Just looking for input.

I have a kid now and work all the time so I don't have the time to research stuff and read and shop around and all that for the best of the best (or damn near) like I used to. Maybe you guys can help me out.

I have my eyes on a few head units to replace the factory Rockford Fosgate unit in my 02 Sentra SE-R Spec-V and wanted you guy's input on the matter. What should I look for? What should I avoid? And I mean specifically...I glanced over the newbie thread(s) and they were very informative but I'm wondering what you guys would recommend specifically...I'm looking for some specific makes/models to look into. Budget is ~400 bucks...maybe more. I'm the kind of person that has to have something ACTUALLY good when it comes to stuff like this. I don't like having mediocre stuff. I found a really cool Kenwood head unit (http://cgi.ebay.com/KENWOOD-KDC-MP435U-CD-MP3-USB-PLAYER-STEREO-RECEIVER_W0QQitemZ300157949359QQihZ020QQcategoryZ3 9751QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) for cheap but that thing seems kinda gimmicky to me. I love all the inputs (especially the usb on the front...very cool...I could put all my cds on a pen drive and leave my cds at home...) and all that but I question the quality of it.

What do you guys think? It's gotta have built in subwoofer controls and I'd like to have all the ins like that one but I'd much rather have a really high quality head unit.

Also...my 6.5" speakers in the doors need replaced something fierce. I'm quite lost when it comes to choosing these. Again...I want quality and volume...not just volume. I listen to mostly metal and it's pretty tough on speakers. Lots of different frequencies goin full blast all the time so I'd like to have some stuff I can really crank up with the Arch Enemy on and not worry about sound quality or my speakers blowing like the stockers did.

Thanks, guys (and gals if applicable...lol)!!!

I am more into competition stuff, so the models I would know about are probably out of your price range.

you can get a lot features, or good sound in a simple unit for those prices. To get both, you usually have to dig pretty deep into the pockets

I don't think pure comp stuff is necessary in my case but what prices are we talkin about? Can I have some examples of hte top of the line stuff so I can poke around at it a little?

I'm probably looking for a step below this stuff...any suggestions?

Alpine is a good choice. Pioneer is good too. As for speakers check the FAQ for the "good brands" then look around online for deals.

seas lotus, morel, scan speak, dyn audio to name a few

seas lotus, morel, scan speak, dyn audio to name a few

now, is it safe to say that the prices of those start around 500 bucks and go up from there.

some of them are rather pricey ...... a set of scan speak 4" or 5" mids are like $200 a piece, their good tweeters are $200-$400 a piece.

Also try Focal, DLS, MB Qaurt (QSD series), rainbow ...

I have a kenwood kdc-x990 and all i can say is dont do it, it really sucks! I'm guessin since you mentioned the usb input you are referring to the new kdc-xx1's but if last years best excelon really blows what are the odds this years are any better?