Little car stereo help for a nub/rant

darkamulets

Senior member
Feb 21, 2002
784
0
76
First I wanna get this off my chest the fact that Circuit city in my area carries the worst possible product line-up for head units. When you stock 2 brands you know their's a problem. Secondly BB isn't much better like 4 choices that don't look like they will fall apart with to much use.


Well 4 years ago I got a Alpine CDA-7892. Awesome head unit, motorized since I have such a horrible viewing angle from the drivers seat. I <3 this so much but to many cds in the visor now.

I've looked some on google but keep ending up at some random place trying to sell me the <insert random featured product of the month>. I know a bit about the car stuff, and wiring it myself isn't a problem. At the moment I'm looking to replace with something that has MP3 CD /Ipod connectivity, motorized display for different viewing angles, and can pump 18~20 watts RMS. With a auxiliary output for my whittle AMP an old MTX. Oh and detachable face!

The kenwood MP828 looked like it fit the bill, but I just don't have faith in the brand. Alpine from my research no longer produces a motorized head unit in the 300-450 price range. Dual... uh no thanks. Clarion was an option but not sure on specifics DXZ665MP no built-in support for the Ipod and requires a seperate kit?

I was looking at a satellite radio option down the line. I'm not a huge car audio guy, I don't blast music but I do however like for it to sound how it should. I got a standard Din chassis to play with.

Give me options or info!


*****REWARD***** If information you provide model & hopefully a location to buy it online hell if you lead me to some helpful information that just isn't user reviews for every model under the sun you get $10USD to your Paypal account.



Cliffs
1. Retail stores suck
2. I love my alpine head unit.
3. I need to replace said head unit with something more upto date.
4. You profit $10USD if your information leads me to a purchase!
5. Help meh!
 

Doodoo

Golden Member
Feb 14, 2000
1,423
0
76
I've always been a fan of Clarion...but have always liked Pioneer. Check out sounddomain.com. The Pioneer 9600 looks pretty nice.
 

Shawn

Lifer
Apr 20, 2003
32,236
53
91
I think you are going to have a hard time finding an adjustable headunit like that. If you can do without it get a Pioneer. Very nice headunits.
 

JasonSix78

Platinum Member
Mar 5, 2005
2,020
1
0
I've been using an Alpine CDA-9830 for 2 years now and I've really been happy with it. It has a motorized-tilt face for different viewing angles, XM Ready, plays MP3/WMA, and has the ability to play from different folders on a burnt disc. I don't know if they still make them anymore or not, may have to check ebay.

-Jason
 

darkamulets

Senior member
Feb 21, 2002
784
0
76
Jason did you ever have problems leaving on the trim for the 9830? Did it ever jam up on you?

 

scorp00

Senior member
Mar 21, 2001
994
0
71
Try pioneer. I'm on my 2nd one. They last forever and have great features. I think the 9000 series is motorized and around 350-400.
 

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
Moderator
Jul 19, 2001
38,572
2
91
I'm currently looking at the Pioneer Premier DEH-P880PRS....

Gets excellent reviews for its white OEL display (very wide viewing angle) and both clean and bright, superb 24-bit burr brown DAC, 32 channel EQ along with an auto EQ w/ mic, mp3 playback, ipod compatability, sat radio compatability, motorized face, aux input under the front face, and just looks damn good...

Sells locally for $450, but can be had on ebay for $300.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/p.../detail/0,,2076_4041_291159496,00.html
 

funboy6942

Lifer
Nov 13, 2001
15,311
395
126
I had this one in my van
The face is motorised and has 3 different viewing angles at the touch of a button. It will also bring you into the now with all of these features:

Can be had at overstock.com for $329.95 and $2.95 shipping

Experience the next generation of digital receiver with JVC's new SHX series. The sleek design compliments any style, and the cutting-edge technology will blow your mind. Not only does the KD-SHX750 have a smooth, clean control layout, over half of the faceplate is dominated by a gorgeous 256-color organic electroluminescent (OEL) display. The exclusive Personalized Image Capture Technology (PiCT) allows images and full motion video to be uploaded to the display from a CD-R, CD-RW, or SD card. If that weren't enough, CD, MP3, and WMA files will sound superb thanks to the advanced multi-bit DAC (Digital / Analog Converter). The KD-LHX750 even allows you to play MP3/WMA files right on an SD card. This feature saves the trouble of burning files on CDs, turning the KD-LHX750 as an in-car digital audio player. Plain ol' analog AM and FM benefit from JVC's new DiAS (Digital Integrated Alignment System) digital processing tuner for great reception and improved sound quality. There's even built-in DSP with ambiance modes, digital 7-band iEQ, and digital BBE high definition sound. If that weren?t enough, the JVC KD-SHX750 takes sound quality to extremes with its CC Converter ? which restores lost signals and improves resonance and presence with all sound sources, boosting playback quality of MP3 and WMA files. Other features include CD changer control, Sirius satellite tuner control, and three sets of gold-plated 5V preamp outputs. Included PiCT software CD-ROM and a wireless remote round out this amazing package.
Features

