Head Unit for Recommendation

[Chiqinhan]

Hi my pioneer 9650 jus went up lorry 2 days ago....

 

sourcing for a new head unit urgently, lookin for a HU with USB port so tat i can pluck my thumb drive into it for my mp3 and wma format songs.

 

Any recommendation for a HU??? urgently. budget 500+ -

[Ractis]

I'm interested in a digital source which is something like that too

Wishlist:

- USB/MM Card input

- bit-perfect optical out (even when playing mp3/radio)

- cheap! I dont care for the amp or even its dac

 

With this, can connect to a processor like pxa701+controller

 

from my research so far, jvc has some dvd units with usb and optical out. Blaupunkt also have but no optical out

 

There are also portable dvd players suitable for use in cars from Shinco etc that accepts usb and has digital out

[Hyun]

why dun care DAC etc? it'll be used as CD pickup source right, and u still depend on its DAC to feed output to the 701 right?

[User12343]

when u use the optical input of processors such as H70x, you are basically bypassing the DAC of the HU and let the processor do all the DAC work.

[Hyun]

so the quality of the CD pickup still important? or much less ..

[User12343]

 

 

Edited October 27, 2006 by User12343

[Kwongwing]

The CD pickup is still important though you intend to utilize the optical/digital out.

I have the Clarion HX-D1 and my Alpine 5210 DVD player (both digital & analog) connected to my H701.

The D1's analog output still sounds better - in terms of clarity, tonality, and accuracy

[Screw]

Bro, actually also caught in a situation similiar to this too. Should i get a alpine9861+701 or just a clarion top model D2(not much playback option)? Never got a chance to audit a d2 whereas many of the brothers here using 701..

[Slidingturtle]

yah, i was told of this option (9861+701) too, but like wasting the 24bit DAC leh

if i ever do get the 9861, will probably get it on its own... so the D2 still beckons... tough choice.

[User12343]

you'll have to see what kind of 24-bit DAC the 9861 has. the term 24-bit is commonly thrown around and easily mistaken as a high-end DAC compared to the more common 1-bit design. if i recall properly, even some low-priced sony HU boasts 24-bit DAC.

 

the d2 uses 3x burrbrown PCM1792 k-grade 24-bit advanced segment (this chip is popular among many highend home audio manufacturers) for the midbass/midrange/tweet output and uses AKM DAC for the sub-bass output.

 

according to ECA, the D2 creams all other top-end HU, P9, and even F1's cda7990R. i have one set and it really sounds much sweeter & more detailed.

Edited October 27, 2006 by User12343

[User12343]

dun throw away the 9650 yet, send to pioneer agent and see how much the repair cost. skali its just a simple component change that cost u $40 and it's as good as new.

 

if u 1 2 throw away, i'll be there to hope ur HU

[Kwongwing]

The 2 setups you have mentioned are actually quite different:

A. ALpine 9861 + 701; and

B. Clarion HX-D2.

 

Considerations / Comments:

1. It depends on what type of sound you like - both setups would have a different sound timbre.

2. Personally I would say that the Clarion setup would most likely sound more natural.

3. Price wise, the Alpine setup would cost substantially more

4. Alpine set-up would be more versatile - allows you quite a lot more tuning possibilities - also more "nightmare" - but if you are into fiddling around then no-brainer have to go with Alpine setup, also if you intend to play DVD-Audio

5. For Clarion: more natural sound, but limited adjustments available; ability to play a 3-way active setup with sub-woofer configuration

 

So depending on your needs, you would have to make your own decision However, I would say that both setups you are considering would be more than above average

 

Another thing to note, the other parts of the signal chain would also matter: cables, amps. etc.

 

If you are really interested in listening to a D2 setup - 2-way active with active subwoofer with a Butler 5-channel hybrid tube amp - arrangements can be made. I helped my sis install such a setup in a RX-8 They seem to be quite satisfied with it.

 

I myself use a D1 with Alpine 701 - join us at the Wednesday ICE Meetup for more ideas

 

Have fun!

[Slidingturtle]

thanks for the clarification , i mentioned my 'dilemma' to a friend and he clarified in a similiar manner too. the 1-bit design is supposed to source at higher resolution.

 

cheers

[Chiqinhan]

if bring the 9650 bk to pioneer to repair, do they charge anything to diagnose wats the problem before tellin u the price to rectify the thing

[User12343]

tink the technical charge shd not be > $50, but u can always confirm with them before committing.

[Jefferyl]

erm dunno if it is right to ask here since it is about HU

 

does anyone know which HU is suitable for my Altis steering control? wan to change HU but really want the controls..... pinoeer 6850 cannot leh

[User12343]

i tink some installers can mod the audio controls on the steering to interface with any HU.....for a price of cos.....

[Icegal]

I think Philips head unit is pretty good.. Im using it, so far so good.. :)