So I'm trying to shop for a head unit and I've been reading and reading and reading. Now my mind is blown. I thought I wanted a Sony, now I'm thinking I want a Kenwood. Does either stand out against the other as far as brands? I'm looking at several models in the $180-$250 range.

 

The thing with a hu in my opinion is you have to get one that suits you and what you want. I have had both sony first now Kenwood. I did not like the sony Kdc-x798 for 2 reasons the volume was a multi control *** it was flimsy and the 2nd thing alot more then not it would not play my ipod it just said no device found and memory stick same thing. The only bad thing I can say about the Kenwood kdc-798 is it has alot of settings to get use to . But It also comes down to looks I think the Kenwood is a cleaner looking hu .

 

I have a USB on the front then one on the rear too. The one in the rear is run up through the fairing into the pouches. Charges the phone while streaming. Super clean look.

Never really got into streaming BT, Pandora. But it's great! Couldn't live without it.

 

Important features are a HU with a good RGB variable color display selection and 4 volt pre outs IMO. I've had great results with Alpines in my bikes and prefer them.

 

I'm running a Kenwood X998. It has 4V pre outs, USB ports for front and rear, it does have a ton of setting to get get use to though. Finding a visible display color has been a challenge too. Ultimatley, I've been extremely happy with it! Good luck on your search...

 

as mentioned good variable RGB color option for face.
"any" well known brand you basically cannot go wrong with.
it is up to you what you are looking for.

some advise: visibility will be a tough one... search for alpine in the audio forum. believe it is one of the few that CAN be read on the bike (recall it was a road glide). important IMO is large font (aka 1 or 2 lines of text, not 3 like mine), if you care about reading the screen... I don't as I always play 1: Dustin Bieber

preferably 4+V pre-outs, good equalizer (minimum 5 band), BT option, minimum 1 usb and not to forget your preference regarding the look of the unit.

look at ASWC-1 sticky if you are interested in handlebar controls on a budget...
saves you (quite) some money.

 

i have a pioneer that i love. I know, just muddying the waters even more

 

head units are a dime a dozen. you pick what you want for features. the only recommendation I'll give for a head unit it getting something with at least 4v RCA outputs and get a rain shield and USE IT.