I'm currently in the market for a new HU for my 00' s2000, and I'm having trouble picking it since there are so many of them on the market right now. Right now, I'm looking into the Alpine CDA-9835 or the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X979, but I am welcome for other suggestions too please!!! I want to keep my dashboard working, so I am looking for something that is DCI module compatible, and price upto about $600, and require of MP3 feature.

I am grateful for any 2 cents from anyone.. THANX


Eddie

 

I bought the 9820XM from Alpine. No MP3 in dash, but it does support both and MP3 CD changer or an Ipod through the new Ipod adapter cable. Personally, I don't go for MP3's, instead I listen to XM. My only complaint is the display; I'd rather have a multi-line display. I use the Modifry DCI and all is well. I added a Rockford-Fosgate 4-channel amp and a 12" sub. I hope to be able to wire in my Infinity components into the front someday, but it is more work than it is worth for me right now. Regardless of what you choose, get rid of that factory HU and put something else in there.

Cheers

 

Alpine CDA 9835 - Absolutely Rocks.

Great Display......the new 2005 model may even have a color screen.

There are a lot of sound adjustments.....sut up can be a bit tricky.......but once you figure it out.....Sounds great...!!!

 

I would recommend Alpine over the Kenwoods for a few reasons:
I've heard that Kenwood's quality seems to be diminishing as of late and the Kenwood 'flip' plates that double the surface area of the HU breaks easily.

Also, I have an Alpine 9833 and I don't regret purchasing the HU at all - I would recommend the 9835 if you can spare the extra bucks - better graphics/display options (even though you don't spend anytime at all admiring them while your driving) and better MP3 capabilities.

The only drawback that Alpine has is the detachable faceplate which can be a hassle taking off and putting back on again basically every trip. (but this shouldn't matter cuz the radio in the S is somewhat 'hidden')

 

I have an Alpine head as well and I love it. Setup can be a bit tricky if you not an electronics junkie... but that's fine we can help and Alpines website is awesome with regards to getting the Time Correction down.

Do not buy a head unit without Time Correction.

 

I also have this headunit and love it. The tuning capabilities are awesome, but if you don't want all that the 9833 and 9831 are also nice units.

 

Here are my top 5 choices for best headunits....remember, I have owned EVERY (99%) of headunit companies.

1)Alpine
2)Alpine
3)Alpine
4)Alpine
5)Alpine

The best headunits for quality, ease of use (hate pioneer for this)....and price.

 

i must say i enjoy my eclipse 8443 deck, although i think the new ones 8454 is a pretty good replacement. Has mp3 feature and very good sound

 

Eclipse, quality wise, is as good.....but not as user friendly. But you are right, Eclipse would be the only deck I would even remotely consider over Alpine. Just stay away from Pioneer.

 

Alpine CDA-9835 Rocks.