New HU

[Crystalgolem]

Hello All,
I just bought a 2001 Beetle (1.8T) w/Monsoon stereo and I want to replace the stock HU. There are 3 models I am trying to decide between. Which of these would you pick? Or would you recommend anything else?

Sony CDX-GT300 http://www.crutchfield.com/S-4BoijpF...300&I=158GT300

Clarion DXZ365MP http://www.crutchfield.com/S-4BoijpF...00&I=020DXZ365

Alpine CDE-9852 http://www.crutchfield.com/S-4BoijpF...0&I=500CDE9852

[rawr]

I would have chosen the Alpine head unit for any other car than the New Beetle. I've never seen a HU-install that looks good. OEM with third party amps will do the trick for me.

[sb_beetle]

My Alpine with the Monsoon does quite nicely.

[Bob]

I agree, I would go with Alpine of those 3 too. I had one in my old car and it never let me down.

[gilligan]

Yep ditto on that.

[Toad]

I'm gonna be the loner that says Clarion.

Sorry Alpine guys, i just dont reall like alpines that much. Alpine makes good stuff, but Clarion makes better. And i my Clarion.

[nagal]

I got an Alpine HU and I like it but its missing a Mid range eq setting which really bugs the crap out of me.

I have heard a lot of good stuff about Clarion.

[Palladigma]

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Nx1JyzH...&display=L#Tab

[Toad]

Originally Posted by Palladigma

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Nx1JyzH...&display=L#Tab

That JVC is niiice! definately a top choice for this price range. Good find. The colors will math up decently at night and it's got a burr brown for how much? that's cheap!

[Bob]

OOO, if we can add to the list, I haven't heard very many good things about about JVC's... I have however heard good things about Pioneer's which I just stuck one in my beetle myself... I could take a picture of the intall if you want. I like it: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-MvX0tJY...&display=L#Tab

[rawr]

Originally Posted by Bob

I could take a picture of the intall if you want.

Please do

[Crystalgolem]

thx for all the responses. the pioneer is nice, but i dont really want to spend that much. the JVC has some nice specs, but i dont see any reviews outside of crutchfield on it ;(. seems kinda odd putting a JVC in VW, kinda like sony in VW.

So lets add the JVC to list. Is it the best pick for the money?

[Toad]

If the JVC had a black faceplate, i'd be all over it for this price range.

[Palladigma]

I have a JVC on my Beetle , I like it , it sounds good . they do have some with a black face .

[Bob]

Originally Posted by rawr

Please do

Don't have any on my computer for some reason, but I'll grab some for you tomorow after work.

[Crystalgolem]

I've got a couple more options to throw out there ;D

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=14806

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=16369

Has anyone bought from this site? I think these two units are nicer, especially the Excelon. What do you think?

[Bob]

I'd go with the Pioneer myself... I have one and I like it alot, blends in rather nicely I would say... I went to take a picture of it installed but wouldn't you know it, my camera decided to break... so I'm going to go steal my girlfriend's and hopefully put some on tonight. :S

[Badness]

Pioneer DEH-P9800BT I am picking one up on Friday Bluetooth baby!...and it's a killer loaded deck.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...147633,00.html

[Audiophil]

I would go listen to them... all with the tone controls/EQ set to flat or off and then make a choice. I have always thought the Alpines have sounded the most musical to me.

They are low on the boomin' bass/ghetto fancy displays and stick more with sound quality as their top priority. Have had an Alpine in my Bug for years, never a problem. Hope that helps!

[Crystalgolem]

Thx again for all the advice. I ended up going with a Pioneer 4800mp. I like it alot, sounds great and was a killer deal. Circuit City had the $40 off, so I only paid $139 for it. Plus they had free installation. Little did I know i needed to buy and Antenna Adapter ($13), Wire Harness ($19), Smart Harness & Dash Kit ($46). Ended up spending more that I thought I would and more than I wanted too, but I'm happy.