Head Unit recommendation for newbie

Discussion in 'Car Audio Head Units' started by burtikus, Jan 6, 2010.

  1. burtikus

    burtikus New Member

    Hi all. I've searched the forums pretty extensively looking for advice, but am really having trouble making a decision on this.

    I am going to be replacing the factory stereo in my 2010 Subaru Forester (2 DIN opening), but not (for now anyway) upgrading speakers, adding subs, anything like that. I do want to add Satellite Radio (prefer Sirius) to be directly controlled by the head unit.

    So I am looking for a unit that has the following features (ranked approximately in order of importance to me):

    1. Will control Sirius (or XM) satellite radio adapter

    2. Has a good bluetooth implementation, with a strong preference for the ability to download the phonebook.

    3. Sounds good.

    4. Integrates easily and well with an iPhone 3Gs.

    5. Is easy enough to use that my wife will at least be able to figure out how to change from one source to another and use presets.

    So far I'm considering, in no particular order, the following:

    Pioneer FH-P8000BT (only 2-DIN unit)
    Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X993
    Sony MEX-BT5700
    Sony MEX-BT3700 (cheaper, no phonebook integration)
    JVC Arsenal KD-A805

    But none of those seem to hit the ball out of the park in all respects, so I'm having a very difficult time making a decision.

    Any thoughts or advice would be VERY welcome and appreciated.

    Thanks!
     
  2. ViewTech

    ViewTech New Member