Sound quality, looks of display, 8v pre-outs

If it needs fixed, it takes them awhile,my 5504's had probs w/ skipping but this 55040 has been skipless

Unsurpasses SQ, 8v pre's out of a head unit are unheard of, the display looks cool too. (the 55040's display is more tinted, therefor e somewhat more readable in the sun), and since I've gotten it back after some early trouble, it has yet to skip(changed mounting kit too, a solid mount helps.

Customer Service

5504's were replaced promptly, however it took them awhile to fix the 55040, (thought they apparently did it right because it works the way it should now and hasn't skipped at all yet)

I loved everything about both of these units. The 8V increase was noticeable. Bright screen. Love the Knob

I had minor skips on my 5504, mainly when i turned to the left

I paid $500 dollars for the 5504, 2 months before the unit was out of its theft warranty and it was stolen. It impressed me at how fast i received my replacement. It was overnighted once Eclipse received my claim. The replacement was the 55040, same overall, but improved voltage output and skipping.[the 55040 was also stolen about 2 weeks ago]. Only comfort on that deck is that they can't use it. I am holding out now for the 55090 since it will play DVD as well. All in all I would recommend the 55040 to anyone looking for a quality head unit, especially if you compete.

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Nothing copares in my opinion

ESN, Commander, GPS, SQ, tilting front panel

The Vacuum Display. Looks cloudy or washed out.

This is the first HU I've had installed in my 99 Jetta, and probably the last for quite awhile. All I can say is I love it. I went for the works (Commander w/ GPS) because I'm moving pretty soon and thought it would be a nice feature to avoid getting lost. The only gripe I have about the Commander (which, by the way, can use navigation fucntions WITHOUT the GPS addon installed) is the fact that you have to call the company that makes the map CD's and get a pass code to activate the regional CD's. What a pain, since they aren't open on the weekends. But when you buy the Commander ($349), you get all 9 regional map CD's, which retail on the company's web site for $129 each. So if you travel (drive) alot, the Commander is a must. I can't say that you'll never get lost again, but I doubt you ever will. All in all, a great unit. If you want quality, and a great sound, go Eclipse. By the way, I have never experienced skipping on my CD's. Maybe those were the 1999 units?

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Pioneer

Excellent sound. 5V o/p. Display. ESN. Outboard PSU.

Skips -- you'd think it was a mobile LP. Far from ergonomic. Display could be brighter with consistent colors.

Sounds great, but skips. I'm on my second unit -- still skipping. Professionally installed both times. I have the changer, too, which doesn't skip. I would recommend it if you are patient and are going to buy from a dealer who isn't going to give you flak if you have to send it back.

(value rating is for the sound quality when it's not skipping)
(overall rating is for their lack of QC.

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Clarion, Nakamichi.

5V output, NOB control, high end unit

This is my third 5504, specially modified for my Prelude. The previous two have skipped during CD play. It does this randomly, sometimes when the car is not even moving. Very irritating, especially in my high end system. Eclipse does alot of things right, but having CD's skipping randomly is unacceptable. I don't care how good the specs are if it skips. I've had my third 5504 in the car for about 3 days and no skippinh, yet. Also, not very user friendly for seeking radio stations. I hate holding the button for 2 seconds and waiting and then doing it again and waiting. They need a one touch scan button for seeking radio stations. Eclipse has lost touch with their customers. One of their tech reps told me the skipping problem something that had to be lived with when trying to get the superb signal reproduction that Eclipse aims for. The 5504 is not tolerant of errors and will skip when the media is not perfect. Well, high fidelity doesn't need to come at the cost of skipping. I love everything about an Eclipse when it works correctly.

Paid $550. Have never had one continous 6 month period without problems from any 5504. It's been the only weakness in my complete system.

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Eclipse 5341R, which had tuner probelms, so I upgraded to the next unit with a different tuner pack. And now I have CD player problems.

Great sound quality, 3D like cosmetic appearance was appealing, 5volt low impediance outputs helped improve the cleanliness the to the amps

VERY sensitive to imperfect cd's, dealer said that it should be wired directly to the battery for constant due to it's power consumption requirements but i believe that's bs, i just think it doesn't like home made cd's and slightly scratched originals...

Well... I only kept it for 3 days, the imperfect cd reading really got to me... went back to the eXcelon 711

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Kenwood X711

sound quality,ease of use,voice command

display is worthless when sunlight hits it directly, don't like the dsp features

Salesman got me when he told me they are the only eclipse
dealership around the area where I live. The next two weeks,
I found another store which sells eclipse products for hundred less. I paid $619 for this model. The other store sells it for $499. For $619 it is too much, for $499 it is
just right. I do recommend this HU to anyone who about to replace their factory p@# of s#@ HU.

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first aftermarket cd headunit i bought

fantistic unit! Same as the 5303r as far as the five volts rms and 55 ohm impedance. What truely makes this New source unit stand out is obivously its stylish appearance, better features such as the commander navigation, automated tilt angle, and its new copper chasis. Now what about the price? Its well worth every penny.

The source unit has a cool look, High Voltage of 5 rms w/ low imped. Non-fading sub and Navagation.

As far as sound quality goes, its the same as the Eclipse 5303r. The 5504 just has better looks, and better features. This system ROCS and the sound is always sweeet! And for the price it cant be beat.

Excellent sound, very easy to use, good FM reception, and offers CD Text, subwoofer control, and every other option you'd want. Can also add an EQ or the Eclipse Commander for further control. Can't find anything else like it for the price, except maybe another Eclipse!

It comes with the NOB remote, but I personally prefer the smaller card style remote. Some people don't like the ESN feature.

As far as decks go, Eclipse makes the best, and this is definately no exception. I would recommend the 5504 to anyone.