New head unit...AGAIN!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Dec 25, 2004 1:56 pm

BLAST!My CD player on my head unit had crapped out. Kept skipping on CD's regardless of condition...CD's that played fine on other systems...Anyway, I had bought an extended service plan on it when I bought it (thankfully). Sent in the radio last week, they finally called today, said the radio was shot, they were sending a check.Whoa there. A check? That's right. The unit is old, no longer made by Pioneer. So they sent a check for the purchase price: $228.99. SO...My dilemma is, now I have to ONCE AGAIN find myself a decent radio.I'm pretty set on going Pioneer again...for a few reasons.(A), I still have my custom made wire harness from this last one:which I spent a LOT of time soldering and "prettying." (B), I don't like the look of Alpines, I HATE Kenwoods (had a bad Kenwood experience before), and not gonna go for the "lesser" brands such as Clarion, JVC, or Panasonic...Ok, so I have a brand.Price.Not looking to spend more than the $228 they're giving me for the old one.Features.Don't need (or want) MP3 cd playback. Decided that (down the line) I will pickup an iPod. Never really used the MP3 playback on my old one...not worth the extra dough in my opinion. BUT, I do want the organic display. I don't like the "traditional" displays on Pioneers.That being said, I think I'm going for this:DEH-P6600.A bit sleeker than my old one, but similar features.Of course, I'll be getting an extended service contract again -- it proved a lifesaver this time around.So I guess my questions for y'all are:(A) anyone know anyone who owns the 6600? They likey?(B) Where should I get it? Crutchfield? Circuit City? Best Buy?(C) If I've overlooked a brand or model, let me know, I'm open to suggestions, but looking to buy sometime this week. I've been running the stock stereo for about 2 weeks now and am HATING it!

knoxville2013 · Post by **knoxville2013** » Sat Dec 25, 2004 2:03 pm

i love my sony xplod head unit...i got it 2 years ago and wouldnt dare change it out for a new one unless it died

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Dec 25, 2004 2:05 pm

I hear mixed feedback on Sony's...some say they're great, some say they blow...

knoxville2013 · Post by **knoxville2013** » Sat Dec 25, 2004 2:08 pm

they have a feature called DSO that simulates a rising sound (as if the speakers were by your head instead of down at the floor) its real cool and it helps if you dont have tweeters up high

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Dec 25, 2004 2:14 pm

Interesting...Will have to check them out!

ShotInTheDark · Post by **ShotInTheDark** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 7:17 am

I have that head unit in my wife's vibe and love it. She has never complained one bit about it and now that I got her the XM kit for it for christmas she'll be even more happy. I got it at circut city witha free install. had to pay for the harness kit though.

nismo · Post by **nismo** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 7:39 am

Not a bad deal there Inder

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 9:03 am

Quote, originally posted by ShotInTheDark Â»I have that head unit in my wife's vibe and love it.Which one, the 6600?

ShotInTheDark · Post by **ShotInTheDark** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 11:09 am

yep. the XM kit is 100 and a 50 dollar install.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 12:26 pm

My plan for the moment is to stick with the skyfi...but I may opt to go the IP-bus tuner route later on, if I get an ipod...I'm pretty sure I'm getting the 6600, just a question of where to buy it!

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 1:10 pm

This is just my personal opinion, but I always considered Pioneer one of the lesser brands. I love my JVC. I personally consider JVC one of the better brands. Just my opinion.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 1:54 pm

Your opinions are valued!However, I was overall happy with the performance and appearance of my previous unit, thus would like to stay within the brand family.Jahntassa told me about the 8600 tonight... If I could only afford that baby! Besides the amazing display. apparantly when you install it for the first time, you attach a microphone to it, put the microphone on the driver headrest, and it measures the acoustics of the car and adjusts the sound settings for optimal sound quality. How fricken amazing is that???? 'Tis a shame my budget is $300 and not $500...

knoxville2013 · Post by **knoxville2013** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 2:33 pm

steal it, then its free

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 2:37 pm

Quote, originally posted by knoxville2013 Â»steal it, then its freeumm. no.

knoxville2013 · Post by **knoxville2013** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 2:41 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»umm. no.just tryin to help, here in texas we have a place called traders village near fort worth. its a gathering of a lot of our latino friends and they sell stuff for reallll cheap. i picked up a 2 pairs of tweeters today for 20 bucks, they sound really nice too. your 500 dollar head unit you want can be found for about 200 there.

