great base for amps
This head unit is actually quite good for a number of reasons.
1) it has line level output for F/R & sub so you can buy a 5 channel amp and run a passive sub. You can control the sub output level from the head unit for both volume and line level output - gotta be happy with that!
2) the menu is a bit clunky at first however it has some really excellent features such as being able to set the line level output, Speaker size selection is also possible.
3) some of the sound settings are not gimmicks. They actually work effectively. I'm a bit 'old school' and prefer simple quality over useless gimmicks, however this deck does have its share of those gimmicks for those that desire them buy it is clearly designed from a no nonsense point of view.
4) the lighting adjustments are really good. I adjust mine for low intensity red at night and plain white in the day. It is great. It auto changes as well. The thing flashes pretty colours if that's what you want too.
5) the capacity to have a basic eq I really like. In basic you get bass/mid/treble. (it also has presets and manual advanced eq and pop/rock etc etc) Combine this with the speaker size selection and it really tightens the sound. The internal amp is below average really as it is easy to get it to start clipping but IT DOESN'T MATTER if you run an amp - or don't have an amp and just listen to AM radio all day, play the occasional music track and want it for for the Bluetooth for your phone.
6) it is really cheap for what it is and really good. An oxymoron? No definitely not. I suspect other brands make decks of similar quality for similar price but I'm not reviewing them. When I purchased this deck I wanted line level outputs and bought 4x midrange JVC speakers, a 5ch JVC amp and an active Pioneer sub. What you can get soundwise for < $1000 is pretty damn good these days.
7) plays WAV files and has a CD player.
8) no touch screen and that is a bonus. I have high electricity in my hands and if it's going to fail it will fail when I use it. I have so much trouble with touch screens in my life I have grown to hate them lol.
I thoroughly recommend this head unit as it can be the basis for a great sound system if you aren't looking to show off.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New