alpine vs pioneer

[kppk1986]

i just bought a Alpine CDA-9827 head unit and i was wondering whether the pioneer DEH-P7600MP head unit was better based on it's audio control features, and all of its other little goodies.

[Simmsled]

I think that the sound quality will be better on your Alpine, but there are more features on the Pioneer that make it a bit easier to tune your system. So it is classic case of catch 22.

[kppk1986]

is the sound quality of the alpine that much better than the pioneer that it would make a hugh difference???

[accel junky]

I've never been one for pioneer head units. I have Pioneer wiht the organic El display but it sounds mediocre.

[Dano]

alpine.

-Dan

[Rex]

If SQ is the goal, then Alpine will provide better, but only their upper stuff. The build and sound quality on their "entry level" stuff is simply mediocre and then you've just paying for the name.

Of course there are better than either of the 2 you listed out there - Nak, Denon, (some) McIntosh, Eclipse and a few more I can't think of right now.

But don't completely write off the Pioneer Premier stuff.

[PoorManQ45]

Simple rule of thumb. If the pioneer is cheaper, buy it. If the Alpine is cheaper, buy it.

You will NOT be able to tell the difference in SQ

[cdlong]

i've used several pioneer head units, i've hated every one. the controls are confusing and the layout and size of the buttons is horrible. i have a JVC that was cheap, sounds good, and is VERY easy to use. i will probably upgrade to a decent alpine when i have the opportunity/need

[base9se]

Defintely Alpine. I've been thinking about getting the -9827 for quite awhile now, ever since I knew about Alpine making an IPOD interface. And also it doesn't have that motorized face anymore.

[Jesda]

I hate the controls on both Pioneer and Alpine head units. But Pioneer is better about avoiding distortion at loud volumes.

[Rex]

I hate the controls on both Pioneer and Alpine head units. But Pioneer is better about avoiding distortion at loud volumes.

Jesda's comment got me thinking. If you're really concerned about which will sound better, find an HU with no built in power. Then buy good quality amps.

[PoorManQ45]

Yep, but you could just call it a preamp then .

I agree, the best sounding systems NEVER use the Head Unit's speaker outputs. They ALWAYS use seperate amplifiers

[base9se]

Then buy good quality amps.

Like this...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...&rd=1

[Rex]

Like this...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...&rd=1

Yeah, that'll work for the tweets/mids, but you may want one of these for the subs

[base9se]

Orion's are pretty good. As far as capacitors, I'd go for AlumaPro.

Yeah, that'll work for the tweets/mids

[PoorManQ45]

Yeah, that'll work for the tweets/mids,..

I hope that you are joking. You would have to have some really inefficient tweeters and/or mid range drivers to be able to handle that kind of power.

IIRC, the average amount of power that a tweeter actually gets is like 50~100w RMS. If yours need more then that, then you've either got some super drivers, or they really sucks arse

[Rex]

Uh ... it was a joke.

[PoorManQ45]

Okay, I'm a little "thick" sometimes, or rather all the time

[Silvia2b]

Sometime most of the power drain comes from the huge passive x-overs that some components are shipped with. Many of the highest quality set have tweeters that can handle up to 200, but with very low distortion.When runnning any audio equipment playing a system with not enough specific power output at the max volume will produce high levels of distortion. Where when using more power output level and listening to it a 50% or less will be much kinder to the speakers and your ears. As pioneer and alpine both claim they want you listening for a lifetime.

The preference that I have for headunits is with Alpine many from the 2004 model year CDA9830 and up the line have built in power amps capable of running factory speakers or low power handling coaxials, if you are using better speakers and external amps, then you simply select the "power IC mode off" and the headunit has undivided current consumption by the preamp that is built in, to supply high voltage low impedance RCA style outputs .

[ayjay]

a deck i still think is the best bang for the buck is the Pioneer DEH-P860MP

reason why i'd take it over the alpine:

-dual 24bit Burr-Brown DAC's-13 band graphic eq for front & rear (awesome!)-better time alignment (& comes with mic to auto-setup time align)-6.5v pre-outs-i-pod ready-nicer display

can find it on ebay for around $280... can't find anything that compares at that price. hey rex??

[Rex]

ayjay good to see.

I've always been a fan of Pioneer, but will most likely end up with a Kenwood, Alpine or Sony , as I want in dash MD.

[PoorManQ45]

Go with Nak then

[Jookmasta]

pioneer all the way. the alpine also sounds good but the price you pay is ridiculous. the pioneers are an overall better looking product and the controls are extremely user friendly. ive had my deh7300 for about four years and i have no complaints. doesnt play mp3s cuz those werent out at the time but the 4 volt preouts help the 5 channel amp in the back.

it really boils down to your budget and what you would prefer to see in your car.

O ya, 1000 posts baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (and not one was worthless, woohoo)