Ok, the time has come to repace my pioneer deh-3750mp, as it hasnt got anywhere near the kinda features i need for my planned audio installation.. so ive been researching over the last few weeks and have narrowed it down to 2 headunits;

Price is NOT an issue, as i can get both headunits for <300 (discounts @ work) despite both are rrp`d at $599

Number 1: JVC KD-DV6205

http://www.jvc-australia.com/products/_products_sub_group_details.asp?ID=1497

Pro's: has all the features im after, Plus dvd and screen compatible - however this is NOT a defining factor as its not needed. looks great at day time

Cons: nothing specail to look at at night, one rotary control for everything, too much crap on the remote.

Number 2: Panasonic CQ-C8401

http://panasonic.com.au/products/details.cfm?objectID=2840

Pro's: looks bloody fantastic at night, has a blue border backlight, as well as a huge lcd that features race cars dolphins swimming etc etc...all the features im after too. 2x aux in and 3x rca out

Con's: the jvc looks better at day, blue back light means id prefer to have blue interior neons..but car is red. no dvd at all...but once again not a defining factor.

So now i need help making a choice. i know it sounds like im buying based on looks, but really its the only thing separating the two, as the features match each other (apart from the obvious dvd capabilities on the JVC, but i dont need it as i wont be buying a screen)

I will be ordering whichever one i decide on from my supplier tommorow :D so i just gotta pick one!

Go the one that looks betta at nite (the Panasonic). If looks is the main thing, its looks at nite people will see more then at daytime. Thats just my opinion thou.

what voltage and how many preouts does each have?

My Eclipse CD8051 HU has 8V preouts, wish I had the 16V balanced preouts of the Eclipse 8061 though! http://www.fujitsu-ten.co.jp/english/attention/58/58_body/01.html

5v on both

Definately go the panasonic, if it looks way better and that's what you're after then go for it. Don't worry about the blue neons in a red car thing i have a burgundy car with blue in-car neons cause i don't like red and it looks good. On the other hand though, the JVC may have better re-sale value if it comes that time down the track.

i'd personally stay away from panasonics....

i know 3 ppl that have had them, and about 13 months later, they stop playing cd's....

Yeah I'd go the JVC, mainly because JVC still have consistent good quality, Panasonic aren't as good as they used to be and some of their stuff absolutely sucks. If you ever listen to the radio then JVC is the way to go, Panasonic radio's and TV's (and I assume head units as well) can't hold onto weak signals well and get over ridden by strong signals.

If cost wasn't a factor I'd personally get one of these JVC head units. These aren't DVD, the extra cost comes from the extra features. They have some nice features on them, and you can put your own images on the display (like a picture of your Magna...?!)

This one is a bit of a more simpler design, 4x52W
http://www.jvc-australia.com/products/_products_sub_group_details.asp?ID=1395

This is the sick puppy, 4x70W, BBE, and everything else:
http://www.jvc-australia.com/products/_products_sub_group_details.asp?ID=1396

hehe, yeah these are a little more expensive than the one you were looking at, $649 and $749 respectively! Just thought some may be interested in checking them out though ;)

*Snip*

I sell panasonic Tv`s and radio`s for a living, and we have no problem with the weak signal we have inside a thick walled, tin rooved warehouse, so you may have just had a bad run, but i do admit, the radio wasnt all that great on my mates panasonic headunit...but its still better than mine

im going to be ordering the JVC today

RRP: 599

My Price: $308 :D

The JVC is the one to get, much much better CD mechanism. You made the rigt choice IMHO.

I have noticed that the Panasonic tuners are alot more finicky on a bad signal, or with other strong RF signals close by. The RCA's are excellent however, very very clean.

I have heard of problems with the units, mainly in the CD mechanism. However I think I have heard of only one JVC unit going bye bye.

The JVC has also got the Screen output going for it, very handly if you want it laters as Tuffy and a few others will testify to with the lower end JVC's that don't have this feature (KD-G425 specifically).

Good price too, wanna plug where from?

dude thats the one i want, can u get me it for that price??
cheers
Rhys

the price is as such because im a computer/cameras/tv/stereo salesman for the good guys, a retail store similar to harvey norman etc... we sell JVC home theatres, which allows me to order in JVC car audio, and i have cost price discount as an employee