I know you said no cheap guys but I did want to give this option since I have first hand experience with it.
We installed this
PLZ MP-902 in my buddies pathfinder, with Skar audio speakers (utilizing the factory amplifier) and this sub: R
ockville RWS10CA Slim 1000 Watt 10" Amplified Powered Car Subwoofer
And from my perspective as an audiophile, I was blown away at how well I was able to tune it and how it ultimately sounded. The head unit responds SUPER FAST to your touch and has above-average EQ control for a head unit at this price point. You won't be fooled into thinking that it's a $1,000 head unit but for 98% of people I'd say it knocks it out of the park, it also has a volume knob which I dearly miss every time I touch my Kenwood. The cheap head units have come a long way from where they were 5 years ago, so they are definitely worth considering. That sub is also amazing for the cost, I was so impressed that I bought one for my 1989 BMW e30 touring, it slaps.
Now that being said, if you are dead set on having a high-end name brand HU then it really depends on what you want, because the sky is the limit, So ask yourself if you need:
- Stand-alone Navigation
- Apple Car Play / Android Auto
- Front Facing USB or Mini USB ports
- RCSA Preamp outputs & RCA Sub outputs.
- SiriusXM radio tuner
- Multiple camera inputs, some have up to 3 now (I have two cameras tied into my HU, one for backing up, and the other is a forward-facing camera aimed at my front passenger tire for rock crawling which I use a lot)
- Built-in amplifier (available on the high-end units, you'll pay more and it's a meh power rating usually)
- Volume Knob, is it important to you (the answer should be yes)
- Capacitive touch vs resistive touch
- Capacitive is like your iPhone, won't work with gloves usually but otherwise is very nice and usually has the added benefit of a sharper display
- Resistive is when you actually have to push the screen in to make a selection, this will work with gloves and usually, the display looks a bit less defined/sharp
if you are truly an audiophile and want the best of everything then you really can't go wrong with any of the top-tier players, I personally like the UI & EQ options of the Kenwoods, but have had good experiences with Alpine as well.
what is your budget?