I am in the market for an a new HU. I am looking at various Alpine HUs and I curious what models y'all suggest. I plan on buying the switch from Lucid so that I keep the dash controls working (am I correct in thinking that the only way to keep the dash controls is to buy the switch from Lucid?)


Your help is appreciated.


Take care

 

A few questions for ya... What's your budget? Is MP3 playback important to you? Are you going to be using amps or running everything off of the HU?

 

Budget would be (roughly) $500 or less. MP3 playback IS important.

Eventually, I will be using an amp. For now I am looking to get the HU first, then some rears from Lucid, then a Front component set, then an amp, then a sub (maybe).


Thanks for the advice.....

 

7894 or 7995. I personally like the 7894 although it is an older model vs. 7995.

 

If you are not going to use an amp right away, that cuts out the 7995 because it has no internal amp. The CDA-7894 is $310 shipped from from www.ikesound.com . The new CDA-9813 has simlar specs to the 7894, but also plays WMA (windows media) files and has a 5-band EQ. MP3 navigation may be a little easier on the 9813 since they've added a folder button, but I haven't had a chance to play with one of the new HU's yet. Crutchfield is saying 2/28 on the 9813 and 3/10 on the 9815. I can't get any date estimates from anyone else... If the navigation is improved and/or the delay between tracks, I'll likely sell off my 7995 and get a 9815 when it hits the stores.

 

Great. Thanks for the advice. 2 last questions. Will I need to purchase the dash control switch from Lucid? ( I assume the Alpine models you listed are compatible with the dash controls). Also, when I purchase the rears, I am guessing I will also have to buy the rear harness from Lucid (also compatible with the Alpines listed above)?


Thanks. Take care.

 

If you have an aftermarket deck, you don't need Lucid's rear speaker harness, just a 98+ honda radio harness. You only need to get the Lucid DCI if you want to retain the use of the dash controls, but if you do get the DCI, the radio wiring harness is included in the kit. I highly recommend the DCI -- it's a great product. One hangup though, at least in my kit. Lucid removes the rear speaker wires from the harneses he sells with the DCI kit. I assume this is because they are the same color as the 'mute' and 'dash control signal' wires on the DCI. You may want to PM Lucid and see if he can make you up a harness for the DCI that retains the rear speaker wires.

 

Thanks SC. This info has been very useful. Now its time to go pick up the HU.

 

I'd say go for the Alpine 9813. Most likely the delays will be reduced and other features added.

The DCI device will work for the new HUs they use the same remotes/codes.

Just to clarify there are NO rear lines in the S2000, thus the need for OEM harnesses for rear systems. The DCI comes packaged with the INTO car harness so you do not need to purchase another harness. All you need is the DCI kit and your new deck and you're all set.

 

Alpine CDA 7894 est. price $285. online/ Regular Price $399.

a very nice head unit plus you can get some good discounts on it.
I belive it is Alpine's most affordable amber light HU. You should also look at the Alpine CDA 7998. If you can find a CDA 7998 below $400 jump on it. I would not get anything but Alpine. Good Luck.

Neil