Head units/sound quality

SevenUp · Post by **SevenUp** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 8:24 am

I am trying to build a system based on sound quality. Looking at new head units and am wondering about the sound quality between lower, middle and upper class units. I don't care about fancy displays or motorized face plates just sound quality and plenty of usefull features. I have always been kind of a fan of Pioneer head units and the Premier deh-p480mp looks like the best bet for me as far as features/cost goes. As far as sound quality goes would this be my boy or would I have to look at a higher end model?

Ryan from Ohio · Post by **Ryan from Ohio** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 8:38 am

SQ is very debateable.

The best unit, as claimed/judged/tested by the folks from Elite Forums is the McIntosh MXand MDA4000 combo, which I have

About no features, just SQ all the way.

JVC higher lines seem to have plenty of features and decent SQ compared to the McIntosh...

BryanX33 · Post by **BryanX33** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 9:46 am

I have a headache from my subwoofers pounding bass in my ears. It hurts.

Team AI · Post by **Team AI** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 12:44 pm

BryanX33 wrote:I have a headache from my subwoofers pounding bass in my ears. It hurts.

So how is the weather in left field LOL

BryanX33 · Post by **BryanX33** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 1:05 pm

Well, it was cloudy and rainy, but now the suns trying to break through the clouds....so its wet, partly cloudy, wit random rays of light coming through the clouds.

Jonathan · Post by **Jonathan** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 6:39 pm

I'm not one to attest to the "sound" of head units or amplifiers (or corresponding electronics), because quite frankly I fully believe that electronics that are even just "half decent" are of a good enough quality that no person could percieve the difference with a better piece. At least, when you're doing a fair, double blind, a to b comparison. Anyone won Richard Clarks $10,000 amp challenge yet? Didn't think so. Moving on...

That said, my "ultimate" money-no-object SQ head unit would be the Alpine DVI-9990. Unfortunately, Alpine didn't see fit to create a high end processor to handle just a front stage (I'm not a multi-channel person, I just want two channel audio, thanks), that means I'd also be shelling out for the PXI-H990 for processing capabilities. Big money there.

The Pioneer P9 combo is a good route as well, and has been on the market for long enough that you can get deals on them in good shape via either ebay or audio forums. The McIntosh MX/MDA4000 is also another good combo.

Another option is the Alpine DVA-9860 combined with their PXA-H701 processor. That's the cheap date at this party and you'll be hardpressed to hear a difference from the above componentry.

We're talking about a car here. An environment where you would be lucky to percieve 5% total harmonic distortion when road and wind noise are taken into account, where 10% is generally considered to be the threshold of audible distortion in such a crude, loud environment. A highly reflective environment that is a nightmare to get just a decent frequency response without enormous processing, much less ideal phase characteristics and highly coherent imaging.

My point? Spend your money on what will make the biggest impact. I'm not saying cheap out on certain areas, but we all have budgets and the biggest part of that budget should be invested in the two most important factors to sound quality: the speakers and the car. Or, more specifically, the speakers' relationship with the car as far as the install and the crossover setup. Processing ability, head units, and amplifier power I'd put as the next step in importance. Install to the best of your abilities, sound-deaden EVERYTHING, reduce rattles. And one overlooked thing, don't jump the gun. Take your time to plan out what you want down the road, and take the time to research and find out what works and what doesn't (<-that's the freebie, NO reason not to do that).

Post by **GlassWolf** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 7:49 pm

simply put, a good SQ head unit is transparent.
It shouldn't alter the source material in any way, reproducing it exactly as it was mastered and recorded.

Here's exactly what you're looking for:
sleek, elegant design, simple uncluttered layout, fully featured, and affordable. Also features K grade burr brown DACs.
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v ... 96,00.html

captaincheesey · Post by **captaincheesey** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 8:38 pm

GlassWolf wrote: Here's exactly what you're looking for:
sleek, elegant design, simple uncluttered layout, fully featured, and affordable. Also features K grade burr brown DACs.
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v ... 96,00.html

That is my next HU

joeyc · Post by **joeyc** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 8:47 pm

I like eclipse, like the cd8053 is a very nice unit.

OnYrMrk · Post by **OnYrMrk** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:01 pm

just sold my CD8455 and in the process of buying the DVA9861/H701 combo...

anyone want some audison amps? With Justin gone, I can ask again...LOL