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cargodz wrote:It would seem that a lot of the lesser known (and what some even might consider a lesser name brand) companies have stepped it up a notch to compete in the market while many of the larger brands that have spent years establishing their name are only riding on that.

Yeah I think so, these new companies(again maybe just new to me), are really trying to make it, so they have to work twice as hard, and really do it right to get noticed.

The larger companies are pretty much just kicking back and chillin' and these new or lesser known companies are gonna hand their butts in a few more years, because they are putting theirselves out their to make it.

Tim

^^^^^Hell even the Jensen bluetooth models have caller I.D.

Ya Eclipse really needs to step it up, I was going to buy one of their Nav units for the 4runner since they are plug/play with the Toyota factory harness, so all the steering wheel controls will work etc.

But the features on their units are really lacking, the NAV itself is great. But the bluetooth features sucks. You have to buy a module from Parrot, and then you have to stick this thing on your dash that has the answer/hangup buttons on it.

They don't display the phone numbers on the screen no buttons on the unit itself to answer the call. Just that dumb parrot module thing, that looks tacky.

I emailed Eclipse (which took over 5 emails to customer support to finally get a reply), and they said that next year most likely will have caller ID. But I'm not holding my breath, because it was just a rumor there.

So I'll wait til next year and see what comes out. If they don't step it up, I'll get the Pioneer I think. Even tho then I'll have to buy adapter etc, to make it work with the factory stuff.

It would seem that a lot of the lesser known (and what some even might consider a lesser name brand) companies have stepped it up a notch to compete in the market while many of the larger brands that have spent years establishing their name are only riding on that.

there is a reason why my eclipse 8442 has been to the repair center 3 times and it will keep going if it breaks (my fault) again. they dont make them like they use to.

I am eagerly awaiting CAC's new "Good, Bad and Ugly" list.

HINT, HINT!

You know I hate to say it but just about every one's build quality has went down.

Rockford, alpine, kicker, they have all suffered.

At one time I think alpine was made by eclipse, if I am wrong someone correct me. It has been about 20 years ago that an installer I had in Indiana told me that.

I do however want to note that some new companies ( at least to me) do have good quality these days. The quantums I got from terry seem to be really well built, as do the planet audio comps.

It does seem that some companies have stepped it up a notch or two, I never really liked Blaupunkt, but some of their new units really catch my eye.
As does Panasonic. I guess we take the good with the bad.

tim

falkenbd wrote:I believe they stopped selling them at CC now. The only thing I'd probably buy from eclipse now is the CD 7200.

I didnt even bother with their newer stuff after my dissapointment with my old 8445 (I believe that's what it was) headunit conking out on me. Twice. Not to mention the design left much to be desired.

I believe they stopped selling them at CC now. The only thing I'd probably buy from eclipse now is the CD 7200.

By who? I know they started selling their products at Circuit City a few years ago. At that point I figured it was the end of the line for Eclipse.