what the best alpine headunit for under $500?
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Champaign/Chicagoland
well....probably the most expensive one that isn't $500. It depends a lot on the features you want/need as well...
You can get the most expensive one they make for under $500 (as long as you weren't looking for video screens/etc. or HD radio) and as long as you shop around....
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_7168.html
You can get the most expensive one they make for under $500 (as long as you weren't looking for video screens/etc. or HD radio) and as long as you shop around....
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_7168.html
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From: Champaign/Chicagoland
Originally Posted by RedRallyeZ
the best as far as just a CD player goes is the CDA-9857. Its also probably the best iPod compatible headunit on the market today.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_7962.html
EDIT: I read that as you saying the CD playback quality is better in that one.
Last edited by fredmr39; Jan 18, 2007 at 10:55 PM.
For SQ guys the 06 alpine lineup isnt all that great. But imo, for practicality (esp. ipod users) the 9857 is a great unit. Or you can save a few bucks and get the 9856 which is cheaper but has a different display.
As far as iPod compatible? They are ALL the same as well, as they will all require an additional accessory.
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Since 2004, the Alpine has been going in the wrong direction. The last great Alpine HU was the 9835 and I have it. I would try to find one of those. The 2006 line up is very lacking in SQ control in favor of Ipod interface.
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Fanatic
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From: Champaign/Chicagoland
Originally Posted by RedRallyeZ
nope, 9857 requires a $20 cable. most other require a separate module that could be at least three times that much. Of course that is for controlling the iPod with the headunit, which in my mind is worth it. I think its display looks better anyway.
EDIT: sorry, I forgot the 9860 got dragged into this somehow - I just noted that he could get the 9861 for under $500, and then you brought up the 9857. The 9860 would require a module that runs around $100.
Ls1tech Bad Ass
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: tulsa, ok
yea...the 9857 is decent for the price.. has all of the features and the bio-lite display which is very clean if you're planning on any satellite radio or ipod hookups, much better than dot-matrix. the 9885 is similar, but i think newer...and its cheaper.
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...model=CDA-9885
but i'm definitely with Blacker on this one: the 2004-2005 alpine models were solid, and if you can find an old one, id go with that. the sq is better and the decks still have motorization, etc, which is something they discontinued last year on most of their base models. i had the 9835 & loved it: but i replaced it with the 9855 last year and despite what i thought at first, i'm actually really pleased with it.
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...model=CDA-9885
but i'm definitely with Blacker on this one: the 2004-2005 alpine models were solid, and if you can find an old one, id go with that. the sq is better and the decks still have motorization, etc, which is something they discontinued last year on most of their base models. i had the 9835 & loved it: but i replaced it with the 9855 last year and despite what i thought at first, i'm actually really pleased with it.
Also keeping in mind the only difference between the 9857, and 9856 is the little Biolite screen, so if that didn't matter to you, you could always go with the 56. Unless you just want to get one of the better older ones. I got the 57 and an Eclipse 21010 EQ to tweak the sound to my liking.
The Alpine 9857 is the one everyone raves about but it doesn't even have 4 volt preamp outputs. Their 2 volt. Even my old Clarion DXZ815mp had 4 volt preamps. The Panasonic I use now has 5 volt preamps and my buddies Eclipse has 8 volts and it isn't even top of the line. For the money I'd spend on a Alpine it'd better have at least 4 volt preamp outputs to front, rear, and nonfade sub. I'm going with Eclipse next time and it matches my interior!!
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From: Champaign/Chicagoland
Originally Posted by WhiteStripes
Someone please explain to me what the voltage of pre-amps has to do when you are sending them to an amp anyhow?
It's just a much cleaner signal with higher voltage outputs. So your amplifying a clean signal making it that much cleaner and crisper. More of a SQ issue. I can turn mine wayup and it's very loud but it's also very crisp and clean with no distortion. It doesn't bother you to hear it that loud because of the clarity. It has to do with not only the preamp voltage but the rest of the components quality as well. Think of it as a weak link in the audio chain. Alpine is a great brand...I was a little disappointed you don't get higher volt preamp for the money.
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Canada
Originally Posted by Walking-dead
It's just a much cleaner signal with higher voltage outputs. So your amplifying a clean signal making it that much cleaner and crisper. More of a SQ issue. I can turn mine wayup and it's very loud but it's also very crisp and clean with no distortion. It doesn't bother you to hear it that loud because of the clarity. It has to do with not only the preamp voltage but the rest of the components quality as well. Think of it as a weak link in the audio chain. Alpine is a great brand...I was a little disappointed you don't get higher volt preamp for the money.
the higher voltage pre-outs are less prone to picking up noise. It strictly has to do with picking things up like background hiss and other induced noise. It has nothing to do with the actual SQ or tonal quality of the deck.
