by Chinky420 » Thu Jul 09, 2009 1:20 pm
from crutchfield for about 150 you can get a pioneer deh4000ub, which is what i have
my review of the product is as follows:
interface: the central control knob controls ~90% of the stereo functions (eq, subs, repeat, shuffle, track fwd/rev, volume). this knob is kinda a bother, as you can't really skip ahead songs by rapidly clicking it fwd (you have to wait for the headunit to beep indicating that the track advanced before you can go again)...or you can hit a 'list' button, which will allow you to scroll through the list. the central knob is no longer used for volume at this point, and 'turning it up' will result in you scrolling foward through the list.
peripheries: usb/ipod hookup in rear (cable included for usb extension)
aux input in front
cd reads data discs (i'm not sure if it will also read DVD-R's, for the increased capacity discs).
headunit navigation: other than the single knob controlling almost everything, the head unit is fairly organized in how you interface with data cds, usb flash storage, or your ipod. it takes getting used to at first, but after about a year of having it, it isn't too terribly bad (it's just rough for anyone who wants to borrow my car....the controls are really esoteric).
remote: remote control is included, but really only useful for navigating the setup screens (audio controls, eq, loudness, etc)....most of the track selection is possible and feasible with the central control knob....
subwoofer/pre-amp speaker output:
i have two 12" pioneer subs, hooked up thru a power acoustic amp. the headunit can control the subwoofer settings fairly well. the headunit can setup for normal, reversed, or no subwoofers. also you can adjust the high/low pass freq to isolate the part of the sound spectrum that you want.
also, there are two pairs of pre-amp outputs....which is really a big plus if you are going to want to replace all your speakers with aftermarket.
all in all, there are 3 pre-amp outs...one pair for the subwoofer, and two pairs for additional speakers (front and rear). this allows for a lot of versitility in how you can setup your sound system.
am/fm radio controls are kinda whack, but i'm always on my ipod or a cd, so it doesn't really matter to me. if you listen to the radio alot, note the fact that there is no way to program individual stations, you can scan for all local stations in signal range to be programmed in, but it's kinda hit or miss. plus you can't re-order the stations to your preference.
bluetooth, satalite radio, hd radio: i don't know, i don't use them so i can't comment.
honestly, depending on what you're looking for, there are tons of headunits out there. get on crutchfield and start looking and comparing the features that you would be interested in.