Headunit help!

MrFunex

MrFunex

MrFunex

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Joined
17 Oct 2005
Posts
1,186
Location
Southampton
Hi all,

I’m looking for a recommendation for a headunit.

I’d like one that can power a USB HDD through a rear-mounted connection. It doesn’t matter if it’s a single or double DIN. I’m not fussed about Bluetooth, but would like a pre-out for subwoofer connectivity.

I've looked at:
- Clarion DUZ388RMP - double DIN, looks a bit dated?
- Clarion FZ409E - don't know whether not having a CD slot is a good idea.
- Kenwood KDC-BT8044U / W7044U
- Pioneer DEH-P7100BT

Budget is up to £200ish. If a headunit has a USB connector, I suppose it's too much to ask to say they could all support a 2.5"HDD?

Thanks!
 
I would forget that selection and go with the Sony CDX-GT730UI CD. It looks good and it's 4 x 52W S-MOSFET high power output which makes it a better all round performance.
 
Thanks for your help. I suspected this wouldn't be as easy as first thought! I'll do a bit of research around the Pioneer ones. I have had Sony h/u's in the past, and found them to be great, it's just there isnt anything in their current line-up that looks decent. :(

edit: unfortunately the Sony CDX-GT730UI only has a USB connector on the front - d'oh!
 
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MrFunex said:
Thanks for your help. I suspected this wouldn't be as easy as first thought! I'll do a bit of research around the Pioneer ones. I have had Sony h/u's in the past, and found them to be great, it's just there isnt anything in their current line-up that looks decent. :(

edit: unfortunately the Sony CDX-GT730UI only has a USB connector on the front - d'oh!
Click to expand...

Shooot. I forgot about that.
 
Always been steered away from Sony.

Got a Pioneer 7100BT in a box here waiting to be installed. Has the rear USB for external flash drives or iPods/Phones. Also has the GOOD (Parrot) bluetooth/voide control.

Will let you know the cop when I have installed it.
 
Avoid Sony unless your budget is significantly higher.

The Pioneer is by far the best choice, especially if you're driving components from the headunit.

Ant :cool:
 
I would also recommend a Pioneer. I' have one which is about two years old and has been bulletproof the whole time. I'm currently using it with a 250GB drive which I bought from OcUK last month and it needs no external power. I would certainly expect all the newer USB ones to be at least as capable.
 
Sin Chase - I'll look forward to what you make of the headunit.

laiman - thanks! just what I wanted to hear!

It might have to be a Pioneer one then... there seem to be plenty to choose from! Cheers again for the advice.
 
I'm running an Alpine Ida-X301, brilliant HU.

Rear:
Ipod, USB, AUX, Single-Amp

Front:
Buttons! :D

Not sure what it's maximum draw on the USB is, which is a major factor when it comes to running things like WD Passport drives which need 1000mA minimum to run.
 
Liquidfox said:
Not sure what it's maximum draw on the USB is, which is a major factor when it comes to running things like WD Passport drives which need 1000mA minimum to run.
Click to expand...

They don't need anywhere near that much. USB max spec is for 500mA, and my WD Passport runs off a single USB port.
Incidentally, it doesn't work from my car stereo.
 
miniyazz said:
They don't need anywhere near that much. USB max spec is for 500mA, and my WD Passport runs off a single USB port.
Incidentally, it doesn't work from my car stereo.
Click to expand...

Same size/platter speed?

Just because the max spec is 500ma does not mean the device cannot use more. Many USB devices come with 2 USB plugs to draw power from a secondary port on the system.
 
Sin_Chase said:
Same size/platter speed?

Just because the max spec is 500ma does not mean the device cannot use more. Many USB devices come with 2 USB plugs to draw power from a secondary port on the system.
Click to expand...

The point is, the Passports (the whole range IIRC) run off one USB port. Yes, some portable HDDs run off two, but I very much doubt they need anywhere near 1000mA - bear in mind it's at 5V, and 5W is really quite a lot for a 2.5" drive, even for 7200rpm models; number of platters doesn't make that much difference either (though I don't know off the top of my head how many mine has - 120GB@5400rpm).
 
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