Wanting a new head unit...suggestions?

**Jcal1120** · 11-02-2009

Alright...basically working on finding the right head unit for myself.

I found one at Best Buy I really like...but then again...that's just what's at Best Buy. It's a Pioneer DEH-P5100UB

I mainly like it because it has a front USB port and it's sleek looking. I guess the only thing I don't like is that it won't match the Pontiac red lighting

and the fact that it'll be my first aftermarket radio...I just want to make sure it's a good one and worth it.

So how is that unit if anyone knows, and any other suggestions? I'm looking in the $200-250 range and want a sleek look with a front USB port. Thanks for any help

**matt5112** · 11-02-2009

You could try the Alpine CDA-105 if you want the red colour, no front USB port.

The one you're looking at is very good. Has pretty much every feature you could want short of the JVC any colour idea or some of the other guy's auto EQ. I'm not a fan of either but if thats what you're into, those wouldn't be a bad thing to look into.

**Jcal1120** · 11-02-2009

I really like that unit, my buddy has an older model and I like it it very much.

I like Pioneer alot, I know they're good. And it's $209. Not bad I don't think.

**matt5112** · 11-02-2009

I managed to pick up a DEH P5000UB for $130 when they were being swapped out for the newer line. For $210 you might be able to do better if you look used but for new in box thats a decent price.

**Jcal1120** · 11-02-2009

is it well worth it? Anything really better for around my range that'll fit what I want?

**matt5112** · 11-02-2009

Well considering you actually went to Bestbuy instead of looking on their website you're probably the type who wants to buy it at the store. If thats true, then checking the selection at the stores around you is all you can do. BB caries most of the units that are available so if you didn't see it there, its not really available or popular.

I'd say $210 is only on the edge of being worth it. But that comes down to your own value to a dollar. Its not overpriced by any means (disregarding that any and all headunits should be under $100 since they are not putting any real ground breaking or expensive technology into these things) relative to the market and other products.

If you're looking to spend that kind of money which you said you are, then yes, its worth it. It does what you want, and isn't a dud by any means other than the pico fuse issue. Here is what you would do to fix the issue which is generally caused by connecting or disconnecting RCA's when the unit is powered on. Makes it a pain when you're swapping things around but once its setup there is nothing else to worry about.

**Jcal1120** · 11-02-2009

well I'm not looking to do speakers quite yet. Just want to be able to plug in my flash drive and listen to everything I've got. Especially for my snowboard trip coming up in a couple months lol

I was gonna buy it off crutchfield seeing as how I'm getting some extra cash for my birthday soon. It's $209 there with free assembly kit, wiring harness and free shipping. I'm just trying to see if that's what I'm ready to be set with. Sounds like it's a good unit. Me and my buddy will install it.

**matt5112** · 11-02-2009

Yeah if you've got a flash drive then the front mounts are the best unless you wanna run a USB extension cable through the dash so you can have the flash drive sit in the tray below the ashtray. I've got my iPod cable sitting there so I can have it out of the way.

They're typically great to buy from, free shipping too. I'd go for it. Those pieces alone brought me back up near $200.

**Bio248** · 11-02-2009

get a head unit with a USB port on it. that was what i was looking for when i picked mine up and i was super happy that i did that. made listening to music a lot easier since i would just toss my 8 gig jump drive in there full of mp3s.

**whiney** · 11-02-2009

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X693 CD receiver at Crutchfield Signature
I really like this head unit, can match the color's to factory, 4.0v preouts for subs, remote connection for steering wheel controls. It's really easy to use and there is a lot of other options if you want there to be.

**Jcal1120** · 11-03-2009

Originally Posted by whiney

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X693 CD receiver at Crutchfield Signature
I really like this head unit, can match the color's to factory, 4.0v preouts for subs, remote connection for steering wheel controls. It's really easy to use and there is a lot of other options if you want there to be.

Does that unit change colors randomly or can I set it to stay a certain color? I like how it has the many line display as well like the Pioneer I like. I like being able to see a few songs. Maybe it's just me or does that big dual dial look have a weird look...? Although I kind of like it lol

Doesn't look bad though...see now I'm debating lol

**matt5112** · 11-03-2009

The Kenwood you can set the colour. If you're fine with rear USB and feeding it down through the console and having it sit below the cigarette lighter then I'd go for the Kenwood.

Same price, same features, custom colour. Only difference is where is the USB and the look of the unit.

**Jcal1120** · 11-03-2009

Originally Posted by matt5112

The Kenwood you can set the colour. If you're fine with rear USB and feeding it down through the console and having it sit below the cigarette lighter then I'd go for the Kenwood.

Same price, same features, custom colour. Only difference is where is the USB and the look of the unit.

ah the kenwood wouldn't even have that little tray underneath?

**matt5112** · 11-03-2009

When I say tray I mean the tray below the ashtray on the car. Has nothing to do with the deck. Neither deck has a tray and the mount kit for both of them (same mount kit) doesn't have one either.

What I'm saying would be run the USB cable down to the cigarette lighter area so you won't have the chance of knocking the flash drive while its being used with the deck.

Like so.

**whiney** · 11-03-2009

This is what my deck looks like. That is what the scrolling thing looks like.

This is how close you can get it to match the factory color's.

**matt5112** · 11-03-2009

If I had an extra $70 when buying my deck I would have probably went for that.

**Pittman06** · 11-03-2009

If your gonna do Pioneer, go with Pioneer Premier line, Totally worth the upgrade!! Check out the Premier DEH-710BT

Edit, i mean the DEH-510UB, thats your price range, the 710 is a little retarded expensive

**matt5112** · 11-03-2009

Originally Posted by Pittman06

If your gonna do Pioneer, go with Pioneer Premier line, Totally worth the upgrade!! Check out the Premier DEH-710BT

Edit, i mean the DEH-510UB, thats your price range, the 710 is a little retarded expensive

The only difference is that you can turn off the internal amps plus a few other small things... Not worth the cost unless you NEED those features.

**Fubisin** · 11-03-2009

Go touch screen! not flip screen, the self containted.
Make sure it has bluetooth and navigation so dont have to spend the extra cash on them later.

If your going to buy new, go BIG or go home.

**J GTP** · 11-03-2009

http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_1...5.html?tp=5684

I bought that one and love it. USB works awesome, the red matches perfectly with interior lights and saves the setting. I wanted the aux for my mp3 player but I haven't even used it yet because the USB works so flawlessly. The price is tough to beat for the features too.

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