[Twilight]

Okay so I was checking out a couple decks I can get from work at pretty decent prices. I have narrowed it down to a couple of them that I like. So like, give me your opinion on whether it rocks or sucks and gimme a reason other than "JVC BLOWZ LOLOLOLOL NINJA

" Personal experiences are welcome of course.

Note that these are not MP3 decks, I don't think the extra $$$ is worth it because I'll likely never use the mp3 functions anyway.

JVC KD-1150 CD Car Deck

Specs:

# Of Pre-Out In Pairs 3
ATT/Mute Yes
Built-In Crossover No
EQ/DSP/Crossover 7-Band iEQ
Face Style Flip/Detachable
Included In Box Remote, Case
Intro Scan On CD Yes
Loudness/BBE/D-Bass No
Power/Max 50 Watts x 4
Pre-Out Voltage 4 V
Rotary Controls Yes
Size DIN
Sub Volume Control Yes
Switchable Illumination Yes

The pros, according to me: THREE PAIRS OF FOUR VOLT PREOUTS!!!!!!1111 with gold plated terminals... yes I plan on totally expanding this system hardcore, but for now I'm just gonna put a deck.

The cons according to me: Display is bright and active, lots of stuff happening on it, kinda distracting. Although you can dim it down and it is clean looking.

Okay now the second deck... the PIONEER unit:

Pioneer DEH-P3500
# Of Pre-Out In Pairs 2
# Of Tuner Presets 18 FM, 6 AM
Built-In Crossover Yes
CD Mute Circuit No
CD Text Capable (Deck &/or Chgr) Yes
Changer Control Yes
Clock Yes
D/A Converter Type 1-Bit
Intro Scan On CD No
Loudness/BBE/D-Bass Variable Control
Power/Max 200 Watts
Pre-Out Voltage 2.2 V
Rotary Controls Yes
Size DIN
Sub Volume Control Yes


The pros according to me: I've had good experiences with every Pioneer product I've ever owned. Never let me down. Also has a clean looking display free of annoying videos, but it is pretty goofy nonetheless.

The cons: Only two preouts, and they're only 2.2 volts, chances are one of them is a sub preout, which means I won't be able to fade if I use an external four channel amp. But what I might do anyway is just use a two channel for the fronts when I get some decent components down the road, and run the back off the deck. Also everyone and their mama has this deck.

Right now I am leaning towards the JVC because of the preouts. I have listened to both decks and I can't really tell a difference in output sound quality. They both sound great to me. I like the JVC because it's different, looks awesome and the controls are mint. The pioneer's controls look ugly as all Pioneer do (IMO) but it is built for putting out nice sound and seems more adjustable so it might be better in the long run for sound quality. I don't plan on going with a competition system or anything, just want something that sounds good.

For those who are wondering, it will be installed in the ashtray section much like spyguy's setup...may not be as clean but that's where it's going.

Edit: Added pics of decks.

 

[afi292]

I had a lower model JVC... which was ok but the drive that kicked out the cd broke in...you guessed it, 1 month after warranty was up

So then i bought a Pionner 4500MP...which runs circles around the JVC, and was only 40 bucks more.. (approx 178 at wal mart).

 

[trojan]

i have a lower JVC (check sig for exact number) and i love it my dad has a lower model pioneer in his and i think mines better but this doesnt really matter...but i would say go wit pioneer just cuz it looks better but im sure they both sound kick @$$

 

[diesel600]

I was gonna just vote Pioneer but after reading what you had to say and going over the specs I had to pick the JVC.

 

[golovko]

If you're planning on using amps and adding subs/aftermarket speakers, I'd go for the JVC. From my experience, I like the setup, look, and function of JVC head units in general over Pioneer. I also think Pioneer lacks in the SQ and overall build quality field (IMO), but I haven't had enough experience with JVC to make a comparison.

 

[spridget]

I voted for the Pioneer, but the JVC does has the preout advantage. I've been using Pioneer products for years and have never had a problem. The 2 or 3 JVC's I've used were kinda crappy.

If you looking to expand, check out the Pioneer Premier models. They usually have more preouts. eBay is a good place to find them cheap.

 

[1989LX]

I voted for the Pioneer since I'm on my second Pioneer unit and have never had any problems(first one was stolen

). The 3 preouts on the JVC are nice so if you think those are the features you need, then I'd go for it. I do like the display layout of the JVC but don't care too much for the color.

 

[Twilight]

The colour of the display? It changes itself or you can set it at whatever colour you want (I'd make it green to match the interior).

 

[djnb40]

I'd go with the JVC for the reasons that other people have mentioned and it looks a lot cooler. But...Pioneer seems to have maybe a slightly better product and track record.

 

[1989LX]

Originally posted by Twilight@Dec 15 2003, 10:03 PM
The colour of the display? It changes itself or you can set it at whatever colour you want (I'd make it green to match the interior).

Oh ok well that's cool then. Multicolor is always ncie. I have a friend that had a JVC and never had problems with it so I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if has what you want. What's the price difference between the two?

 

[zeptoplix]

I like my JVC deck, the only thing i dislike is it doesn't scan through MP3s fast enough, but that won't be a problem in your case, and the little thing holding the key ring broke through.. The distortion factor is low as well, I can crank it up to like 46 or 47 of the max 50 before it becomes audibly distorted.

 

[Mike C]

I'd make sure that both of them have MP3 playback. I've got a Pioneer DEH-P4500MP and love it. I've heard though that sometimes the dial for volume doesn't work on the 3500, might want to go with a model that has an up and down button for the volume.

 

[Twilight]

That's one thing I can't live without at all...the rotary volume control.

I love knobs.

Thanks for all your suggestions guys, I am debating whether or not I wanna cough up slightly extra moolah and get the Pioneer 6500...

It has the 3 preouts plus a really nice control system for everything. The problem is, the display still looks retarded and I am paying for ridiculous 3d graphics. But if I decide to drop even more cash there's this one...

It has MP3 playback as well as a functional display.

Other than that though not huge differences.

I don't think I really need to worry about an MP3 deck as I really do not care for listening to MP3s. I may do it once or twice and that's it, so I figure I could save the money and get a nicer deck that has better control of the sound. Looks like in terms of the Pioneer 3500 vs. the JVC...the Pioneer offers better sound control and will suit my interior better, but the JVC offers 3 four volt preamp outputs for expanding my system...I guess I have to decide if I'm just going to run the rear speakers off the deck or if I need them amplified too. We'll see.

 

[12Volt_rep]

The Pioneer is going to be a better bet for the long run. The defect rate on JVC is higher than the Pioneer and the sound is better from the Pioneer over the JVC. I would hold off on the 6500 and go for the 6600 which is due out next month. The 3600 is already out as well, so if you decide to go with the Pioneer get the newer model.

 

[Twilight]

I am probably going to go with the DEH-P5500MP. I can't hold off or I lose employee discount.

Besides it's a nice deck, onboard crossovers, mp3 playback (which I have decided I want now lol...its not really that much more expensive especially at cost), and all that fun stuff. Nice unit IMO, I'll jump on it.

 

[12Volt_rep]

Well, the DEHP4600MP is already out and it does all the same stuff that the DEHP5500MP did at a lower cost. They are discontinuing the DEHP5500MP this year, there will be no replacement for it. Just FYI.