im looking to get a new headunit, something that can pump out optimal sound quality. I listen to a few different styles of music so im looking for clarity over loudness. Im also looking for something with customization.

The setup im most likely going for (will be doing within the next few months)

-eD SQ10 subwoofer
-eD Eu 650's in the front

im still sort of undecided on the amps yet. I have two kicker amps kx250 amps pushing 250w each and im not sure whether im going to keep them yet or not (depends on the cash flow and if theyre suitable or not.. give me some feedback if you can)

I did some searches on the forums, checked into a few HUs, but some were mixed reviews. The ones it came down to were

Pioneer DEH-9800BT (might go for the premier model)
-I like the bluetooth features and on the premier model, the auto eq with the mic is nice, but because its still sort of new I haven't heard too many reviews about it yet

Eclipse CD3000 and CD4000s (can maybe step up to the higher models too if theyre worth it)
-both seem like solid HUs but Ive heard mixed reviews on them compared to others

Alpine 9857
-have heard good and bad about it

Im open to hear other suggestions as well. Im not too worried about price.

 

I have the Premier 980-BT and I absolutely love it. Once I got used to the controls, it's become one of my favorite decks. The BT integration is nice, the sound quality could be a bit better, although that could be my phone (I have a Motorola Q) The Auto-EQ takes the deck to a whole new level. Prior to having this deck, I thought I had a good ear, and could relatively tune a system... I was sooo far off it was pathetic. Combine the auto-EQ with the HPF's and LPF's and you'll have a system to be proud of.

 

the pioneer P880-PRS is an awesome single din headunit. 3 RCA hookups, and the ability to control crossover points from the headunit makes going active easy.

 

what kind of negative stuff have you heard about the CDA-9857? i've had one for months and can't find a single thing i dislike about it.

 

I can't really find any reference to it right now, although I was browsing a while ago upon its release and people said it wasn't what they expected, and one person returned it I remember and said he was going for the new Eclipse or Pioneer. Im just looking for feedback about a few, im not gonna get it for a few weeks probably still.

 

Eclipse 8443 if you can find one....

or the Ural CDD ConceRt... talk to mandos about that one... HELLUVA head unit!!

 

Ural CDD Concert sounds pretty nice... but could it even fit in our cars? heh..

Also.. haven't been able to find the Eclipse 8443


I guess im sort of gearing towards the Premier still.. im liking the Auto EQ mic feature.. but I wanna look into it more... still open for suggestios though

 

anyone got more information on the URAL? I wasn't able to find too much.. most the sites in Russian... I was wondering if there was any place to buy it too...
Also, would the setup for the HU be the same or because its from Russia would the wiring, etc be different?

 

i have a pioneer 8600mp (older model about 2 releases ago) and i was thinking about the 7600mp cause of the ipod integration and the eq customization. i live in ca and they may pass a law about driving with cellphones, and immediately the 9800BT came in to mind. the 7600mp and hte 9800bt are purty simliar, except for the bluetooth. but definately 9800bt :D

 

PM mandos... he can tell you ALL kinds of information about it... it's 30 language capable (the actual HU), has test tone generators, I think 30 band EQ, all kinds of goodies...

last I heard, Elemental Designs still had one available for around $500-$600... something like that...

 

Old post but if anyone is interested I have a MINT black ural cdd that I may be willing to part with. It was the last unit availavle in the usa at time of purchase and ED does not have anymore. Has about 2 hours on it total. Pm if interested. Would sell for $550.00