What Brand of Head Unit Should You Choose?

Maybe you're at Best Buy...

Maybe you're surfing the internet...

Maybe you're browsing through a Crutchfield magazine...

...all in hopes of finding a head unit that fits you.

I find that the major reason one head unit brand is more expensive than another is: build quality. I am going to be focusing around that, and plan to expand on each brand - right now I have a skeleton.

You might think features have something to do with it (they do play a small part, indeed), but they really don't. For example, some of the best head units such as McIntosh and Nakamichi that can cost almost a grand don't play MP3 discs, yet you can find a Pioneer or Alpine that will for less than $300.

Here's a list of my thoughts regarding popular head units, along with a build quality AVERAGE rating of 1-10 (10 being the best):

• Alpine - Great head units that have some extremely nice build characteristics. Whether it's a low to high grade unit, it's going to be a great head unit. Build quality=9
  
  
• Pioneer - My favorite head unit brand built. All of their offerings are extremely competitive with other head units in their class. The build quality is amazing and are guaranteed to be affordable for whatever budget you have. Build quality=9
  
  
• Kenwood - Not so great. They can easily pull you in with many features, but will leave you stranded for build quality. The paint on the buttons usually wears off quickly, and they can be notorious for CD mech problems. Build quality=7
  
  
• JVC - I would rate JVC a little lower than Kenwood. JVC is a great budget unit, but mostly for one that doesn't expect a lot from a head unit, or just needs a temporary solution. Build quality=6
  
  
• Clarion - Their mid to low class units are bare in features, but offer a very good build quality. However, their high end units (mostly the touchscreens at this point in time) are extremely competitive with other head units in the same class. Build quality=9
  
  
• Blaupunkt - Aesthetically speaking, in my opinion, are quite ugly. They are widely popular outside of the U.S. because they are the best outside countries have to offer. Build quality=6
  
  
• Jensen/Dual, Lanzar, Legacy, JCWhitney, Xplore, and other no-name head units - To be avoided at all costs. I have experienced failure with new Jensen units within two weeks of operation. I have yet to see one of their CD players last more than a year (though most last for half of that on average). It's better to just keep your stock stereo. Build quality=1
  
  
• Eclipse - Have an excellent sound and make great competition units. They have high voltage pre-outs, so you might want to consider a different head unit if your amplifier cannot accept high voltage RCAs. The interface is a bit more confusing, but can be worth it. Build quality=9
  
  
• Sony - Is similar to Kenwood in build quality, and quite honestly, I feel like they should have never gotten into the car audio market. The Sony head units aren't budget-priced and have a very common failure rate. Build quality=5
  
  
• McIntosh - Some of the very best sound quality head units made. They are bare on features for sake of keeping build quality and circuitry as simple as possible, resulting in audiophile heaven. Build quality=10
  
  
• Nakamichi - Excellent head units that again, can be a bit bare in features, but have a nice stock look that won't guarantee them being stolen. Build quality=10

Overall, I would easily say Alpine, Pioneer, Eclipse, Nakamichi, McIntosh and some Clarions are going to be your best head units. If you decide for a lower priced deck, such as Kenwood, Blaupunkt, Sony, purchase with caution. Jensen/Dual etc. is horrid and should be avoided.

As a disclaimer, I don't profess to have tested every head unit made, and I know some have had better experiences than I have. However, I have tested more than 500 head units in my technical career, and have owned more than forty head units within the past three years. If you have a differing opinion, please post and I'll be sure to include it in my article if needs be. I'm trying to get a feel for how this works ;)