im planning on getting a new headunit, but im honestly not after anything too flashy...say if i get one of the entry level model alpines with a single pre out and subwoofer level control, and i use my amps (one for speakers, one for sub) to set my highpass/lowpass...will i still have a functioning sub control? or will it act like a volume control seeing as its all through one pre-out?

if the single pre-out is used for running full range, and splitted ro run sub, you wont have use of the sub control sorry to day..
but with that said, i didnt know alpine made a unit with a single pre-out any more?

how much are you looking at spending? JVC have a decent deck for around the $250 mark with 3 preouts and decent functions.

around 300..i can get say the jvc kd-dv6205 for around this price, but id rather the increased sound quality of the alpine

alpine is overrated
the cheaper models do not offer anymore sonic excellence over others brands in the same price range.

i'd go the JVC cause you have DVD playback, imagine 1000 songs on one disc (but i think that one only has one pre-out anyway)
or go a non-DVD JVC unit that has 3 pre-outs
my 2c :-)

JVC actually would be one of the best budget SQ units available.

i'm pretty sure they have the cheapest units available with full RCA outputs too

edit: check out this one

http://www.jvc-australia.com/JVC/client/c_products_details.jsp?catID=27&prodID=164

JVC actually would be one of the best budget SQ units available.

i'm pretty sure they have the cheapest units available with full RCA outputs too

edit: check out this one

http://www.jvc-australia.com/JVC/client/c_products_details.jsp?catID=27&prodID=164

some one agrees :-)

yeah.. JB HI (perth) have that unit going for $286 at the moment

hold that thought.. the KD-DV6205 has 3 outs..(and all at 5V).
if you can get it for $300.. then i'd say go for it

Alpine hands down from experience.
I know Sony is not one of ur options but incase you look at one just forget it they r crap, again from experience.