Help with head unit recommends, please.

by Blue_Oval
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After thinking this through rationally, I now realize the mistake I would be making trying to utilize the factory head unit for my '05 Ford Super Cab. Also, after measuring the horrific spec numbers of said unit, it becomes more apparent for the paper weight.

Can we kick around purchase ideas for the abyss that's now in the dash?

I don't need all the bells and whistles really. Something simple, that will play CD's, and sound good doing it.

I will also be adding a four channel amp to the equation.




Replies (15)
compvr15s on 04/14/2006 11:11:16
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/album/compare/0,,2076_4043,00.html

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/products/ListCateg.aspx?k1=2&k2=46&k3=173

http://clarion.com/us/en/products/2006/audio/source_units/double_din/index.html

here are a few places to check on double din units, i would choose the pioneer and clarion over the kenwood, but thats just personal choice was not happy with the kenwood i owned, have had 5 pioneer head units and all were well worth the purchase, i didnt see a double din from alpine, but that dont mean they do not have one i just did a quick glance... other companies to check are eclipse, sony, blaupunkt, panasonic, these are probable the most reliable head units out there including the 3 brands at the top, there are other brands like jensen, dual, the lower end brands that may also make double din but i would not use them on anything other than a workcar and even then i dunno if i would.... prolly better to just stick with the known brands here.... and for this i would definitly purchase off ebay or other online store, will save lots of money, and usually if the head unit works when ya get it you probably wont have problems with it, unless something odd happens.... to get good reviews and view specs, you can check crutchfield for some of the mentioned brands but i wouldnt purchase there unless price difference was within 20-30 dollars because they do have outstanding customer service and are willing to help whenever possible... good luck

Blue_Oval on 04/14/2006 13:25:37
Thank you very much for the info. I'd like to have a DD but I notice the DD's are few and far between unless a cassette player comes with it or some other features I would never use.

I was looking at the Nakamichi CD-400. Nice and plain Jane, with 24 bit D/A conversion and 4 volt output level. I'm not sure on the 24 bit--if necessary.

Would you happen to know if this unit would fit the '05 Ford, Super Cab? I understand there is some sort of a pocket mount facia adapter? However, my main concerns would lie more toward the mounting depth of said unit.


lewis on 04/14/2006 18:30:17
that cd player has a mounting depth of 6 1/4" i dont know how much room you have to work with but thats a pretty common size (my pioneer is the same). there is a mounting kit that allows you to mount 1 or 2 DIN sized units (has the pocket if you only use 1) the second could be used for an eq or something like that.

the mounting kit is Item #120995807 on crutchfield.com

» If the vehicle has factory Video Entertainment it will be lost if factory radio is replaced.
found that on their website too (dont know if you have video in it or not)

swez on 04/14/2006 18:40:35
Drop over to Crutchfield and click this: "What fits my car."

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7P2lep4FXDW/cgi-bin/autoinfo/autoinfo.asp?vehicleid=0&typeCH=home&vb=Y&lp=%2FS-7P2lep4FXDW%2Findex%2Ehtml%3F%26id%3D0%26vehicleid%3D0&cm_re_o=fB5EzM*5yBpFwEAN*ctzfubflFYgzy

A number of HU's with various features and goodies will be found there. I'm not suggesting you buy from Crutch. (They are pretty much retail pricing) But, they usually have plenty of details and useful info in the "Hands on Research tab.

Alpine's bass engine features are all included in the JL 500/1 amp. No need for that set of features with that amp. Consider multi-band EQ or Parametric EQ as an alternate.

Also, when they say... 45 watts x 4 or 160 watts, that translates to about 22 watts RMS per channel. Fine for small systems to be sure. But to keep up with that sub system, amping the front channels is a better option. More like 75-100 watts RMS/ch. (Depending on the speakers used. May I suggest the JL 300/2 or 300/4 here.

Swez


Blue_Oval on 04/14/2006 22:21:46
Thanks for the links guys.....

http://www.mobiletoys.com/home.asp

I found this link (above) while surfing the net, which led me to the Nakamichi CD-400. I like the simpler type units with a rotary dial and not 20 tiny buttons that are hard to use when motoring. I don't need mp3, video, WAV, etc. Just a straight forward, no frills, CD player.

Disheartening, the reviews are not that good for the Nakamichi CD-400. = build quality issues.

However, the SQ reviews = unsurpassed.

Swez you seem to be my light in the darkness. Lead me to the CD player, promise land, buddy. If this Nakamichi doesn't work out, then next is a Mcintosh, [if] I can find one. I don't think Mcintosh players come with an amp section, do they?
Old school, I love it.

MInd checking these Nakamichi 400 specs---thoughts?