CD / SD / MP3 / WMA Playback
Motorized Slide-Down Detachable Face
256-Color Organic EL (OEL) Display
Upload Images and Play MP3 / WMA files from an SD Card
Personalized Image Capture Technology (PiCT)
Download Images from JVC's Website
Burn Images and Full Motion Video to a CD-R
Upload Pictures, Album Covers, and More
Save Personalized Messages for Power On & Off
Link Images to Individual MP3 Folders
Create a Screensaver and 90-Image Slideshow
Customize the OEL Display
Audible Control Confirmation
Blue Button Illumination
DiAS Digital Processing Tuner
CD Changer Control with Disc Naming
Sirius Satellite Tuner Control
Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
BBE Digital High Definition Sound
Digital iEQ Intelligent 7-Band Equalizer
7 Ambiance Modes with Variable Effect Level
3 Vehicle Types
4 Listening Positions
CC Converter
Bit-Up Processing with Bitrate Expansion
Digital Filter with Frequency Upsampling
Dynamic Range Expansion
Advanced Multi-Bit DAC
Dual Gold-Plated 5-Volt Preamp Outputs
Gold-Plated Subwoofer Output with Level Control
Selectable Subwoofer Crossover
Rear Auxiliary Input
MOSFET 52W x 4 (max) Amplifier
Full-Function Cross-Key Remote Control
Requirements for PiCT Software (CD-ROM included)
Computer with Windows 98 or Higher
64MB Minimum RAM
CD-R / CD-RW Recorder
Optional Internet Connection for JVC Downloads
Step-Up Features from the KD-LHX550
256-Color Organic EL (OEL) Display
Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
BBE Digital High Definition Sound
CC Converter
MP3 Player Specifications

Anti Theft: Removable Faceplate
Preamp Outputs: 3 sets
Preamp Output Voltage: 5 volts
CD Changer Controls: yes
Remote Control: yes
RMS Power: 22W x 4
Peak Power: 52W x 4
CD Frequency Response: 5-20,000 Hz
FM Mono Sensitivity: 11.3 dBf
CD Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 102 dB
Amp Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.8%

Please PM me for my PP addy :D
 

mrchan

Diamond Member
May 18, 2000
3,123
0
0
Motorized faces are nice, until they break. Why complicate thing with one more moving part?
 

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
Moderator
Jul 19, 2001
38,572
2
91
Originally posted by: darkamulets
Wonder if I can find a local dealer with some Pioneer units to see what they're like.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/dealer/locator/0,,2076_86556316,00.html

Most of the local independant dealers around me have Pioneers and Premiers. Premier is basically the higher end Pioneers. If you have a Sound Advice/Tweeter/HifiBuys nearby, they sell the Premier line.

http://www.crutchfield.com is also an excellent place to shop from; however, they only sell Pioneer, not Premier. There are various $20 off $100 coupons avaible for Crutchfield, so even though their prices may be higher than other online sites, they are true authorized dealers (i.e. full manuf. warranty) and the coupons help bring the price down. I've shopped there MANY times and couldnt be happier.
 

NaOH

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2006
5,015
0
0
Just get one with MP3 CDs. It becomes a hassle to always connect your ipod. Plus it sounds worse coming from the ipod. I have a monster cable charger that has line out for my ipod hooked up to the aux in the back of my alpine. I had an mp3 cd and the ipod playing the same song. I'll tell you, the mp3 cd sounded better. I bet the DA converter of the alpine owns the DA converter of the ipod.

If you don't care then it is better since you don't need to have so many CDs. I just can't give up the sound of the original CD.
 

cavemanmoron

Lifer
Mar 13, 2001
13,664
28
91
Originally posted by: scorp00
Try pioneer. I'm on my 2nd one. They last forever and have great features. I think the 9000 series is motorized and around 350-400.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_Corporation

I used to have a Pioneer 8 track.:thumbsup:

I just installed a Pioneer Am/Fm/CD palyer, underdash in my 1964 Plymouth.

Awesome.I can hear Music in my car, AM only radio bites near me;
its almost all talk, or sports.
 

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,344
790
126
Big votes for Panasonic & JVC from me.

I'm a diehard JVC head unit fan. They make the cleanest displays of anyone and have managed to avoid the frilly BS that so many other car audio companies are pumping into their units. Panasonics are pretyy graphic, whi I dislike but features for price they are tops.

Have a look at the JVC SH-707, SH909, and SH99. Older model that has everything you want. They are from 2001 but are some of the greatest decks in terms of SQ.


 

SnOop005

Senior member
Jun 11, 2000
932
0
76
Eclipse CD7000 (non-angle adjust tho)

Pioneer Premier 880PRS

Alpine 9853 (Ebay used)

Alpine 7998 (Ebay used)

Alpine 9855

The truth is, 06 Alpine line is really dissappointing compare to the previous. If you want to buy an Alpine, better back track a year or two. The 9853 and 7998 are some of the best Alpine ever made.