Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Sony CDX-MP450X vs. Rockford Fosgate RFX9000 MP3 CD HUs

I've gotten tired of waiting for Pioneer to give me an MP3 HU option. Well, that, and my income tax psuedo-refund is burning a hole in my pocket. I've arbitrarily narrowed down my options to the Sony and the Rockford Fosgate MP3 CD Head Units, but I'm having a tough time selecting the winner.

I have Pioneer 2-way 5x8's in all doors and a passing interest in adding a humble sub after I buy my wife a newer car. I'm replacing a Pioneer DEH-3100 HU (bypassed factory amp and installed some Dynamat ages ago). Basically, I'm not after a show system, just something that sounds good for hours on end with the windows down and no fiddling with disks. Oh, and I don't like overblown displays with tons of flashy multi-color bars bouncing around.

Does anyone have experience with these two units? If you feel that I'm nuts and should really reconsider one of the other options (other than the Aiwa--yuk!), I'd be happy to hear that too. Thanks!

It doesn't seem like there's many mp3 choices out there yet. I'd never buy the Sony. I've had many problems of Sony products, and most posts about misbehavin' HU's are Sony's. I haven't heard of many people buying RF HUs. I'd be somewhat leary as I've heard RF outsources their HUs to AC Delco (of GM fame).

I guess if I absolutely had to decide on an mp3 deck now, I'd get the Clarion Pro Audio DX7815MP. It's got lots of great features - three 4V pre-outs, TV tuner/DSP/EQ controls, etc... It's not too gaudy as far as mp3 decks go these days. I just put a Clarion Pro Audio deck in my little sister's car and was very impressed with the quality, sound, and features for an "entry-level" deck.

I have the JVC SH-99 and I absolutely love it. It has very similar specs to the Clarion stated above, CD quality is excellent(even for MP3 CD's it is amazing). Also, the JVC has a built in EQ that works quite well for small tuning, and it is one of the better in-deck EQ's I have used(not a competition level EQ by any means though). Oh and I almost forgot that the face can tilts up at three different angles to allow viewing in any light conditions, all by the press of one button

I'd highly recommend either the JVC SH-99 or the Clarion, both are high quality units and most likely the decision will be based most on aesthetics since these units are very similar.

BTW...The JVC also has a front input if you would like to hook up portable electronics such as MP3 players every once in a while. I use it quite a bit because I usually download songs onto the portable every couple of weeks, meaning new music without having to burn a CD for a couple of songs.

I'm not sure of how the prices compare with the mentioned HUs, but if they are within 50.00 or so, I would go for the Clarion. The JVC would also be a very nice option. Very clean looking.

The Clarion and JVC units are comparitively priced at Crutchfield--same price in fact ($399). They just updated their website this morning with two new MP3 CD options: Panasonic CQ-DP171U and Rockford Fosgate RFX9300. Plus, there appears to be some new price reductions. The new RF costs $499, but has three sets of 5V preamp outputs and better CD specs than the earlier RF entry. Plus, I like the face plate. The Clarion looks nice as well--I've never considered them before for reasons that I've misplaced in my long-term memory. Thanks for the input thus far!

I have heard a couple of people who have bought the JVC and are extremely happy with it. Aesthetically, the JVC wins. spec wise the JVC wins. When it comes to the companies history with quality, the Clarion wins, hands down. This is not to say the JVC is a bad unit, as I have heard the quality of JVCs units, the last couple of years, has improved tremendously. I just wanted to point out that if reputation means anything to you, the Clarion is the way to go.

Have to agree with Dave here, I had a Clarion before the JVC and loved it also. It was very problem free and also sounded excellent. I would have probably gone with the Clarion if it had been available when I bought my head unit since I had very good luck with them and they are one of the better names in car audio.

On the quality issue with the JVC, I was a little worried at first due to some of their past history...I have been pleasantly surprised though! Not once yet has it skipped(2 months of work) and the automatic faceplate has moved very fluidly. The JVC unit is definitely up there in quality with the likes of Clarion and other such high quality products, just gonna take a few years to live down their old reputation.

Hey,

Like Krafty, I have the JVC KD-SH99 mp3 deck. It sounds great (24-bit burr-brown D/A convertor), has good power, tons of features (adjustable and removeable faceplate, front and rear aux inputs, CD text/ID3 tag compatible, remote), and isn't too expensive.

It hasn't given me any problems since I've had it (about 2 months as well) and hasn't skipped on cd or mp3 mode.

Has a rotary knob for volume and other functions, which is a nice feature you usually only find on higher end units. I hate little buttons. It also looks good in our cars. The blue and red from the display match well with the blue and red colours on the HVAC controls.

It also has a 2 year warranty, which is better than some of the competition.

The sony is ugly and not as functional, the alpine is a fortune, and I don't know much about the other options. Oh yeah -- the Kenwood ain't so great.

Brian