Amplifier section

Maximum Power Output: 47 W x 4 (4ohms)
Frequency Response: 15 - 30,000 Hz &,1 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.1% (4 ohms. 1 kHz, 3 WR 4)
AUX Input Level/Impedance: 1 V/50 kohms
Output Level: 4 V
Tone Controls
Bass: 100 Hz 211 dB
Mid: 1 kHz +11 dB
Treble: 10 kHz 211 dB
Loudness: 20 Hz +14 dB (Volume level 20)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CD player section

System: Compact Disc digital audio
Error Correction: CIRC Principle
Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz
DIA Converter Type: 24-bit O/A converter
Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Better than 100 dB
Dynamic Range: Better than 90 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% (1 kHz)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General

Power Source: 14.4 V DC, negative ground (10.8 - 15.6 V allowable)
Current Consumption: 9.0 A (At rated power output)
Installation dimensions: 7" (W) x 1-15/18" (H) x 8-1/4" (D)
Outer dimensions: 7 (W) x 1-15/16 (H) x8-11/16 (D) inches/
Mass Approx: 3 lbs. 5 oz./ 1.5 kg

swez on 04/15/2006 00:11:07
Funny thing you say that Blue. Have been on this and another forum for since 1999. After doing this type of thing for a time, it is easy to pick out quality people that we are naturally drawn to. Most of the time, it's pretty easy to spot a "class act" person. You fit in that pair of shoes very well. SMILE

I tend to agree with you on simplicity of form, fit and function. "Keep It Simple Sam", (KISS) has generally been a good rule of thumb. (It works for me bud!) The Nak has always been a KISS mentality product. No hype, no extra glitz, just plain old elegance and above average engineering. The 'Audiophile Purist's' choice for all occasions huh? This model is no exception.

Nakamichi CD-400

FEATURES:
• Rotary Encoder type volume control
• High-linearity 24-bit D/A converters
• Detachable face with carrying case
• Wireless remote control
• Track scan/Track repeat / random play
• 8-cm (3") CD play w/o adapter
• PLL tuner,18FM/12AM PS
• PS scan/auto mem / auto DX-local
• Loudness
• Audio mute
• Subwoofer preamp output (RCA)
• Aux input (RCA)
• 4ch/4V Preamplifier output (RCA)
• User-selectable color for panel illumination
• Clock

About the only thing that is lacking in this HU, might be limited EQ functions. The HU's 3 band EQ is good, but a 3-4 band selectable "Parametric' EQ or 5 band fixed EQ feature, would be the end all-be all, in my estimations. However, there is an add on that can be used to fill that bill too. Have a look at this option:

http://www.audiobahn.com/Audiobahn06/pages/process.html

The AEQ 6 is the basic model and works great for the price.

AEQ6Q
IN-DASH EQUALIZER & PRE-AMP
Five-band stereo equalizer (45Hz, 100Hz, 700Hz, 2kHz and 15kHz)
Subwoofer frequencies adjustable 35Hz/250Hz
Universal half-DIN chassis for ease of installation
Active gain pre-amplifiers with adjustable input sensitivity
Volume gain with up to 8v output
Individual left and right sensitivity controls for DVD input
Low noise BI-FET op-amp design yields minimum distortion
On-Board 30V bi-polar switching power supply
Subwoofer output and level controls
Gold-plated RCA input connectors
20dB headroom eliminates signal overload
Main / DVD input selector
Dimensions: 1" (H) x 6 7/8" (W) x 3 13/16" (L)

What's very nice here, you get 5 fixed bands of EQ, separate line out controls for Mains/Fader/Sub gain controls and a line driver to keep voltage to amps at optimal range. It also has an AUX input if you ever deside to add a portable device like MP3 player or DVD or similar media players.

These units only requires a single set of HU RCA's, 1/2 DIN dash mountable. You have a DD space to play with and all features are right at your finger tips, if you like to tweak on-the-fly.

The AEQ 7 & 8 are similar, but offer 4 band 'Parametric' EQ selects. Here, you can set the centering frequency on each EQ band as well. A closer look at the PDF manuals, will give the details on each item. These models have crossover selects as well. If you us the JL 300/X and JL 500/1, no need for the crossovers as JL has them already.

For flexiblilty, ease of use and minimal futzing around, the AEQ 6, is a very nice product choice for well under $100.00. The AEQ 7/8 are nice, but if not familiar with 'Parametric EQ' functions, (all the extra tweaking) consider the AEQ 6 model.

Hope that helps,
Swez





Blue_Oval on 04/15/2006 01:04:51
Hey Swez ....That's what I'm looking for buddy. I feel a donation coming on....LOL

You're the only person that comes right out and says, purchase this," ya can't go wrong. Man, I love that. And by gollie, that's what I'm going to do.

You have a very nice system going on here. Need any help installing it?

