Hey guys, currently looking at getting a 2nd hand headunit around abouts the $150-$250 mark, but it must have:
3 outputs, eg. 1 pair of fronts, rears and a sub.
Must be able to control frequency for each channel, eg. lows for sub, mid to highs for front and rear.
Must have at least 4v outputs.
The problem i'm facing is that i can see alot of jvc etc. on offer in my price range but all they supply is model number with not many specs (no clear indication whether they have what i'm after or not).
Was just wondering which models would have what i'm after so that i can keep an eye out for them, cheers!


Also tried google to find specs on the models but usually all that came up were japanese sites.

Double also what are signs to look out for when buying 2nd hand to avoid possible damaged or dodgy head units?

Is there JB HiFi in the state where you live? They had a XPLOD mp3 deck with 3 outputs for $269 I think, this was in SA though. It might have been 2 outputs im not sure anymore.

this one (http://www.sony.com.au/xplod/catalog/product.jsp?categoryId=23004)

I wouldn't recommend buying 2nd hand decks.

mate theres a nice pioneer one on ebay

linky linky (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Pioneer-DEH-5750-MP-Latest-2005-model-MP3-WMA-car-audio_W0QQitemZ5802509302QQcategoryZ50144QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem)

was thinking of getting something simlialr to this, im sure it has what you want in a HU.
well for the price i think this one is pretty good

The JVC. KDG-615 suites all your needs and can be picked up for around $300

It has front rear and sub pre outs..

The RRP on the JVC KDG-615 (http://www.jvc-australia.com/products/_products_sub_group_details.asp?ID=1393) is $299. Just head down to JB hifi or a similar shop with cash and you should be able to haggle it down to about $260-$270. From what i've heard it's an awesome budget unit.

Otherwise, maybe hit up the CAA forums and have a look in the for sale section

The JVC. KDG-615 suites all your needs and can be picked up for around $300

It has front rear and sub pre outs..
It only outputs 2.5v though :(

It only outputs 2.5v though :( I spent about $600 (RRP$699) on an alpine 9851 and it's only got 2.5v pre-outs. I think you will be pushing it on your budget to exceed this. In saying that though, you might be lucky enough to find a second hand one with >2.5v ouputs. As i said in my last post, I highly recommend that you check out the For sale section of the Car Audio Australia Forums (http://www.caraudioaustralia.com/forums/index.php?showforum=41).

Feel free to correct me, but 2.5v shouldnt be to much of a concern unless your running top of the range equipment.

In the future i may upgrade my speakers to higher end, may not, but i want to be able to without having to upgrade my HU AGAIN.

The 2.5 Volt Pre out is middle of the Range.. Some current decks still only offer 2Volt..

my last deck had 4 Volt Pre outs and I hardly noticed the difference as I never went over the top..

I believe Eclipse have some high Voltage RCA outputs but doubt that one with 3 Preouts would be in the Price Bracket..

So for an Entry level Deck, the JVC KDG615 should not be over looked...



I looked up Pioneer Headunits but unable to get their RCA' Outputs..

I am also Checking Out Clarions New range
http://www.clarion.com.au/prod_source.htm

But as far as I can tell the Base Models only have 4 Channel RCA out put with the 6 Channel RCA Outputs starting at the DXZ656MP


Some of Clarions New Decks are pretty cool looking...

My current HU has 2v single RCA output. But they may be suffered even more seen as it is split into 4 seperate signals.
I would have thought 2nd hand i could find a head unit with these features for the $300 ish mark at least.

As Far as I was told by the last person who used Splitters in their " Competition" System was spliting the signal didn't alter its output, it just encouraged more noise but I am not sure of the truth of it.

I am using RCA Splitters on my KDG 615 to make the RCA Sub output into a 4 channel output so I can run my 4 Channel Amp in Bridged mode..
Hasn't seemed to affected it..

Splitters are fine, it is a low level signal. (it doesnt halve the voltage as the voltage remains constant)

Also ensures that the exact same signal is getting to the two channels.

Peace

Tim

If your looking to upgrade your system at a later stage, it might be worth saving a little bit more for your headunit now. I would say that a $300 max budget for your h/u would probably only get you into entry level equipment or maybe mid-level second hand equipment if you keep an eye out.

I would probably recommend that you save at least another $200 for your headunit, bringing your budget to around the $500 mark. At this price range you will be able to pick up some decent equipment second hand or possibly new. In the long run it will make better financial sense and you will be much happier with your system:D.

Further, as magnat said, don't discount the JVC KDG615. It is a great entry level unit, with some features you probably won't find at the same price.

Anyway, don't rush into buying something just because it's cheap. I've had many experiences with car audio where I have brought something because it was cheap and a few weeks later im dissapointed and end up spending more money on what i should have brought originally

Happy hunting though, I'll keep an eye out on some forums for you

You are better off saving up to get the head unit of your dreams, as the Head unit is the source of all your sounds.. a Bad choice from here will result in tears further down the track..

surprised no-one has mentioned panasonic head units. Im pretty sure the CQ5400 is the first one to get 5V triple pre-outs, and in-built filters for each. Can be had for about $300 or less these days too.

Kenwoods new range has 3 pre outs Was looking at their cattledog today.

Did you have to mention the K word... :cry:

Yes Even I will admit that K.... do have some decks but you have to pay Big to get the Quality. Their High End Tuners are the only ones that I know of that have 3 Pre Outs..

Yes Panasonic do make great head units, They are releasing new models so maybe Old stock can be picked up. cheap...(Their Speakers are a little Ho-hum)
5Volt Pre out under $500 is nothing to be sneezed at....

Ive got a JVC KD-LH300 and its got 3 preouts @ 4V.
A great HU with loads of features.
I got it new from JB HIFI for $400 (on special)

KD-LH300 (http://www.soundoffaudio.com/item.cfm/id/2152)

WOW @ kedron have JVC KD SHX705 HU's there... my one..down from $1000 to $350

3 x 5v Pre-outs :) cheerin

surprised no-one has mentioned panasonic head units. Im pretty sure the CQ5400 is the first one to get 5V triple pre-outs, and in-built filters for each. Can be had for about $300 or less these days too.

Am onto my second Panasonic head unit now, and very happy with features, presentation, and quality of sound. Even their entry levels have triple RCA.

surprised no-one has mentioned panasonic head units. Im pretty sure the CQ5400 is the first one to get 5V triple pre-outs, and in-built filters for each. Can be had for about $300 or less these days too.
Hmmmm i'm thinking this sounds like the head unit for me, have any more model numbers i can look out for.
I was hoping there would be some not so known brand come out of the shadows :D.
Thanks for all your opinions guys, i'll have to keep an eye out on specials etc.
You've definately given me alot of food for thought.

ok guys i'm currently on EBAY bidding on a 2nd hand panasonic CQ5400, as it has all the features i want, currently winning it at $160, i've set my max to $175, 2 days to go, there is a brand new one also that i will go for if i dont get this one, but i'll sneak in at the end and up the max bid :).