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 8:55 pm

Quote, originally posted by knoxville2013 Â»just tryin to help, here in texas we have a place called traders village near fort worth. its a gathering of a lot of our latino friends and they sell stuff for reallll cheap. i picked up a 2 pairs of tweeters today for 20 bucks, they sound really nice too. your 500 dollar head unit you want can be found for about 200 there. Do you have to wear oven mits to carry anything you buy from there?

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 10:40 pm

Quote, originally posted by knoxville2013 Â»just tryin to help, here in texas we have a place called traders village near fort worth. its a gathering of a lot of our latino friends and they sell stuff for reallll cheap. i picked up a 2 pairs of tweeters today for 20 bucks, they sound really nice too. your 500 dollar head unit you want can be found for about 200 there. They have a place like that around me, but I think ragingfish is looking for a place where he can get a good warranty, especially after the last one died. One of the blessings of not having a good ear is that I am satisfied with the stock audio.

MrRich · Post by **MrRich** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 11:46 pm

I have the Premier DEH660. It is a great headunit. I like better how it looks than the DEH6600. And it is also comes with the steering wheel remote.I want to sell it, because I just bought XM radio. So if you think Mike, I can sell it to you. It was well taken care of. Looks like brand new.Here is how it looks like:

Attached files

MrRich · Post by **MrRich** » Sun Dec 26, 2004 11:47 pm

And the remote

Attached files

nismo · Post by **nismo** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 1:15 am

Hey man, I've been thinkin for bout a month now that I want to get a different HU. This radio is going to the craps on me right now. So, yeah, if you were to sell yours, how much?Inder

MrRich · Post by **MrRich** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 1:42 am

With shipping and the Metra wiring harness (just have to plug it in), I say $175US.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=9139

nismo · Post by **nismo** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 2:55 am

Do I need a metra kit if I already have an aftermarket radio? Because I'm running a Kenwood 622 right now. So, yeah. I know I need the Pioneer kit. But, that comes with the radio. Thanks for the quick response.Inder

MrRich · Post by **MrRich** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 3:06 am

If you have one you don't need it. But it is already welded together, and don't want to take them apart. This way is way more easyer for you too install it

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 3:29 am

Quote, originally posted by knoxville2013 Â»they have a feature called DSO that simulates a rising sound (as if the speakers were by your head instead of down at the floor) its real cool and it helps if you dont have tweeters up highDSO is very cool, but I have mine turned off since the tweeters are mounted in my doors. I love my Sony, but can't vouch for any others than the MEXHD1.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 4:28 am

Went to circuit city today, looked at the 6600, and was unhappy with the display. Too blue. My last one was a bit cleaner.Turned and looked at the 8600. FELL IN LOVE! Will be getting it...DAMN YOU PIONEER!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 5:10 am

Found a BARGAIN on the 8600 online!Got a brand new unit, and a 3 year service plan, for $385...Sounds pricey, but keep in mind, a brick and mortar store was asking $475 for just the head unit...and that's as low as I could find one...

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 10:29 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»Went to circuit city today, looked at the 6600, and was unhappy with the display. Too blue. My last one was a bit cleaner.Saw that complaint coming. The difference between the *500 and the *600 is they flipped the OLeD display. Blue is now white, and white is blue, which means 80% of the display is blue. UUUUUGly. And the patterns are nowhere near as interesting or entertaining.The 8600 however...phew.And also, as said, the DSO is designed for systems that don't already have component (seperate tweeter/woofer) speakers.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 10:30 am

Agreed!The 6600 display was a HUGE letdown...

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 2:05 am

Hey Mike!I have had my Sony for over a year now and trust me I pump that baby and so far no worries.Good luck with your purchase and do I have to ask you to post pics?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 8:22 am

Quote, originally posted by ArcsVibe Â»Good luck with your purchase and do I have to ask you to post pics? Of course not!SHould be in Thursday or Friday, pics to follow (OBVIOUSLY! )

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 4:25 pm

Stereo came in today!Looks freakin AWESOME!All pics http://photos.ragingfish.com/deh-p8600mpSome pics:The face slides down to load discs: The radio has a feature called "Automatic EQ and Time Alignment." It basically measures the acoustics of the car and sets audio settings accordingly. This is the microphone that is used to "hear" the signals the system outputs via the speakers...it is supposed to represent the location of the ear of the driver.The mic plugs into the faceplate.And some night shots!And some shots of my SkyFi2.This radio is freakin COOL!

