Which one would you guys pick and why. Thanks

 

CDA-117. Awesome screen and that iPod control and interface is one of the very best out there (next to most touch screen double din head units). It has every available option you can add on, even has inputs to run Alpine's Imprint. It has the newest iPod connection too (full speed usb cable) that will work with any iPod on the market.

 

9887 - Imprint built in for best sound quality.

 

what are you looking for / what are your priorities?

the IDA line has the best ipod integration/control but does not play CDs. the 9887 still uses the older, slower, "full speed" analog ipod interface (using the D/A converters in the ipod itself, vs the USB connection making use of the superior D/A converters in the head unit). the 117 is something of a hybrid, combining the USB interface of the 305 with the traditional CD player layout/design of the 9887, with the resultant trade off in screen layout / capability.

all of them are capable of making use of the Imprint system, but require different modules/accessories - the 117 and 305 require an external module (~$150 list, less street) and the $30 mic/software for tuning. the 9887 doesn't require anything external to be permanently attached, but does require an external module for tuning. either pay a dealer for tuning time, buy the module/kit for $250, or "rent" it from Crutchfield for $50.

 

Why are you polling us? It's what you are looking for that matters. I'd pick the IDA since I only play music via an iPod. I currently have a 9886 and I've never used the CD deck even though I thought it would be useful. YMMV, of course.

 

I thought one unit is more popular than the other. i am leaning towards cda117 because its the cheapest at $229 and the cda9887 i can get for $300 but i would like to use my iphone 4. i like that 9887 has build in imprint.

 

im on the same boat with you, 117 or 9887 or the 305, and i like 117 the most coz of the traditional looking....

just found this video of a 9886 today, the color looks good but does anyone knows that 117 has the same color option?! i went to Bestbuy last night but forgot to check it.....
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoY2vkY16Wg [/media]

also does anyone know that does 305 or 107 can display any Asian characters?! Japanese, Chinese...