Very basic questions.

[FLASH]

hey guys, I got some basic questions. First off, I know NOTHING about systems. At all.
I know I want to get a new headunit. Only, I dont want a new one for sound quality or anything, but I actually phuqed up my stock headunit trying to make it red. So pretty much I'm looking for a headunit that lights up ALL Red, no other colors. What I don't know is not only where to find one, but also if I'll need to get an amp for it.
I DO plan on later adding subs to my system, so I reckon I will need an amp when I get the subs, but I dont know if Ill need to get one for soley a new headunit.

Anyone's help at all is greatly appreciated.

[MGLax13]

You most likely wont need an amp for your new head unit. Very few head units come without an amp and they're usually quite expensive since they're built for audiophiles. I know that some companies make head units that have a screen that lights up in various colors. I also know that it is faily easy to make an alpine head unit light up in red with some leds and some soldering know how. I saw some instructions on how to do this when some guy did it to the alpine HU in his camry. You're better off going with one of those head units where you can choose the scren color. I think JVC or Kenwood makes it. You can find it on Crutchfield.com Do your research there, then shop around for a better price else where. Hope I helped somewhat.

P.S. You will need an amp later on for your subs, but you won't need to look into that until later, you don't need that now for the HU.

[MGLax13]

I did some searching. This one lights up all red and seems like a good enough head unit for what you need: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-XQfm2TeYDtz/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&cc=01&g=300&id=morephotos&pi=2&i=113MPV5025&display=XL#morephotos

This one too http://www.crutchfield.com/S-XQfm2TeYDtz/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&cc=01&g=300&id=morephotos&pi=2&i=113KDCV702&display=XL#morephotos

Another http://www.crutchfield.com/S-XQfm2TeYDtz/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&cc=01&g=300&id=morephotos&pi=2&i=158CDXMP80&display=XL#morephotos

There are plenty others but it's 3 am, I'm half drunk and I"m giving up

[FLASH]

Thank you SOO Much, I greatly appreciate it!!

[ChrYstiE]

most sony's light up red.

[prophesized]

since you plan on upgrading beyond a new head unit, dont go with sony. get a head unit with at least 2 preouts, preferably 4 volts each. another thing to think about is whether or not you just want a cd player or one that will play mp3's burned on cd-rw's. heres some more

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-yv ... c=01&avf=N

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-yv ... c=01&avf=N

and anything on crutchfields site, you can find alot cheaper on other sites.

[Jon11582]

I know JVC makes alot of units that you can choose the color out of about 2000. There was one I saw over at bestbuy that I liked the look of, but didnt dig all the red. Its buttons actually retracted, so it became all black and flat when it was off, and then when you turn it on, everything comes to life. It was the JVC Kameleon (KD-LX111). I dont think they updated it though. This ones pretty old with no MP3 playback and a few other outdated specs, but you can probably find it pretty cheap now since its out of production. Definitly more of an aesthetic peice than a high-tech piece.

Clarions, JVC, and Kenwood are probably your best bets if you want all red. When I was shopping for a new HU, I had JVC and Kenwood on my list, but I decided to go for the all blue look, and I dont think the buttons on the JVC and most Kenwoods can be anything but red. Id say the hell away from Sony, since Ive heard nothing good about them in the car audio arena. If I were you, my first step would be to get a free catalog from crutchfield, let it come in the mail, and make a short list of HUs that catch your eye and compare tech specs and prices.

When you have some idea of what you want, cruise to the bestbuys or 6th avenues or any othe rstore that sells HUs and see if they have any of your prospects in stock, and play with em so you know what it looks like in person, and how user friendly it is.

Then, when your minds made up, hit up pricegrabber.com, find the best price from the reputable dealers, and order it. Id tell you to order from Crutchfield, since thier awesome for information and customer helpfulness, but its too bad they overcharge on most of thier stuff. If you do order from them, it does come with about 35 bucks of free stuff you need to install your HU (Wiring harness + Dash Pocket + Master sheets), but you can order these seperately, and if you look elsewhere, you can usually save more. I got mine 90 bucks cheaper at etronics.com.

Well thats the end of my shpeel.

[HKSV6SLE]

most new headunits can change colors between the displays, mine for example can change between red and green....some will do more colors...i think you should find a unit with at least 3 outputs that way if you upgrade later you'll be set and you wont need a new unit. my excelon unit has 3 5 volt preouts plus and aux input in case i want to add something like DVD or PS 2 later......

[Grazi07]

once you decide, check sell2all on ebay for good prices... I also highly recommend getting the MP3 ability. For the extra money, its a great convenience....

[ChrYstiE]

jvc's and kenwoods are a piece of sh*t. trust me, i know. i return them all the time.

[FLASH]

I'm thinking about this one:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-qBkMVXdtEe ... 113MPV5025

All I'll really get after the HU is 2 subs (probably 10") and an amp. that HeadUnit has "2 sets of preamp outputs. Is that headunit up to par for my needs? i am so clueless. thanks all.

[prophesized]

yeah i suppose it would be fine

[HKSV6SLE]

better to get a unit with 3 preouts.........the diference in price may not be much.

[kubi]

He said all he'll get after the HU is 2 subs, which would use 1. I doubt he needs 3. It still even leaves the possibility of adding components with 2. Doesn't sound like you need to worry about how many it has, since most have at least 2.

[HKSV6SLE]

iwas just saying that it might be better to get three preouts in case you want to upgrade later. when i started my system i never intended to add more then one amp, but im on my second amp and i want to add more later, all i'm saying is that the difference in price might make it worth it to buy a unit with three preous, so that way in cae you want to upgrade later your unit will be ready. what you do or don't do makes no diference to me.