Hi all, considering a lower end ($200-250) h/unit upgrade for my car. I'm considering either a Clarion or Kenwood h/u both have aux in and USB functionality... specs very similar, Clarion has an extra set of RCA outputs.

For those who have experience with one or either brands... which has the best sound quality (if at all)?

Thanks in advance.

had a look at JVC? they have some great lower end stuff :)

my gf's kenwood has been fine in her TR but personally id go clarion

Hi, I've got a Clarion DXZ476MP ( http://clarion.com/in/en/products/2007/audio/source_units/cd/DXZ476MP/in-en-product-pf_1170603190096.html ). I have been through a few head units a my last Kenwood one overheated and smoked. My Clarion haed unit was the same price and it has so many more features and just sounds so much clearer.

had a look at JVC? they have some great lower end stuff :)

2nd.

What are the model numbers of the kenwood and clarion that you're looking at?

2nd.

What are the model numbers of the kenwood and clarion that you're looking at?

Something like the Kwood KDC-MP543U or Clarion CZ-209. Both are fairly similar.

i would go the JVC, but you cant beat clarion either.

i would go the JVC, but you cant beat clarion either.

Thanks. I just took a look at a JVC - KD-R406 which has an appealing interface but don't think it supports USB. $ wise a bit cheaper than the Clarion/Kenwood I was looking at.

The KD-R506 has the USB + AUX, the RRP is $239 so within your budget, and some stores probably have it advertised cheaper than the rrp..

Forget Kenwood... go Clarion OR JVC..

Reason : Too many people I know have bought Kenwood and have wanted to shoot themselves for doing so..

I'll vote Clarion over Kenwood - had a Clarion HU, it came in a 2nd hand car I bought. I didn't have a manual and never figured out all the controls, but it worked well.

10 years ago, there were bad stories about Kenwood going around - if a system had any 'noise' the answer was "Remove the Kenwood gear".
I've never heard good stories about Kenwood, but haven't heard anything bad for a long time either.

But when I've bought, I've gone with JVC more recently (twice) - sound quality is good enough for me and features are many for the price. :)

Clarion IMHO because I'm using it. There are a couple of things I hate about it like the low res screens as well as the poor tuning features. But they look DIFFERENT. I think Clarion makes some really nice looking head units with enough features to make most people happy.

Clarion of the two but JVC anyday :P

pioneer for me

pioneer for me
I'm not a fan of blowing track fuses...otherwise I'd be happy with a Pioneer too :P

ive never ever had a problem, and its all ive ran for 10yrs

ive never ever had a problem, and its all ive ran for 10yrs
I've heard of way too many problems to trust them.

Clarion IMHO because I'm using it. There are a couple of things I hate about it like the low res screens as well as the poor tuning features. But they look DIFFERENT. I think Clarion makes some really nice looking head units with enough features to make most people happy.

LOL. My reasoning is the exact opposite to yours. I find the H/U's ugly as sin but (on my model at least) with shiteloads of tuning options.

But yeah Clarion over Kenwood. and Pioneer :)

I've heard of way too many problems to trust them.

thats too bad. pioneer is all i will trust.

but thats the beauty of living in australia, personal choice

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, the older Clarion units aren't particularly attractive, but the newer ones (the 09 range) are actually quite nice to look at, and have all the features I'm after. Have read some good reviews as well which is handy. Interesting about the -'ve fdback for the Kenwoods... always thought they were a well regarded car audio manufacturer.

I guess one other component that might sway me is the bluetooth interface that can be plugged into them - all the makes I've looked at (KW, Clarion, Sony etc) have plug in bluetooth devices but difficult to say w/out using what they will be like - comparatively.

Alpine FTW.

Alpine FTW.

:stoopid:

Sorry But I dont trust a Company that makes Kettles to make Audio gear....
My Kenwood kettle blew up in the same period as a friends Head unit...

LOL. My reasoning is the exact opposite to yours. I find the H/U's ugly as sin but (on my model at least) with shiteloads of tuning options.

But yeah Clarion over Kenwood. and Pioneer :)
I wouldn't say shiteloads, but there's a few things you wouldn't expect to find on a headunit of its price. That said, $250 won't get you a Clarion headunit with anything special, it'll be just like all the others for the money.

Hey! They look good! Matches the black interior of my lancer!

ive had both JVC and pioneer... never had a problem. BUT Yes i have heard bad stories about pioneer and kenwood....must be the unlucky ones... hmmmm

JVC, had many, not a single hiccup

As many have said, excellent value in the lower price range

get the one with the most flexible graphic EQ. good sound EQ can make all the differrence to your sound weather you have the most expensive system or a cheap one. and if you want to run subs or amps later ensure it has enough pre outs.

JVC would be my pick.

Pioneers track fuses don't just blow for no reason...

Even if you do it, they honour the first one under warranty which takes 2-3days :D

Don't just buy based on spec, make sure you look into how the menu's work, functionality etc.

I don't mind pioneer subs... i've never had a problem with mine, and sound output has been fantastic

I've had Clarion Head units in my cars for 5 years now and can't fault them. I currently have the Double Din 7inch Screen DVD Headunit in the Magna now with the Ipod attachment and love it and thats now 2 years old.
I will be putting a clarion headunit into the beetle when it gets closer to being ready.

I had a JVC HU and had nothing but probs

Go with what floats your boat if its pretty colours sound whatever you will be the one who will hwve to live with it day in and out