Need some input from the group...

Just got a new 05' and want to replace the tunes with aftermarket. In my 01', I had a JL 300/4 and a stealthbox among other things and want a similar setup. So, here is my current thoughts:

Alpine 9831, 33 or 35
KCA Ipod interface
Boston Pro 6.5 fronts (or maybe Focals)
Jl Stealthbox
Jl 300/4 or 450/4
DCI
Ipod

My questions for you:

1) What are the differences in the HU besides the V-drive internal amp which I really won't use anyway?
2) Is the multi-line read out on the 9835 really worth the extra $$$? How about if you are using the Ipod interface?
3) Does the 9833 and 9835 give you any better control over the system? If so, please elaborate based upon my setup.
4) I think the Bostons are a pretty easy install with a small spacer....how about the Focals (probably could search a bit more on this one, but if someone has the quick answer, great).
5) Is the 450/4 overkill?
6) Does anyone ever do GBs on the stealthboxes anymore? What's a good deal on the box if I buy local?

Thanks in advance.

 

I had a similar dilemma. I was trying to choose between the 9827, 9831, and 9833. I went to Crutchfield and did their side-by-side comparison. It gives you a pretty good idea of the differences.

I ended up going with the 9831 (and KCA-420i). I felt it was the best bang-for-the-buck for my setup. A multi-line display may have been nice, but not for the price premium.

 

ANother vote for the 9831. The 35 is a bit too complex for my dumba$$.

 

Just put in 9831 last night, wiring and installation took no more than 2hrs.. EAZAY!! with DCI module to keep my dashboard working! I thought about 9835, but it was just way too expensive, plus 9831 got everything i need already.


Eddie

 

Thanks for the input....great tool at Crutchfield for comparison. It looks like the 9833 adds a bit more control and it appears that it has one extra line in the display. I'm guessing with an Ipod hooked up, this is a good thing to have to view additional info....once again, assuming info is displayed at all. I'm leaning toward the 9833 for that reason.



How about these questions:

4) I think the Bostons are a pretty easy install with a small spacer....how about the Focals (probably could search a bit more on this one, but if someone has the quick answer, great).
5) Is the 450/4 overkill?..or is a 300/4 OK?
6) Does anyone ever do GBs on the stealthboxes anymore? What's a good deal on the box if I buy local?

 

After playing with both the 9833 and 9835, I think the display on the 9835 is worth the extra money especially if you're thinking of using the ipod interface. More letters per line of text will make it that much easier to search and read your files and folders. The alpine/ipod interface is clunky at best (search is soooo s l o w but it's better than nothing) and I've heard rumors that the '05 Alpines will have a better/faster interface. If it was me, I'd hold out for the '05s. Actually that's what I'm doing. I bought the 9835 and after reading different forums about how the search isn't any faster than the 9815 that I'm using now, I returned it for a refund and am waiting for the next batch of Alpines to appear.

 

Now you have me wondering...05 models come out in March or so right?

 

I have the 9835, good H/U, i might sell mine when the 05's come out if they come out with full color displays. I went for the 9835, just because I wanted the top of the line.

4) I think the Bostons are a pretty easy install with a small spacer....how about the Focals (probably could search a bit more on this one, but if someone has the quick answer, great).

I have the Focal Utopia's in my S, install was easy, I did have to make a baffle using 3/4" MDF in order for them to work. Other than that they went in with out any problems.

What size sub are you planning on running?

 

[QUOTE=pikkashoe,Nov 19 2004, 05:15 PM] I have the Focal Utopia's in my S,

 

I played a bit with some Alpines today..... am looking to get one probably in a few months. I've always been a fan of the old skool alpines, the ones that have green LEDs that don't look like a cheap handheld "video" game from 1983, that is, you can't see all the LEDs that are off in the background...

the problem with the fancy black display of the 35 (I think that's what it was) is that it has this sort of annoying flash animation thing when switching from disc to radio, etc. Do all radios nowadays have this? I don't want to watch a gee-whiz cartoon thing when switching sources....whoooosh whooosh..... DISC! NO, just, maybe turn on a little symbol of a CD, thank you. argh.... anyone know which alpines (or other high end HUs) avoid this?