Pioneer DEH-P2600 or Clarion ProAudio DXZ445?

[Yorb]

Crutchfield comparison chart is here:http://www.crutchfield.com/S-n...45=on

Upgrading from an Aiwa CDC-X217 (CD player is broken, mainly just a replacement, not a major quality upgrade).

If I go with the Pioneer, I need to get a $35 aux. input adapter as well, putting the price above the Clarion (keep in mind I'll be grabbing everything from eBay so knock all the prices down a bit. Also, if anyone knows even better prices on either of these, let me know!).

I'm not going to be getting XM or Sirius, so that doesn't matter.

Driving Infinity Kappa 462.5CFP 4x6 plates in the back and (probably) Kappa 60.5CS components in the front. Preamp goes to a Phoenix Gold Tantrum 300.2 pushing a pair of JL Audio 10W3 subs.

The Clarion will match my blue interior lighting scheme better.

I'm not going for a competition setup or anything here, just good sound. I have no complaints with my current head unit except that it doesn't like to play CDs 95% of the time (good job Aiwa). Most of the music I listen to comes through my iPod though, which is the reason for the aux. input.

Comments and suggestions are REQUESTED! =) As well as brand or model horror/wonder stories. Ordering this week and putting everything in (head unit and front speakers with custom mounts) as well before the end of the month if possible.

Also, if anybody has an altogether different head unit to suggest, I'm open...though I want to stay around $150 or less if possible. Important features I need: CD player, rear (or optional) aux. input, strong amp (driving all midranges and highs by itself), and a blue light color scheme would be cool (but not necessary).

Thank you!

P.S. - This post supercedes my Pioneer DEH-P2600 post. =)

[Rex]

Never had a "Clarion", though most say my Bose is a Clarion, but I've had some different Pioneer H/U's and they never let me down.

My 2 cents.

[whiterps13]

i love pioneer. the look, function, and user-freindlyness have always been great for me.

[Yorb]

okay, so far (ive posted this same post on many boards) it looks like pioneer is favored, but mostly just because people seem to think pioneers are better designed, or last longer, etc. not necessarily performance.

so here are the clarions counterpoints to this:- 2 year warranty instead of 1 (though i might get it off ebay or somewhere anyway)- 2 preamp out pairs instead of 1 pair (important if i want to ever add an amp for my components)- looks cooler- builtin rca aux in

only downside i can see is smaller freq response (10-20k instead of 5-20k)

do i still go with the pioneer? also, if anyone thinks this HU is inadequate to power these speakers, SPEAK UP. thanks.

[Rex]

Hyundia & Kia's have great warrantees also .

There's alot to be said for build quality,dependability and better user features. I have to agree with the AUX input, but that's a trade off, features for quality. I'm sure more expensive Pioneer would offer that built-in.

[InstantRice]

i love the new pioneer 760mp i just got so i'm all about the pioneer right now. i've had clarion products in the past and have never had a problem w/ them if you decide to go that rought.

[Yorb]

you can pay up to $600 for a pioneer head unit and STILL have to get the adapter. >=/

so i'm almost definitely going with the pioneer now, since everyone seems to think it'd be better. new question is if i should bump it up $40 to the p4600mp, which has another pair of preouts, mp3/wma playback and a better eq. is it worth it? i probably wont ever use the other preouts and almost definitely wont ever use the mp3/wma (thats the whole point of the aux adapter).

i am so lost :<

[#RealRiceGSR#]

I need you to update your e-mail adress, it is invalid, you can do so by using the user cp button at the top of the page; thanks.

[Yorb]

whoa, okay, i found refurbished pioneer deh-p6500s on ebay for $180 and 6 month warranty. organic EL display? yes sir may i have another!

;D

[whiterps13]

the 6500 is a nice deck but im weary about refurbished

[Yorb]

well, its on its way. 7 day no-questions-asked return policy plus the 6 month warranty. i'll let you know how it goes. =)

[slammin240]

I say the clarion for overall sound quality. Pioneer is basically for home theater