The search for s2ki stinks and when I did a search, it gave me a ton of info from 2002. So on to asking some questions.

I noticed that a lot of people go Alpine here, even cheaper versions (under $200, even on Crutchfield ). Basically, why? I know Alpine makes a good unit. But when I do a comparo on Cfield, the specs for Kenwood, Pioneer, even JVC match up favorably with the Alpine units (note, I'm looking at a range of $150 to $200). For example, the preout voltage for all the cheaper Alpines are 2V compared to a Kenwood that gives out 4V. This used to be very important (so the "experts" said) back in the day. Is it not as important anymore?

Does the Alpine give a cleaner signal (was this proven, or is this just the "general" thinking)? Just looks nicer?, etc.

Also, outside of number preamp outputs, why should I buy a $400 head over a $200 head? What am I generally getting when comparing those price ranges?

Sorry for the newbie questions, but it's been a while since I paid attention to the car stereo world, and am slowly getting back into it. And the FAQ doesn't do a good of explaining these hard to quantify differences, just tells me good brands, when there is so much more to just brands when they each have about 8 in their lineup meeting different price points.

 

I'm not looking at actual specs, but from what I know/have heard, and from personal experience, Alpine units are very well made, last forever, and are underrated in terms of power. They have good S/N ratios, good suspension materials for the optical drives, good processors and resistors, etc. You don't get as many features for the money, but you get good performance.

Pioneer & Kenwood are also good HUs, but my past Alpines were only replaced due to old age, while my past Kenwoods all had electrical or mechanical failures. I never really saw/heard a Pioneer unit I liked. Alpine also has a long reputation for good stuff. I mostly buy Alpine because I like the sound, the ergonomics, and the features, and they last forever ime. Imo, as long as you stay away from Clarion and Sony you will be okay.

 

Alpine makes a great unit at a great price, yes they may have lower specs than some pioneers or kenwwoods but they will last longer.

I disagree, with the Clarion comment... I have had 2 Clarion Pro Audio HU's in 2 different cars with zero issues, but to each his own.

 

Well, being Mr. Impatient, and looking at the specs, I just bought a Kenwood KDC-X789. It's an Excelon unit. I have had some Kenwood products in the past without any problems, and this thing seems like a whopper of a product. The biggest complaint is it seems to wash out in direct sunlight, so this might be a problem, but I'm not too concerned, I don't spend that much time looking at the face now.

I'll give a report back with my results once I install it. Now I have to think if I want the DCI component. Right now, I barely use the dash mounted controls.

I'm going to add gradually so it's just going to be this upgraded head with the stock speakers.

And if anyone cares, I got it from www.sonicelectronix.com for $205 shipped. They are having a clearance. Cfield is selling it for $349 for the most expensive comparisons sake!

 

Clarion is good. I'm usind the same clarion proaudio unit I bought in '99. it's in the 5th vehicle now.
Every car board/forum out there has its favorites. Something catches on and everyone follows suit.
I had a cheaper kenwood before I bought the clarion. It was a good unit. I sold it when I went to college. Best radio reception ever.

 

As my lawyer always told me, WHY NOT!?

 

I've used Alpine, Kenwood, Sony, Clarion, and Pioneer.

The Alpine's have been the best HU I've used. However the Kenwood were nice units... The Sony's, Clarion's and the Pioneer's didn't last.

Those are just my experiences... but I will also add all the Alpine HU's and the Kenwood's where highend models. The others where mid to entry level units.

 

Good point.

 

SonicElectronix is a good vendor.

Interestingly, when I buy from them, the shipment often comes the same day it ships ... I think I am on the same truck route

 

Is this an authorized Alpine dealer?