Hey everyone! I have narrowed down my choices to these two radios as I am an Alpine fan. I would prefer the one that has the best sound clarity and if possible, the ability to find a way to use the dash controls after I take the OEM radio out. I have a 2002, and have read in the FAQ's that my stock speakers aren't that bad. I might however later on, replace the speakers in the doors. I know the 9853 has that glide bar thingy, and I was wondering if someone could explain what that does. I did do a bit of research and heard a few people complain that they can't really control the sound quality as well on the 9853...is this true?

CDA-9851

CDA-9853

Thanks for your help!!
Cris P.

 

Unfortunately, there is no perfect receiver. But given those two choices, I would definately go with the 9853. The 9853 is far more adjustable since it has the bass engine pro, which will give you time correction, a full 5 band parametric EQ, and active crossovers. The 9851 just has centering and level adjustments for the bass and treble. The downside to the 9853, is the learning curve for figuring it all out...and getting used to the stupid glide-touch bar, it is functional but I would absolutely prefer one without it given a choice.

BTW...the Glide-Touch bar, is a touch sensitive strip that runs along the where the preset buttons are normally located. It works similar to an i-pod scroll wheel where you slide your finger across it to scroll through menus and such, and is also how you make most of your selections for your presets, and menu items.

 

Yeah I know there really isn't the one perfect receiver. As long as the sound quality will be better with the 9853 using stock speakers or upgraded ones down the road, then I will probably go for that one.

Does anyone know if I will be able to find a way to keep using my dash controls, or will I have to keep the flip face down and use the remote or my hands?

 

9856.

 

Use this for the dash controls, wired version for 9851, or 9853 Modifry's DCI

As far as I know the 9856 and 9851, are pretty much the same feature wise except the newer 9856 has the new high speed i-Pod interface...and I believe would require the IR DCI. Definately a step down from a 9853...IMHO.

 

This will work the dashboard volume control on the left side correct?

 

Correct. I did not like the feel of the glidebar. I opted for the 9851 and got a good price from Crutchfield with a coupon.

 

I would take another look at the 9856.

Also, having just pulled out my stock speakers, I don't know how anyone can say they are anything BUT crap.

I replaced my speakers with the Polk DB6500s and the improvement is miraculous. Best upgrade by far. As the factory deck is very low powered, I would replace the deck right after I did the speakers. You could also use an amp with line level inputs and get great results.

I put in a new deck to use my iPod. If I didn't care about the iPod, I would have kept the stock deck and just amp'd it.

 

bump

 

I just ordered the 9851 & Polk db6500s from Crutchfield... as well as Modifry's DCI. People seem to love these drop-in speakers, and the 9851 will suit my needs just fine.