Hugo, on a $1000 CD head unit, most of the money goes into the pockets of the people selling the unit. It is certainly not priced as a sum of its parts. In that respect, the empeg is a far better "deal"

Bruno

Oh, and for measure:

empeg, to Clarion DXZ615
JL Audio VR600 components in front, coaxials in rear, Microsub 8.2 in trunk of hatchback (Integra GSR).
JL Audio 300/4 for in-cabin drivers and 250/1 for sub.