The 9857 is also HD Radio ready. Plug in the new Alpine HD radio adapter and you can receive local HD radio. This uses your stock antenna.

HD uses cell-phone technology with a digital rather than analog FM signal. No more multipath distortion or dropouts. HD is supposed to be "CD quality". I'm having mine installed next week, so I haven't actually heard it yet.

The other nice feature of HD is that you get a readout on your display of the artist and song.

I suspect that in the not-too distant future, all HU's will come with HD as technology marches on...

 

The 9856 is also HD ready...

 

9857 comes with remote.

 

Do you really need a remote in an S2000?...

 

Oops! As always John is correct.

I guess the only difference is the remote then and who really needs a remote in the S2K?

 

so as i see it the differences are how the ipod connect and the cable that comes with the unit and the biolite display??

 

Yep. All other specs (RMS, playback features, EQ controls, pre-outs) are identical.

 

My understanding is the 9857 works with the dash controls better than the the other.

 

I have 4 remotes sitting on my desk at home. To me, its easier to stretch my hand those 7 inches than it is to grab the remote.

 

well i got the 9857 just for the hell of it. i prolly won't be changing hu's anytime soon so i decided why not get the higher model. i got it professionally installed at best buy but they didn't hook it up to the controls to the left of the wheel. is it possible to control the unit from the side controls or no? if it is how would i be able to do that? thanks