Hi, its my first time buying a head unit and i would like to have your guys input to wether the Panasonic CQ-C300U or Pioneer DEH-P300IB is better and why is it better than the other. I am planning on getting a 1 12" sub later on. When looking for a head unit, what should i look for that will give me the best quality and options?


Panasonic CQ-C300U SPECS:

General
DIN Size - 1 Din
DVD Playback - No
CD-R/RW Playback - Yes
MP3 Playback - Yes
WMA Playback - Yes
Wireless Remote - Yes
Bluetooth - Ready
USB Port - No
iPod Interface - Optional
CD Text - Yes
Preamp Voltage - 4Volts
Display Color - White
Key Button Color - Red
Continous Power Output - 4 x 18 Watts
Maximum Power - 4 x 50 Watts
Signal-to-Noise - 85dB
Input/Output
Video Control - No
Preamp Outputs - 2 pairs
AUX Input - Front
EQ Bands - 3
Sound Shaping Type - SQ
Tuner
FM Presets - 18
AM Presets - 6
Satellite Radio Ready - Sirius/XM Radio
http://shop1.outpost.com/produ...LT_PG This gives more Detail

PIONEER DEH-P3000IB SPECS:

General
DIN Size - 1 Din
CD-R/RW Playback - Yes
MP3 Playback - Yes
WMA Playback - Yes
Wireless Remote - Yes
Bluetooth - No
USB Port - Ready
iPod Interface - Yes/Optional
CD Text - Yes
Preamp Voltage - 2Volts
Display Color - White
Key Button Color - Green
Continous Power Output - 4 x 22 Watts
Maximum Power - 4 x 50 Watts
Input/Output
Video Control - No
Preamp Outputs - 1 pair
AUX Input - Front
EQ Bands - 5
Sound Shaping Type - EQ
Tuner
FM Presets - 18
AM Presets - 6
Satellite Radio Ready - Sirius/XM Radio

http://shop1.outpost.com/produ...LT_PG This gives more detail


I WOULD GLAD TO HAVE ANY SORT OF INPUT, THANK YOU!!!

 

Both units are "OK" entry level HUs, I would pick the Panasonic for no other reason then they are more dependable then the Pioneers, although warranty return rates on both the Panasonic and the Pioneer brands are low, it is about twice as high on the Pioneer as it is on the Panasonic.

Because you are looking to add a sub to the system at some point I would be looking for a model that has a dedicated sub preamp output so you have some control of the sub from the HU.

One other thing to keep in mind, whatever, [brand/model] you end up getting, make sure you are buying from an authorized dealer of that brand so you get manufacturers warranty, a brand new, [not refurbed or sold for salvage] HU. 94

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fcm &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Both units are "OK" entry level HUs, I would pick the Panasonic for no other reason then they are more dependable then the Pioneers, although warranty return rates on both the Panasonic and the Pioneer brands are low, it is about twice as high on the Pioneer as it is on the Panasonic.

Because you are looking to add a sub to the system at some point I would be looking for a model that has a dedicated sub preamp output so you have some control of the sub from the HU.

One other thing to keep in mind, whatever, [brand/model] you end up getting, make sure you are buying from an authorized dealer of that brand so you get manufacturers warranty, a brand new, [not refurbed or sold for salvage] HU. 94 </TD></TR></TABLE>


^^^^^thanks!!!

since both are both entry lvls what head unit should i look into than?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FobFobFob &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">since both are both entry lvls what head unit should i look into than?</TD></TR></TABLE>

"Because you are looking to add a sub to the system at some point I would be looking for a model that has a dedicated sub preamp output so you have some control of the sub from the HU." 94

 

Yeah i believe both have the options to controll the sub. THANKS!

 

There is no indication that either one of the units you link has sub bass control, you really only find that on HUs with 3 preamp outputs, front, rear and sub. 94

 

SBC-SW (Super Bass Controlled Subwoofer)
Muting (M) / Attenuator (A)
Bass, Treble, Balance Fader Controls
Speaker Impedance 4 ohms
Pre-Amp Outputs (Front/Rear/Subwoofer) F/R


haha the links gave detail xP

 

OIC one of the two sets of preamp outputs can be switched to sub out.
That will work. 94

 

I agree with FCM, the sub conrols on a pioneer 3000 are not as nice as the 5000 (or premier 500) I would recommend you purchase one of those two over the 3000. for a little more scratch you will get a much nicer headunit plus it will have actual i-pod control thru the radio (the 3000's ipopd control is aweful!) plus the 500 has a 4v preout, like the panasonic.

 

cool thxs guys ill look into!!!

 

how would i beable to tell which head unit is entry lvl or higher?

 

Dude just read this: http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.....html
Then buy which one is in your price range and is still reliable.
There are too many variables and you have not given many details and specifics.

 

yeah there so many HU out there its kinda crazy............thanks though

 

pioneer

 

I have had both brands of headunits. my first was a panasonic which lasted me 8 years. i now have the pioneer 5900 and i love it. although the 6000 that is out now has a much better ipod control both are nice and should be more then good if you are just looking for a sub.

 

the only i-pod function the 600 does over the 590 is 3 line text display (i.e. its able to show the artist, album and song title all at once, whereas the 590 you had to choose two)
both are great for ipod functionality, but the 600 has USB2.0 for flash drives also.

 

the 600 is supposed to be able to skip by alphabet like the ipod when searching i think. i havent tried one yet though.

 

hmm Ill check it out when I go to work tomorrow, I hadnt notice that yet.

Kenwood has 4 line text display radios out now, the kdc-x792 has it. I havent even installed one on our board yet but now that Im thinking about it I may do it tomorrow.