I want to purchase a Head Unit this weekend but still debating on which one to get. Since you guys know more about stereo stuff then I do .. which one would you guys choose and why? Input is appreciated . Thanks

Alpine - CDA9855

http://stores.tomshardware.com/search_tech...terid=6526436//

OR

Pioneer Premier - DEHP8MP

http://stores.tomshardware.com/search_getp...pioneer+DEHP8MP

I love alpines but recently I heard they started just doing quantity over quality b/c of mass production they have to do for best buys and other major stores. I dont know if thats true..

 

Well, before they switched to Best Buy, they were available at Circuit City for YEARS. Best Buy has slightly higher sales than CC but, I think that's mostly in DVDs, CDs and other cheap shit. So the quantities have not likely changed much...(Worked at CC 5 years ago...)

 

Dunno about quality, but I have read that the slide bar on the bottom of the Alpine is kinda annoying. I listened to the Pioneer before...sounded good...but not $350 good.

John

 

yes, the 9855 is annoying to use, i also know of a few that have some major problems with the face.

how much are you willing to spend? the pioneer is pretty annoying as well.

have you had a chance to look at the new kenwood 25th anniversary cd player? xxv-01d is the model, here is a link http://25thanniversary.org/en-US/Product.aspx?id=2

i just heard it today at one of my dealers. i am soo impressed by the this unit. the SQ on this unit is one of a kind. better than any radio in its price range. i literally mean it better than "anything" in its price range. the quality is outstanding as well.

hard to find the 25th anniversary products, you can only find them at excelon dealers, but i did see a few on ebay 2 weeks ago.

 

that kenwood is pretty sharp and i'm sure the 24bit burr brown helps with its SQ. i miss the days of my old sony 910 with its dual 24bit burr brown! what kind of DAC are the other units running nowdays?

 

alpines are usually regulated 1 bit. 24bit dacs are pretty common these days, but 24bit "burr brown" is pretty hard to come by.

 

For the Pioneer I can get it for $312.00 shipped .. and as far as the alpine I can get it for $350.00 . The AL & EDS guy said they heard problems with the alpine 9855 with the touch thing b/c some units just stoped working all together as far as the motion sensor. He suggested to go with the pioneer but his top choice was the eclipse which was cheaper and better quality. I will check into the kenwood anniversary.. thanks again for the input

 

Check out the 9851. Good solid HU...good features and its is only $260 retail. Can be had for $200 for savvy online shoppers.

John

 

which eclipse was he trying to sell you?

dont buy the eclipse from them, i can get it for you for cheaper.

 

I have yet to see the 25th anniversary edition but I did end up buying the product right below their 25th anniversary model: Excelon KDC-X889. It also uses the 24bit Texas Instruments BurrBrown DAC.

The anniversay model uses a different capacitor exclusive to that line and OFC cabling. However the features and functionality from what I've read is identical to the X889.

Crutchfied sells this hu for $449. However if you shop around you can get it for about $350 or maybe lower.



PS - I have pictures of the HU installed in my gallery...