Need some advice regarding a sub $1,000 touch screen LCD head unit. The main focus is iPod integration. Screen size is not particularly critical since I’m not planning on watching videos, at least frequently. Maybe smaller is better since it might be less gaudy looking. The two that I'm considering include;

Clarion VRX755VD

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-S...RX755

(This looks pretty sweet with the iPod control configuration)


and Pioneer AVH-P5700DVD

http://www.buyersedge.com/Prod...M_Y_0

I can get both of them from around $800 online. I like the display/menu design of the clarion (7 inch screen) vrs the screen shots I’ve seen of the Pioneer 6.5 inch display. I went into my local audio shop - they sell the pioneer unit and not surprisingly an employee said that the Clarion was questionable more or less. He was specifically referring to the LCD mechanics and its reliability. He could have simply said this because they don’t offer this product.

Can anyone give me some advice? Does anyone have experience with either of these models? Is there a unit that I’m overlooking?
I like what I've seen of the Clarion however I have not seen it in person (touched it). Button quality feel is an issue for me. I don’t want a head unit that has a “cheap” feel to the buttons. I've seen the Pioneer unit in person but it was not functioning at the time.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Clarion was questionable more or less. He was specifically referring to the LCD mechanics and its reliability. He could have simply said this because they don’t offer this product.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

More than likely wanted you to buy from him... Clarion is good stuff... I'd find a dealer and check it out.

 

Anyone?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Anyone?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

My response to check out a Clarion dealer wasn't good enough?

 

I will never buy Pioneer after 2 horrible experiences. I would look at the Alpine or even Eclipse.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18C_EJ8 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

My response to check out a Clarion dealer wasn't good enough? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Haha, no it was good!

Thanks guys, guess it's more research for me.

 

the clarion is an awsome model i have it in my ek hatch and the reason i chose it over the pioneer which i was actually looking at also is because the ipod adapter is only 50 bucks where as the pioneer adapter is 120. all in all im very happy with the clarion.

 

Love pioneer but they need to upgrade there i-pod system

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by wrx-killer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Love pioneer but they need to upgrade there i-pod system </TD></TR></TABLE>

Agreed. Less soft keys too. I've been running a p900r for almost 6 years and no problems, and I've been told the display units are decent for the money.

 

i have had both and i would say pioneer over clarion anyday..but iam going on to the pioneer avic n2 now..

 

i would look at alpine as well