good as the CDs and I have more than 1,000 songs with room for another 3,000 or so. all easily accessible. I would argue you don't even need a CD player.

 

[shooterm1]

the Alpine iva-w200

that iva-w200 is an excellent unit from everything that I've seen and heard .....

but I have this one question ~ where is the CD player? (I assume that its behind the screen)

 

[Schlitz-420]

The faceplate opens via motor so you can load discs.

The AMP thing is an old come on that amps have used forever, max wattage is a lie with damn near every amp out there. The only way the amp will produce its peak is if it gets hit by lightning and then only for a few ms. It sounds like there is an external amp you may be able to take advantage of. You will not need a deck for 6 speakers, you will just get a adapter that connects your existing wiring harness from the old deck and connect the new. If i were you i would definitely get an amp. Even if you do not want to destory your hearing an amp will make things sound a great deal better at low and intermediate volume. I have many times just connected a 2 channel amp to my rears and the deck's power to the front/mid and/or doors/dash. With some healthy aftermarket rears you will be very impressed with the performance gain. I am only recommending double-din decks as i think it is stupid to use a deck 1/2 the size of the stock opening, they make nice little cubby inserts for them i think it's trailer park. Also bear in mind that from what i have learned and in my opinion (I too have a Spanker 500) any deck you buy unless it's from Kmart will sound light years better on your factory speakers.

Here are some choices that i think you might like for the $ and features wanted ($500 limits me a great deal):


Kenwood DPX-501 $330 (front Ipod/USB)
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Zm74AmT8E8t/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&I=113DPX501

Kenwood Excelon DPX-701 $449 (front Ipod/USB)
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Zm74AmT8E8t/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&I=113DPX701

 

[allcarfan]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

 

[A&B 06GT]

Speaking of the factory amps where are they located so i can take them out.

 

[Infinity]

Speaking of the factory amps where are they located so i can take them out.

Driver's kick panel. 3x 8mm nuts and 2 harness plugs each.

 

[A&B 06GT]

thank you so much for the info