just after informed opinions here really as sound quality is quite subjective;

how bad is the clarion unit? and how much should i spend on a replacement unit to make it a worthwile noticeable improvement?

cheers <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I got an Alpine Unit about a year ago and quite happy with it - the radio reception is still quite poor but then thats not the head units fault.

I also only really got a replacement for the Clarion because the power button had fallen off and the Alpine was a gift <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The Clarion is quite poor and Old now. Most £200+ HU's will sound better, a lot better.

Alpine have a very good reputation as do Blaupunt and a few others.

alpine all the way <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

as above alpine have always made the best head units

i just bought an amp, but i didnt check if the clarion has a preout ? tell me it does... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

it does, front and rear <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

great thanks mate, i can then run a sub from the amp too if i wanted?

You could indeed, but you would lose the front rear fader function, which is no great loss and i never use it.

i dont even use the rear speakers they sound so bad. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Well if you took of the rear panel you would see why <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Terrible units and attached to the panel and not the car body <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />