Head unit request ??? vs pioneer stage 4

[Takid455]

Looking around for a decent head unit and came across the Pioneer DEX-P99RS . My main reason I liked it was the classy appearance. I like the 'old fashioned' 2 knob style. Reviews are outstanding, however at 1200, I'd rather do a brake upgrade.



Is there another head unit with similar appearance. Other guidelines are:
1 - 2 RCA rear inputs
USB
Decent sound quality. I will be running amps. Total advertised (not RMS) wattage not to exceed 800-1000.

Proposed speaker set up..
2 - 4" in dash
1 - 4 or 6 " in each door (maybe)
2 - 6 x 9 in rear shelf
1 - 10" sub


what is available???

[Draginutz]

I am enjoying my newly aquired Kenwood KDC-X995. I know its not dual knob but its easy to use with an ton of features and sounds great. If you really want to go old school looking with new technology what about something from these guys http://www.retrosoundusa.com/?

[Tony_SS]

I've always been partial to Alpine.

[mc84_zz4]

That Pioneer has some amazing specs and features; specially the 31 band EQ.
I just got a Kenwood, this one sold me on the features, high-output RCAs, multi-color configurable display, iPod connects, and bluetooth so I can stop missing calls.
There are other units, with even more options, GPS, etc, but for the price, I had to try one out, and I can get it to match the other equipment and dash lights. my setup also has an EQ, 2 amps, 6 spkrs, sub.
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_113KDCX...rand%7cKenwood

[makoshark]

The Pioneer DEX-P99RS is an amazing deck. Far above anything else out there. They are very pricey as well. Please do not take this the wrong way, but with the system you proposed, I would not spend the extra money it takes to get that deck. Those decks are for serious audiophiles seeking to squeeze every bit they can out of a system. 4x6 and 6x9's just are not up to par to be matched up to that particular deck. You mentioned 4"'s as well. I assume you are talking about putting them in the center of the dash where the stock speaker was located. Be aware, that is 60's technology and definitely not a good place to put speakers for stereo sound. Not to mention, placing speakers in the rear deck is not the optimal place to put speakers. When you spring for a deck such as that Pioneer, you are wanting the best sound you can get. In order to reap the benefits of such a deck, you need to place speakers in the optimal places facing on axis. Meaning not having speakers bouncing sound directly off of glass or other surfaces. That is difficult to achieve in the confines of an automobile. I recommend getting a lower level Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine that is more budget friendly that will do way more than you would want with your proposed speakers. I'm not trying to bash your proposed setup. I'm just trying to make you aware of the purpose of such a deck and maybe save you some coin for dinner tonight

[Takid455]

mako - no offense taken. I know the placement is not optimum. I just like the appearance of the deck, but once I read about it, I do not think this will be utilized w/ my setup and hope to find one that looks similar in design. A basic to mid range unit would suit me best.

Those kenwood units don't seem too bad.

[jon72vega]

I am enjoying my newly aquired Kenwood KDC-X995. I know its not dual knob but its easy to use with an ton of features and sounds great. If you really want to go old school looking with new technology what about something from these guys http://www.retrosoundusa.com/?

X2 on the Kenwood KDC-X995.
I have last years model the X994, & I love it!

[INTMD8]

I found an 800prs and am really happy with it.