So I guess I wasn't completely wrong. Just 'My' discription was just off.

 

I checked out the HU, it looks like a great product. I found it for about $50 more than I could find the Alpine 9857, but I wouldn't mind paying that for a better display and equalizer (although I cannot find the stats on the Alpine eq.). However, the CD signal-to-noise ratio is 11dB less than the 9857. Would I be able to hear the difference?
Otherwise, the only thing holding me back is that while on the Alpine website, I noticed the soon-to-be released iDA-X001. It comes with a built-in USB adapter and a 2.2" LCD. The specs have not yet been posted.

After hours of research, I have found that Pioneer makes amps with the same power output as Alpine for much less $$$ (PRS-D2100T and GM-5300T). However, there are differences in other areas like 'crossover frequency' and many other categories which I have no knowledge of. Can someone please let me know in a nutshell if the Alpine is worth the extra cash or is this a brand name markup?

In short, the initial setup I was considering was the Alpine 9883, Alpine 2.150, and Infinity Perfect 6.1's. Now I'm considering using the Pioneer 7800 and PRS-D2100T/GM-5300T. Feedback please.

 

historically, class D amps distorted at higher frequencies, and were
only acceptable as subwoofer amps. most are still like this, but
recently a few companies have introduced "full range" class D amps
that have solved this problem, and the Alpine PDX is one of those.
They are relatively expensive, though. They're worth it if you want
the small size/efficiency/cool running, but there are cheaper amps
that will sound at least as good. I know nothing about the Pioneers
specifically, though.
if you're interested in class D in depth, here's a link...
http://sound.westhost.com/articles/pwm.htm

 

so, since class D amps are good for subs, how would the Alpine PDX 2-150 do paired with the infinity kappa perfect 6.1's?
would they sound crappy? also, the head unit is a alpine cda 9835

 

The PDX amps have truly amazing power routing and control. They are great for just about everything

 

^^ thanks. that is good to hear. mine just arrived last week. now i am waiting for the perfects

 

Would someone knowledgeable please compare these and let me know which is overall better (and why). Notice the crossover frequencies and frequency responses, not to mention the bridged power outputs and S/N.

Pioneer Premier PRS-D2100T

Alpine PDX-2.150

 

For a S/N ratio, anything over 96db is just fine in your car, for bragging rights, you can try to get all of your home theater (HT) equipment over 110db, because of the DVD's dynamic range, but your ears might only hear the difference between 100 and 115 in a dead sound room because houses typically have more ambient noise than your HT system.

For CD audio, a S/N ratio over 96db is superfulous since CD's have a dynamic range of 96db http://georgegraham.com/compress.html.
In other words it's like hooking up a fire hose to the water faucet on your house. Just because the larger hose can flow more water, doesn't mean the source can provide more water.
To further make it rediculous, when you're driving down the freeway in your S, the level of noise in the cabin might be around 80db, MUCH louder than any noise in a crappy audio system! You could damn near use a record player as your headunit and still not hear the noise/distortion.

To recap, you will hear more noise from the recording on the disk than you will from your entire system, even with a S/N ratio of 100db from the HU.

*edit*
More good reading about digital audio and an explanation of what S/N ratio is towards the bottom. Upon looking at the graph, you will see why anything above 96db for a CD player is just not needed and strictly for bragging rights.
http://www.teamcombooks.com/mp3handbook/11.htm

 

[QUOTE=s2krazy01,Feb 19 2007, 07:12 PM] Does the power output of the HU matter if you're going to run an amp anyway?
Say I'm buying components rated at 300W (110W RMS) and 4 ohms.

 

That's really interesting and helpful information. Thanks

[QUOTE]You have lots of amp choices.