I guess it comes down to input quality.

It seems as though the new Pioneer I installed has much greater dynamic range (the ability to reproduce widely different frequencies at the same time-believe it or not, George Thorogood is some VERY complex music and a good test/demo for this) and frequency response than the Becker head. Using the equalizer and Bass Boost/Loudness controls this unit can drive the OEM subs enough to impress even the panel-rattling JL Audio fans that my son runs around with!

And it does so very cleanly-no rattles or buzzes (unless I go overboard) and ZZ Top sounds like...ZZ Top. Only really loud.

I do wish it matched better-the photo in Crutchfield is misleading, but I figure that any high-quality head unit (Alpine, Sony, Blaupunkt etc.) will produce equally pleasing results.

A great way to spend $189 and 20 minutes for the install.