Well, I am in the purchasing stages of my system and am in the process of selecting the HU. Well, actually I already purchased one, but am having second thoughts. I would like your opinions on what you would do. Please none of this Get alpine, kenwood, etc. crap. My decision is between the following two head units.

Option 1
Purchased: (might resell if I go with option 2)

Features:
Motorized Full Flap DFS with MCD Control
MOSFET 50Wx4
Easy EQ
13-Band EQ
Advanced Organic EL Display with Soft-Key Operation
DAB Ready
BBE Signal Processing
Listening Position Selector
Rotary (Pop-Up) Volume
3 Hi-Volt (4V) Preouts
Supertuner III
Steering Wheel Remote
MCD Text
2-Way Crossover
Disc Title Memory
Voice Command Capability

Basically, this is last years top of the line model, but no MP3.

Option 2

Features:
Organic EL Display / MOSFET50, EEQ™/SFEQ / XM Ready Supertuner III™ / MP3 Playback / IP-Bus System Control / Card Remote / Rotary Volume Control / Flap Face / Detachable Face Security™

I can get this one for less than what Option 1 was purchased for but it lacks some of the feature. It does play MP3, though.

Is MP3 playability worth it? I will probably be getting the XM satellite service if that makes much difference.

Your thoughts please?

 

I would say that MP3 capability is the greatest thing in car audio since the CD changer - except it's BETTER.

Don't listen to anyone who tells you "oh, the quality sucks" and crap like that. Yes, there is some quality loss in MP3 compression. But it is so negligible at anything above 128 kB/sec, that you will never hear it. I'm mainly talking about MP3s ripped from CD originals, which is 99% of what I use. You take your chances with "internet music". Use a good ripping program and good burning software, and you'll do fine. I have excellent results with crappy freeware ripping software.

And I mean - 250+ tracks on one disc! It's awesome. My only complaint about MP3 decks in cars is that the navigation of folders and tracks is not that great - there is (as of this moment) no way to really "see" what you choose to listen to before the track starts - even ID3 tag info doesn't display until the track starts playing, so "knowing your disc" gets important - if you have favorite albums or songs, try to put them in a place you'll remember, or memorize where they are. This should be the next big leap in MP3 decks, but who knows how far off it'll be. As of right now, no manufacturer has a user-friendly navigation interface like this, so don't think you can look for one. They all work pretty much the same right now.

Other than that - MP3 is the best. I do not even look at non-MP3 decks anymore. I can't imagine living without it.

And I don't know what your budget loks like exactly, bu there is a version of "option 1" that has MP3 (and WMA!) capability:

This is an awesome deck the 9400MP. Pricey (generally over $500 online) but it's got all the great whistlkes and bells - probably everything you have in "option 1" and then some, with the MP3 and WMA capability.

~HH

 

i say the preimer version of the DEH-7400 (deh-740). its not really another "Brand name" the color plate matches the interior trim better and it has 4v preouts as well as 3 pairs of preouts.

 

I own a Premier 920r HU (2 years ago top of the line with the 3d display) and ever since MP3 units have hit the market I've been thinking about dumping it and buying an MP3 unit. Although the 9300 will look much better than the 7400. It boils down to what you want most "form over function" or vice versa...

 

I have the Pioneer premier series deh-p740mp. It is great, and every one else was right about mp3 format. It is the best thing ever.
________
No2 Vaporizer

 

Pioneer Mp3 units take between 3 to 5 sec for each song to load, kind of annoyin if you ask me.

If you made up your mind about going pioneer, then get the one hihoslva said.

 

Well, for now, I stuck with Option #1. I have the XM satellite hooked up and have listened to anything else since I put it in.

Thanks for all of your input guys. ANd when the $$ is available I will then upgrade to the Premier DEH-P940MP, the one Hihoslva mentions.