Amazing sound quality.

Not removable (I had to hide the unit in a low deck so that thiefes wouldn't see it). The display reflected sunlight too much. It died after 3 years

Excelent unit! Most pleased with the sound quality. The only problem is that the unit died 1 week ago (after 3 years of being the best unit I ever had). Last week the outputs went crazy, volume would go up and down, thunder noises and crazy fading. I don't think my local shop will be able to repair it. Too bad this had to happen because I was so pleased with it that I didn't have plans of upgrading it.

Similar Products Used:

Nothing compares to it. I don't know what I'm gonna buy now.

None

None

This is a follow up to my recent review. After posting the review, I forwarded it to Eclipse along with an email message noting my dissatisfaction. The next day, I got a call from one of their reps, who was EXTREMELY helpful and understanding. She set me up with a shop in my area with whom she had dealt before, and sent an advance exchange to the shop so that I wouldn't have to be without a radio in the interim. She had a 55060 sent as a replacement, and I picked it up about a week later. It works well, although I think it was a refurbished unit (the Eclipse emblem on the front was worn). No skipping as of yet (about 2 weeks now), and it accepts all CDs. Although I would have liked a brand new 55060, I can understand their decision, and I finally got the unit that should have been sold in the first place (hint - stay away from the 5506; only buy the 55060). I'm happy that they responded with enthusiasm and a desire to rectify the situation. I can now rate their customer service higher, and the value a little higher (still had problems, you know). Bottom line - I would buy another Eclipse now. If your local dealer is giving you a hard time, send an email to Eclipse.

Similar Products Used:

None

Sound quality, ESN security, full-face display, CD text, NOB controller, functionality overall, high voltage output

CD tracking, customer service (from Eclipse)

My experience with this unit has been a constant headache. I understand that they have released a 55060 version which addresses the problems about which I will complain, but I have yet to see one as a solution to my problem. Read on.

I purchased this unit in late December, 1999. I immediately had problems with the tracking on CDs, new and older - it would skip, and totally reject the discs. I took it back, the shop sent it to Eclipse, I waited 3 weeks for it to return.

Eclipse supposedly tweaked the internals - something about the input voltage not being sufficient (it was getting 12V, and was professionally installed in a fresh car with a harness). They said that the mechanism is very sensitive and will go out of alignment if that's not right. It worked for about 2 weeks, then started skipping again. Took it back to the shop, and had it sent in again. Realize that Eclipse would not authorize a swap for a new unit - they wanted me to wait for 'mine' to return. I wait another 3 weeks, and it comes back. Stated fix was to swap the internals completely with 55060 internals. Worked just fine for an entire year that way. I was a happy camper and was willing to restore their fine reputation to my vocabulary. Then, it started skipping again.

Took it back to the shop, had it sent in AGAIN, waited the requisite 3 weeks, and it came back. Worked fine for a few days, but I was waiting on a custom install, and when the tech guy pulled it out to do that, he broke the face. So, I had to get a brand new one shipped from Eclipse (not Eclipse's fault, mind you). I specifically requested that the replacement unit have the latest 'fix' applied before being sent to me, so that I wouldn't have to go through this garbage again. I was told that they would do that. Guess what - new one arrives, and it's a brand new 5506 without modification. Now it skips again.

My opinion of their quality control is in the gutter now. Customer service as well. Just give me the updated 55060 and be done with me, but they'd rather make me wait without the $800 radio that I expected to perform without flaw. My older 5302 was the best unit I've ever had, and shame on me to get rid of it. Apparently, quality at this company has gone down with no increase in customer service. It took a long time to find a company into which I placed my trust and confidence, and I will have to find another one now.

Average overall rating because when it works, it's a great unit. Terrible value rating because an $800 unit should not act like this, and customer service should bend over backwards to support it if it does.

Similar Products Used:

Eclipse 5302 (this replaced it) - wish I still had the 5302

8v pre-out, non-fading sub, anything and everything!

Any touch of sun on the face and you can't see anything. Skips easy with lot (I mean a lot) of bass

A great head unit and an ok price. You get what you pay for and this unit isn't cheap. I would never run anything less than the 56050. I ran the 5443, but couldn't resist the 56050. Competition Soundworks in Cerritos did a fantastic job of setting the unit up with the GPS. The GPS nav is kewl, but hardly ever used. Purchase this headunit...you'll be glad you did.

Similar Products Used:

Kenwood, Eclipse 5443

Sound quality. Gives you what's there. No bass mudding or coloring. Midrange is clear, highs are open and free of noise. This is the single cooles thing about this unit. Build up a commensurate system around this head unit and be happy with it. Navigator is cool too. High output voltage and low impedance compared to just about anything.

Price?

Great product. Ignores hype and delivers on performance. ESP is kind of cool. My next system will definitly have this at the helm.

Similar Products Used:

None

Sound Quality,looks

kind of pricey, skips easy

I love it! I never thought I would pay 700 bucks for a car stereo, but what the heck! I did it... The sound quality is superb!! I originally purchased the 5504 demo but it was defective so they sold me the 5506 for 699$ Time will tell if I really made a good decision but as of now I do love it

Similar Products Used:

Kenwood 8005,9011

non-fading sub, navigation (though i dont use it), 8 volt RMS, low impedence and looks sleek.

If your going to throw down for a headunit in the price range of 600-1000 dollars at your nearest car audio shop. This headunit is for YOU! It retails for 899 but i got a deal and got it for 750. I love this unit. A headunit made for great SOUND QUALITY and not all the BULL.

The best sound quality in a car audio head unit I've heard. I like the 8V pre outs. The non fading preout for a sub is great, My sub amp loves this thing.

I hate it when any bit of sun light hits the display, You cant read a damn thing on it. Useless options like spectrum analizer sensitivity. And the clock takes a little time to set.

Would I recomend it HELL yea. With all the things I dont Like about it I would still not give this bad boy up.

Similar Products Used:

Alpine CVA-1000, Clarion 6470, Sony CDX-C90

55 ohm impedence/ High VOLTAGE of 8 volts RMS
Pretty display

This is a FINE unit, very fine. Sounds great and has a Navagation system which i dont use. I just enjoy the SOUND QUALITY this unit puts out. I have check the Clarion 9255 which is also a GREAT SOUND QUALITY Unit, but choose the 5506 Eclipse because the SOUND QUALITY is just as good and it has better features and a ESN Security which the 9255 has none. I was a previous owner of a Alpine 7949. Had it for about a year and sold it for 350, if that tells you anything.

A great headunit, this unit has Eclipse commander voice control unit, Three line-level output pairs or 1 line-level output pair and 2 line-level input pairs, a drop down face, w/ its famous ESN security network. Comes with wireless remote, but when it comes to sound quality, well how about a low low impedence of 55 ohms with a RMS output level of 8 Volts. And the looks are pretty damn sharp as well. Check it out for yourself.