I've already purchased the JL Audio amplifiers way of the Ebay budget plan. The 300/4 and the 500/1 Slash Series. Brand new.

I also have been looking at the Alpine SPR series in speakers. Very good reviews and at a reasonable price.

Alpine SPR-57LP = Rear door panels

Alpine SPR-57LS Type-R Component System = Front.

Thoughts?

swez on 04/15/2006 01:40:07
From what I see that fits this truck's stock locations, looks like 5.25" rounds or 5x7/6x8" ovals.

I would suggest 5.25" Comps up front, and 6x8" coaxials in back.

The 300/4 delivers 75 RMS x 4 @ 4 ohms. Use it all and speakers that can handle that power well at 80 Hz., and up.

Front Comps:

1. Polk Audio (dB or Momo Series) Good
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-wjFT5nF01Wm/cgi-bin/prodgroup.asp?g=410&nvpair=FFBrand%7CPolk+Audio#see_all

2. CDT Classics (5.25" Comps) Better
http://www.cdtaudio.com/classic2000MidDriv.htm

3. Diamond Audio (Model # S500a/S500s ) Top notch gear!
http://www.diamondaudio.com/products/index.cfm?page=productSearch&Line=&Type=29&model=Model+Number+here...&searchSubmit=SEARCH

Shop those a bit and see what prices are out there. Then, we can look at the rear speakers next.

Swez

PS I love it... a guy that appreciates straight up suggestions and follows the play!!! CLAP

PSS Do you have Yahoo IM or Skype? If yes, we should chat a bit as I have more details to share as we go along. My YIM is 'swez'.
Email: swezdp@ juno.com



Blue_Oval on 04/15/2006 02:46:07
No, I'm sorry Swez, I don't have instant messaging. I did have at one time, and quite frankly, it drove me nuts! But, that's when I had kids at home. They're gone now, and so is the IM. ;-)

For now, I don't mind e-mail....ou81too@comcast.net

When it comes time for this install, I'll more than likely need the IM once again. Hopefully you will be available?

I also copy these threads to a local folder for easy reference when I need them. That's why I don't necessarily reply to everything written. That, and my retention is null.

Once again, thank you so much for everything Swez.

P.S. Would you prefer to take this off the board via e-mailings? I ask, not knowing your time management here. On a personal level, I have plenty of time to deal with this--no hurry at all.

swez on 04/15/2006 11:52:38
It's your call to take this project off the board for the many details that will come as the install phase comes. If you don't like IM's, there is a great VoIP product called "Skype" that is great for voice chats, file sharing and links. Just a follow up set of posts here, may be helpful to others as they too may wish to track your progress.

All one needs there, is a mike and perhaps some headphones and the software. www.skype.com

They have a great free service there and voice quality is better than a phone call. My 'nick' there, will share with you via personal e-mail. My best times are generally after 8:00 PM, (EDT)

Finally, I'd like to get to know you better. We seem to be cut from the same cloth and am sure an online buddy is always a good option. Plus, we can hash out many details with minimal typing and explore the many options that come with an install of this level. I can't wait to hear your report on that new sub/enclosure performance and fit. This is a new vendor to me, but it sounds like this guy is really serious about serving others with quality products that perform well in tight spaces.

Swez

PS Check your e-mail later as I will send you mine and skype info too.

Blue_Oval on 04/16/2006 02:03:57
If you wouldn't mind, I think it would be best really, if we took this off the board Swez. From a bandwidth perspective alone. And I really have terrible eye strain reading on this black background. I promise I'll post updates, links, etc, whatever is needed by the club. I'll even take pictures, if that will help.

Report on the sub enclosure. It will not ship till Monday.

By the way, you have Juno mail...Lets talk turkey. Then I can give you my cell number.

Peace, my friend.

swez on 04/16/2006 09:11:29
Hummm, no mail on Juno yet??? May wish to re-send it.

Do you have a microphone or miked headset for your computer? If yes, we can chat all we need for free via computer. The program is called Skype and is available at:

www.skype.com

This is not like typical IM chats. It's VoIP. (Voice Over Internet) One can voice chat, type messages, share files and pics too. Have used it for almost 1 year now and it's a great tool. Audio is better than any phone call we'd ever make.

Thoughts?
Swez

swez on 04/17/2006 09:05:32
Got them this time. Now we're loggin'.

Deleted your earlier post, as I often get flooded with e-mails by others later. It comes with the job I guess???

OK, sent you a reply and phone number to call as needed. Look forward to chatting with you more.

Swez



Blue_Oval on 04/17/2006 12:40:59
nt

swez on 04/17/2006 23:40:05
Resent the info... if it fails again, flag me here and I'll switch to another e-mailer service. Juno can be unreliable at times.

Swez



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