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Just bought my first civic today...Step 1: Audio.

I am a huge music buff...but I'm also broke. I'm looking for something that gives me the sound I need but doesn't break the bank.

After I buy the head unit I am planning on upgrading the speakers, and then adding an amp later on. No sub in the works for now, but that could change. Volume is important, but I am more interested in getting the crispest and cleanest sound possible for my budget. At first I was thinking the Alpine CDA-100 or 102, but I hear they have limited EQ options.

Any input and advice would be greatly appreciated. If you need any more info about my preferences or ride please let me know.

Thanks for the help!

 
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Look through this thread

You will get a lot of answers

I rocked out my system for under 500 bucks, best money i've ever spent

 
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pretty much any alpine will sound good

 
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I checked out that thread, some good info in there.

Right now, as far as features/price/reviews go, I'm leaning towards the Alpine CDA-105.

One thing I don't know much about is the preamp situation. Not sure exactly how it all works, but I just want to make sure that I buy a unit with enough upgrade-ability. I'm planning on replacing all the speaks in the car, eventually adding an amp, and possibly some subs. Can someone school me on what I need in a head unit to make that happen? Are 3 preamps enough?

Thanks again for the help.

 
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Okay, So i took a look through the alpine for you (more like skimmed it, but u get the idea)
And honestly, for a $200 deck, i would expect much more from it

There is just ONE USB port, which is in the rear, and no AUX input
So, all you have to listen to, is your ipod, or a CD

All this is great and all...its ready for everything, but yet, has nothing
By comparing this deck to others, i'd rather get a Kenwood for my money's worth

Preamps:
3 output is plenty enough for a car stereo
1 to power fronts, 1 for rear, and 1 for subs
Typically, you would only use 1 front (4 chan amp), and 1 sub (mono)
If you use 3 amps, you're possibly looking at upgrading your alternator, and new big 3 upgrade as well.

Now, for the comparison

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While the Sony DSX-200X I prefer advertises

• 3 Sets of 4V preamp outputs (front, rear and subwoofer)
• Playback of MP3, AAC, and WMA
• Does not play CDs.
• SSIR-EXA tuner with 18FM/12AM presets
• RDS Compatible tuner
• Digital Music Plus technology for enhanced audio playback
• EQ7 7-band digital graphic equalizer with 7 selectable tone curves (6 Preset, 1 User)
• iPod/iPhone Ready: Direct connection through USB
• Front-panel USB input: USB Port allows connection to portable USB-devices such as iPods, Sony Walkman, thumb drives, etc
• CD Changer controls

Both headunits are approximately the same price, you can compare them all you like, and Sony outshines the Alpine in every way


I do not endorse Sony, nor do they sponsor me in any way for advocating their products, I just see the worth of their products, and the quality they present. I love their headunits very much

 
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That one actually looks pretty good, and I like the aspect that it has 4 volt.

Only problem is the CD situation....if there's no CD drive I at least need an 3.5mm AUX input to plug a portable CD player in if needed. The specs on Crutchfield say "AUX optional". Does that mean it's on the back? If so I will seriously consider it. Also, how is the sound quality on Sony head units in general compared to the other top players? I'm looking to go as crisp and clear as possible on my budget.


Can anyone else vouch for Sony? I couldn't find many reviews.

 
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AUX i think is an external CD changer that you can plug in

Why do you even use CD's anymore? They are outdated
Upload all your songs onto a flash drive and stick it in the head unit, best of all, no CD clutter, and worry that your CDs are scratched.

I can definately vouch for sony. I've had my unit for more than a year, and i'm still loving it, though i wish i can upgrade to the newer digital units like the DSX line.
The 7 band equalizer is also a big plus, lets you have all the customization you need.
Another plus is Sony's DSO feature, lets our speakers from kick panels, or like lower cabin sound like the speakers are from the top of the cabin. great feature


Here's a video of my system before I got Polk speakers, using stock speakers and a JL sub
[Youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfbAbQ0qTPQ[/Youtube]

And heres a video of my system after i got my Polk speakers
[Youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q_UNBxSb_o[/Youtube]

In both videos, my camera does not do my system any justice :P

 
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Call me old school, but it is a fact that CD's have better sound quality than mp3's and alot of other formats. When you convert a file to an mp3 (or similer low memery format) you are running it through about 35 filters that take away from the quality but make it take up less memory. This is less apperent when listening to hip-hop and techno because of the way they are mixed. It is most apparent with classical/symphony music, where there are lot's of subtle sounds and "ups and downs". That is why somebody would want to use a CD. Of course if you download/rip the music in CD (avi if I remember correctly) format onto your memory device then you are good to go.

 
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I agree, but now with newer technology, the MP3 files sound the same, and most people just put MP3 files onto a CD anyways, and not buying real CDs from the artists.

And also, the Sony claims they have a technology that enhances compressed audio such as Mp3's, though i havent tried, i really want to see how they compare

 
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Well I don't really know about that but I do know that when you take something away you cannot put it back, you can only imitate it. I will have to find out more about this "new technology". An mp3 is an mp3.

 
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yeah you can enhance it all you want, but bottom line alot of the music data is still missing. you might not notice that much difference if you use 192kbps and a crappy audio system, but anything lower is quite a bit worse than the original cd.

 
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Im sure we're all not THAT big of an audiophile

I honestly cant tell much of a difference between 192kbps and 320kbps
especially in a car with plenty of road noise
But I always download the 320kbps for peace of mind

But then again, I dont listen to classical, or instrumental music, so I wouldnt know.

In all truth, audio equipment is truly up to the person who's buying it.
there is no "perfect" equipment for everyone

 
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Thanks for the help guys. I think what I'm going to try to do is run to walmart, best buy, and other electronic stores and see if I can find all of these models and test them. I think that's the best way to base my decision.

 
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definately is

 
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I have never had a problem with Kenwoods and they are pretty cheap. I don't really like all of the bright flashing lights, *****, motorized faces and crap that alot of decks have. All of that is just more stuff to break. Simplicity is very good and reliable in my opinion.