nismo · Post by **nismo** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 4:38 pm

That radio is pretty sweet man. Nice buy. Inder

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 9:47 pm

HA! Now I just need to get one for Mary. I showed her the 8600 and now her 6500 just won't do.By the way Mike, now you need to ditch the SkiFi2 and get the MiFi. http://www.xmradio.com/myfi/index.jspI'm a baaaaad influence.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 11:34 pm

Where did the compass/temp gauge come from? That's like what was in my mom's Blazer...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 2:07 am

Quote, originally posted by Kari Â»Where did the compass/temp gauge come from? That's like what was in my mom's Blazer...That's on my auto-dim rearview from like months ago!

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 5:41 am

I seriously hadn't noticed that before...LOL. Yeah those autodim things are nice. Explains why I recognized it from mom's Blazer.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 9:07 am

Yeah, raging's upgraded his mirror like twice now. Very nice things to have! That's a very nice looking HU there raging... Sweet display! Is that the same XM tuner you've always had? If so, I didn't know you could change the colors on 'em to white - that looks pretty neat!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 9:31 am

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â»Is that the same XM tuner you've always had? If so, I didn't know you could change the colors on 'em to white - that looks pretty neat! This is the SkyFi 2 which I upgraded to when it came out a few months ago...This one has some advanced features, including the ability to rewind up to and pause for 30 minutes of music...it also has a built in wireless FM modulator...which of course i don't need anymore since I finally have a new Pioneer! WOO!

Smokin' Rubber · Post by **Smokin' Rubber** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 10:46 am

Parents decided to be nice and got me the MyFi for Christmas and I gotta say its pretty damn cool. 5 hrs of recorded playback (which it actually breaks down into tracks) which is nice for when you want to listen to it inside but don't get reception. Signal strength is amazing for the unit on its own without plugging into an antenna (even while inside it gets some signal). Not to mention the portability is great.I'll be installing it in my car probably tomorrow and I'll post some picks (might post some picks of my new deck/subs and amp since I finished those with Jahn's help a little while ago)

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 10:51 am

If I ever get my car back from the dealer (damned clutch), i'll post pics of my MiFi install. WOO. this thing is darned cool!

Smokin' Rubber · Post by **Smokin' Rubber** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 11:33 am

Definitely is I was originally going to put it in the compartment to the left of the steering wheel but it was too small, then I thought about the compartment under the shifter and again it was too small, so I just gave up and put the mount on the vent above the radioAnd you know what I find even more funny? Flip to page 34 (of the thicker xm2go booklet) and look at the pictures for the signal strength guidelines... what kind of car do you think is in the picture on the bottom? And look at this Btw why does the thing tell y ou to install the vehicle antenna at least 6" from any window?

Smokin' Rubber · Post by **Smokin' Rubber** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 3:16 pm

Here are pics of the XM reciever, pioneer HU, and subs+amp

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 4:15 pm

Quote, originally posted by SmokinÃ¢Â€Â™ Rubber Â»Btw why does the thing tell y ou to install the vehicle antenna at least 6" from any window?The antenna uses the sheet metal of the car to enhance and help pick up the signal.

Smokin' Rubber · Post by **Smokin' Rubber** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 4:47 pm

Well I figured that much but why would it matter how far away it is from the windows? I would think that having the reciever in the center of the aluminum paneling would only minutely enhace the signal strength.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 10:52 pm

It's a ground plane effect. It doesn't really matter, as far as i've seen. As long as it's on the roof, you're good.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat May 07, 2005 3:50 pm

Ok, was flipping through the manual for my 8600 tonight. Remembered that you can upload your own images for the displays. Got an idea, and went with it. This is so freakin cool...We've got:My Vibe (taken from a picture from the last NY state rally):Solstice:Sky:and G6:Damn I love this radio!Sorry for the sucky photo quality. It's a combo of my camera, and this display having the same effect you get when you try to video tape a TV or computer monitor...

jeffgtx · Post by **jeffgtx** » Sat May 07, 2005 4:00 pm

that is awesome! how do you upload the images? the radio has a USB port or it can read a data CD with images on it or something?awesome, nice pics (and nice car choices).

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat May 07, 2005 4:03 pm

You download special software that burns a file to a CD, then the head unit pulls the data from the disc...

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun May 08, 2005 4:54 am

Nice! I did, also, totally forget that radio was capable of that..