ok, here are 3 of the head units im looking at. i want something that is easy to use, GOOD sound quality, and i like gadgets, so if it has some newer technology to it (memory stick slot, dvd, ect), thats a bonus
things i like..
1- 3" TV screen
2- able to read music/MP3's stored on DVD's
3- looks like nothing else out there, that i've seen
4- 7 band EQ
5- 24 bit
things that worry me.
1- 1.0% THD im not a expert, but isnt that a LOT?
2- preouts are "only" 2.0V
3- never heard anything good (or bad) about JVC head units
1- memory card slot. down load maps, music, pics, ect (from what i understand)
2- 8V preouts. the highest i've seen, but does it make a big differance?
3- i heard eclipse has a reputation for producing the best SQ head units?
4- 10 band EQ
5- 24 bit
6- multi harmonizer for mp3 files
things that worry me..
1- is it worth the price?
2- does it have MP3 text info?
3- does it have MP3 search feature?
#3 alpine CDA 9855 http://www.alpine-usa.com/ i really dont think i am going to get this unit, but it is the cheapest of the bunch, so that may swing my vote
Everyone complains about the glidetouch. Also there are ALOT of accounts of people having problems with that unit.
If you must buy an Alpine CD player, Look for an '04 Model CDA9835.
Those were ok. Alternatively, Alpine makes a really cool headunit called the DVA9860. It's plays DVD Audio/Video/ MP3 Encoded DVD's(1024 MP3 files on a single DVD) has optical output to connect to (and control)the INSANELY awesome PXA-H701 Processor. This Processor is incredible. It can control a fully active 3 way front setup(tweeter/midrange/midbass) and sub and has tons of EQ ability(if you need it). If I wasn't using the Clarion DRZ9255 I'd be going this route(and I'm no Alpine fan)
The Pioneer DEHP860MP orthe DEHP960MP are also both good choices. These both have Excellent sound quality with 24 Bit burr Brown DAC's 3 way active crossovers, MP3/Ipod support.
I'd stay away from: JVC, Panasonic, and Kenwood.
Eclipse have great Sound Quality, but they aren't known for the best build quality. A friend of mine does Car Audio Electronics Repair for a living, and he's repaired jsut about everything on the market, including McIntosh, and other high end stuff. He warned me to stay away from Eclipse. I bought it anyways, and sure enough it broke again on me.
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Last edited by cam2Xrunner; 11-24-2005 at 05:45 AM.
i was reading up on the alpine DVA9860, after i posted and i like the DVD reading capibility, BUT i think the styling on the alpine units look the same as they did 10+ years agao.
i had a older pioneer in my last truck, and liked it, and it gave me zero problems the 6 years i had it.
im not going to hook up processor to the unit, because im not THAT into the stereo stuff, so im going to look more closely at the pioneer.
I've always been a fan of kenwood I've had them in just about every car I ever had with 0 problems. I have to say that lately they look like shit though.
I got the Alpine 9855 and it's pretty cool. the sound is great and the look is fantastic but the glide can get annoying sometimes..not to bad though!! havent had any problems with it yet and i don't expect too. i would stick with the Alpine instead of the other 2 options..
i played with the alpine 8455 today, and got sick of the glide touch after 2min of fiddling with it. im leaning towards the 8460 now... heh
anyone have a suggestion on what amp brands are good? im probably going with diamond audio 6 series componets up front and 6 series coaxles in the rear, with the tacotuens 10" box behind the seat.
8460? You mean the 9860? If so, do you want it for the MP3 capability on DVD disc's? If that's not the reason for considering that unit, then I'd look elsewhere. The 9835('04 model) has WAY more flexibility and control over the 9860.
I'd take a Pioneer Premier DEHP860MP over the 9835 though.
For the other stuff(amps/speakers) what kind of budget have you set for them?
The MemoryStick reader is almost useless. It includes a Sony Memory Stick, but you have no way to put information on it unless you get a reader/writer for your computer also. You cannot put MP3 files on the MemoryStick to play on the HU. The file has to be in ATRAC3 format. Aside from that you can use it to save settings from the web, security, and for saving settins from the HU to upload to the web site.
For GPS, you will need a separate attachment to the HU for it to receive GPS. The only way you can put direction on to it is through their web site. You will need to program it at home or somewhere with Internet access and a MemoryStick writer to use that feature.
I have the CD8454, the previous year's model and I prefer that design to the new one. Reasons are that the new one doesn't have the rubber on the knobs and the position of the softkeys are changed. Softkeys are the ones numbered 1-6 that have different functions depending on what you're doing. In the old design, the softkeys flanked the display and the display showed the function of the different buttons, or the radio station preset, etc.
Im getting the DVA9860 myself. Alot of people dont like the look of alpine because it doesnt have the lil video screens, chrome, and flashy images that other HU's Have. But those other HU's are made to look more appealing to the general public who dont understand the electronics behind it.
Im getting the DVA9860 myself. Alot of people dont like the look of alpine because it doesnt have the lil video screens, chrome, and flashy images that other HU's Have. But those other HU's are made to look more appealing to the general public who dont understand the electronics behind it.
8460? You mean the 9860? If so, do you want it for the MP3 capability on DVD disc's? If that's not the reason for considering that unit, then I'd look elsewhere. The 9835('04 model) has WAY more flexibility and control over the 9860.
I'd take a Pioneer Premier DEHP860MP over the 9835 though.
For the other stuff(amps/speakers) what kind of budget have you set for them?
sorry i ment the 9860, and yes i like the DVD MP3 capibility of it. what is the differance between the dehp860mp and the dehp960mp? just the display? how are the SQ of pioneer?
as far as amps, im in the ball park of $300-400 for a 4 channel for mids/highs for the front and rear speakers, and $250ish for the sub. unless i can find a good 5 channel amp (which i prefer because of space), then i can go $500-600. if i can save money than great. basicly, im looking for the best value i guess.
Last edited by Marty McFly; 11-27-2005 at 02:04 AM.
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