Here is a quick buying guide that I will make larger as I get more information
Buying Guide
Head Unit
Ok choosing a head unit really isn't too difficult, especially since the Probe fits the standard DIN size unit. Basically, picking a head unit is up to you, but I will give you some things to think about before you choose your new stereo. Many of these questions are basic, but I want to make sure you think about every feature there is in a stereo.
1. What do you want in your car, a tape player or cd player?
Ok, this should be an easy one. Today, more and more people own only cds, thus making this decision easy, but others may still have a killer tape collection and just can't afford to buy cds to replace them all. If you are considering a tape deck, here's one reason to get one. A Disc Changer can be added to any system, whether completely factory or completely after market, Disc Changers are a great way to get the best of both worlds. One major thing against Tape decks, is the quality. No matter how good of a unit you buy, the quality in tapes cannot match that of cds. This decision you will probably make on your own.
2. What size will fit in the car.
Fortunately for us, Probes do accept the standard DIN size. Which means we have a great selection to choose from, when looking to buy your stereo 90% of the stereos you look at will be DIN size. Although I'm sure with some work, or maybe a lot of work, a double DIN unit could fit in there.
3. What is a "good" stereo that's not too expensive?
Ok, this is pretty much the standard question that is asked. People know they want a cd player and know to buy a standard size, but don't know what brand to buy or how much to spend. Well, if you are looking to get a cd player put in, you should be looking to spend at least $200 for just the stereo itself. When you are looking at stereos, make sure you are looking at good name brands such as Kenwood, Sony, Pioneer and other well known names. You are guaranteed a quality product from a name brand. So basically, shop around, take a look at head units in your price range and choose a brand that you like. For those of you who are looking to go further then a standard head unit, try that question a bit further down.
4. What features do I need?
When you start shopping around you will see very expensive models and the cheaper ones. Basic differences are features and output quality. For the average person a low end model is perfect for a car running a factory system. Once you begin to get more expensive units you will get features such as more Pre-outs, better voltage output, better changer options, and better security features. Mostly the only reason to get a more expensive stereo, is too support an aftermarket system. If you are just beginning car audio and are not sure how involved you will be getting, then it is often good to start with a low end unit, until you figure out exactly what will work for you.
5. Forget a "good" stereo, I want a great one.
You want a head unit that will match your system, it's best to know what features you need (or want) first. A system with amplifiers will require pre-outs, or RCA-outs, a complete system should get a head unit with 3 pre-outs, for each channel. Although, if you have an EQ, then you actually only need one pre-out. Mostly you want to get good output, you don't want you stereo to be your weak link. Look for stereos with 44 peak, or 22 RMS output or better, with a sensitivity of 93 or better, and 4volt or 8volt pre-outs are good too. If you fit these standards, you will have an average high-end head unit, that will cost you around $400. Of course, the sky's the limit, there are some amazing head units out with solid gold connectors and crazy statistics on it, if your looking for that then you're looking at competition audio, which I unfortunately don't know enough about. But for the average person high-end stereo, look to spend a good $400.
Buying Guide
Head Unit
Ok choosing a head unit really isn't too difficult, especially since the Probe fits the standard DIN size unit. Basically, picking a head unit is up to you, but I will give you some things to think about before you choose your new stereo. Many of these questions are basic, but I want to make sure you think about every feature there is in a stereo.
1. What do you want in your car, a tape player or cd player?
Ok, this should be an easy one. Today, more and more people own only cds, thus making this decision easy, but others may still have a killer tape collection and just can't afford to buy cds to replace them all. If you are considering a tape deck, here's one reason to get one. A Disc Changer can be added to any system, whether completely factory or completely after market, Disc Changers are a great way to get the best of both worlds. One major thing against Tape decks, is the quality. No matter how good of a unit you buy, the quality in tapes cannot match that of cds. This decision you will probably make on your own.
2. What size will fit in the car.
Fortunately for us, Probes do accept the standard DIN size. Which means we have a great selection to choose from, when looking to buy your stereo 90% of the stereos you look at will be DIN size. Although I'm sure with some work, or maybe a lot of work, a double DIN unit could fit in there.
3. What is a "good" stereo that's not too expensive?
Ok, this is pretty much the standard question that is asked. People know they want a cd player and know to buy a standard size, but don't know what brand to buy or how much to spend. Well, if you are looking to get a cd player put in, you should be looking to spend at least $200 for just the stereo itself. When you are looking at stereos, make sure you are looking at good name brands such as Kenwood, Sony, Pioneer and other well known names. You are guaranteed a quality product from a name brand. So basically, shop around, take a look at head units in your price range and choose a brand that you like. For those of you who are looking to go further then a standard head unit, try that question a bit further down.
4. What features do I need?
When you start shopping around you will see very expensive models and the cheaper ones. Basic differences are features and output quality. For the average person a low end model is perfect for a car running a factory system. Once you begin to get more expensive units you will get features such as more Pre-outs, better voltage output, better changer options, and better security features. Mostly the only reason to get a more expensive stereo, is too support an aftermarket system. If you are just beginning car audio and are not sure how involved you will be getting, then it is often good to start with a low end unit, until you figure out exactly what will work for you.
5. Forget a "good" stereo, I want a great one.
You want a head unit that will match your system, it's best to know what features you need (or want) first. A system with amplifiers will require pre-outs, or RCA-outs, a complete system should get a head unit with 3 pre-outs, for each channel. Although, if you have an EQ, then you actually only need one pre-out. Mostly you want to get good output, you don't want you stereo to be your weak link. Look for stereos with 44 peak, or 22 RMS output or better, with a sensitivity of 93 or better, and 4volt or 8volt pre-outs are good too. If you fit these standards, you will have an average high-end head unit, that will cost you around $400. Of course, the sky's the limit, there are some amazing head units out with solid gold connectors and crazy statistics on it, if your looking for that then you're looking at competition audio, which I unfortunately don't know enough about. But for the average person high-end stereo, look to spend a good $400.
Comment