The more I consider just getting a head unit, the more I realize that it will at least double the spend to get the same capabilities I have now.(Navi, Bluetooth, Sirius) I know the OEM system isn't the greatest, but based on what I looked at, the high grade Navi HU's were close to $1000 with quality DSP. I made the mistake once of buying a $1400 Kenwood Navi with the top DSP features and found it sounded like crap compared to my Pioneer (even though on paper it should have been equivalent or better). On top of that, the features, navi, and touchscreen worked so well I was compelled to put my fist through it in frustration. It was a very expensive mistake, and a lesson that the more things that are promised, the bigger the compromises, and that expensive mistake is one that can easily be repeated.
So instead, I think think that I will go with a sound processor to handle these features and then when I choose to upgrade the HU, I'm buying what works the best, not a compromise of feature sets. I thought about using some of the AudioControl products but I haven't found anything they make that is capable of Time Alignment... which is a must have for me.
Currently the main processors in the running:
- JL Audio MS-8
- Pros: Easy self tune will get me 80% of the way. Do not have to spend a lot of time learning the finer points of tuning. Amplified outputs will run some speakers.
- Cons: Hard to do the last 20% of the tune, expensive, limited ability to tweak as I learn. Good chance I may outgrow the tuning capabilities as I learn.
- Rockfort Fosgate 3Sixty.3
- Pros: Very powerful tuning solution, can be found cheaply, will be able to grow and learn with the capabilities. Still has a method of auto-tuning the Factory EQ curve.
- Cons: Steeper learning curve before being able to do things past the basic setup, will require amplifiers for all channels.
- MiniDSP 10×10 box
- Pros: Extremely Flexible System, Pricing is not bad, tons of DIY support. Software plugins upgradable, able to program my own custom DSP
- Cons: Not sure if the construction is up to the additional stresses of mobile audio environment. Steep learning curves for tuning. Not a plug and play solution. Will need amplifiers for additional channels.
There are still more processors to consider, these are just the ones I've researched so far based on what I've seen on the market.