Thanks for all your replies. Thank you, modifry for explaining the difference of power ratio. That made my decision little simpler. gain of 1.44 times the power is not worth the money especially since it looks like I will be getting an amp in the future.

I already ordered a DCI from Lucid since I was ready to get a new HU but JTAustin's reply got me thinking about just adding an amp. I will probably just get a 9827 and then eventually get a small amp. ultimately, I would like to get a sub but that's next year.

Does anyone know 9815 will be compatible with Ipod? Alpine's information seems to indicate that 2004 models will be able to control IPods and that was one of the reason that I picked 9827 instead of 9815 or 9813 that many of you already seems to have.

 

I've been trying to get to the bottom of this one for awhile now, here is a passage I posted on the thread about building my sysem:
http://www.forums.s2ki.com/forums/showthre...685#post3098685

I called ALPINE about ten times today and spoke to about 5 living people. Spoke to one guy three times, he told me that I'll just have to wait. "The technology is there but we're still working out a few glitches." Glitches as in, "WOW! people are really interested in this, we can charge an arm and a leg for his stuff."

ALPINE and APPLE are about the two "BLINGIEST" popular consumer electronic companies in the world right now, so I'm sure wallets will empty. Bot both companies are great innovators in thier respective fields.

So the set up goes like this: There is going to be an interface unit that will connect to the ai-net cord from the head unit. The ipod will then connect to that interface Unit. We don't know the cost of that unit, or how big it is, or if it will have fancy nite lites. We do know that all ALPINE 'o4 Headunits with Ai net and the "folders" Will be able to hook up to the unit and then to the ipod. AS will older models with Ai net and the "folders" function.

"The super-slim iPod defines what a digital music player should be. It

 

so older Alpines may work with ipods. hmmmm

One more question. If I were to get the 9827 or even 9815, what would be better? 50x4 amp or new front speakers (again costing less than $200) I have stock fronts with lucid rear setup.

 

The sound comes directly from the speakers. I would save a little money in the headunit (All o4 models will have ai-net) and invest it in new speakers and an amp. Now remember the ipod option will not be available until this summer (July) so you've got time. You might want to start with the speakers and amp, and then this summer buy the Alpine headunit.

You CAN hook up an amp to your stock headunit.

But the stock head unit has no RCA outputs. So you will need to get a speaker harness then add a "line level converter" that will step that signal down to RCA levels. You can then hook those RCA's to an Amp and then the Amp to speakers.

Ask PJK if you've got more questions (I've never actually done this)

 

thanks willie gee, I am going to order the 9827 then get speakers and amp later. it seems that makes most sense. my birthday is coming in summer and hopefully my wife will let me spend some money on the car.

this is by far, most modded car that I've ever owned and also one that have given most joy.

 

whats a good cost effective 4-channel amp?

how does amp work in terms of power....if i have a 18w headunit....and add a 50x4 amp...do i get 68 watts of power?

also does the amp go directly to the battery...

thanks

 

im thinking the same between alpine 9827, 9831, and 9833...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by modifry

You should consider putting the amp on top of the gas tank.

 

Modifry -- actually, it's interesting that you mention that... my Alpine CDA-7894 has V-drive power... and it does have an outboard DC/DC converter. it's attached via a dongle off the back of the HU and is a smallish (3" x 1.5" x .75") metal box.

perhaps Alpine's claims aren't all smoke and mirrors...

mine is also one of the new HU's that 'require' a 10 ga lead straight from the battery... (which i don't use since i have the internal amps disabled and use 100% outboard amplification... )

no, the power doesn't add up like that.

and yes, you'll need a direct power tap from the battery for 99.9% of all amps out there.

 

well, I got my 9827. I will probably add an amp with sub later. does anybody know if I have to run a wire from the battery for power or can I use stock HU wire? I waiting for DCI and harness from lucid.