26 replies to this topic

[golf_bht]

what is the best headunit to use for SQ at about $2000 mark?

[east_bay_punk]

not sure if the eclipse flagship unit is in that range, but both the alpine and clarion flagship units both have amazing SQ and are round the $1600-$1700 RRP
the is the alpine in the for sale forum http://www.caraudioaustralia.com/ubb/ultim...ic;f=2;t=004011
for $1100 its a bargin.
cheers dave

[dasherhalo]

Is it that time of the month again??

A search in this category should yield some similar conversations, have a browse.

Just curious, what's the rest of your system like, if you're spending $2k on a deck?

[jambo]

Not sure if Clarion still make the DRX9255 but they are bloody amazing. If not, should be able to pick up a second hand one around $1000 I guess.

You could always get yourself a nice unit with optical out, run fiber to a processor and use the DACs in that. Something like an Alpine 79xx head unit and PXA-H600 processor with 20-bit DACs would sound brilliant and you would have all the benefits of time alignment (damn near essential in SQ), phase correction, etc, as well as no noise from the car harness because it will be digital all the way to the processor in the back. And if you go second hand, you can definitely pick up an Alpine 7949 head unit and PXA for around $1000. Just a matter of tracking them down. But if you have $2k and you're not afraid to use it, then I'm sure you can get a combo like this new for that $

[T-Bro]

there isn’t really a ‘best’ headunit, it depends on what your ears like the sound of, and which features serve your listening / driving habits

like a lot of SQ guys I have found clarions top-end headunits to be superb sounding and very reliable, as i tend to like the sound of multi-bit DACS (24-bit in my case). Their latest DXZ925 is so nice to listen to, smooth, liquid, ‘silky’ is how I describe the sound, and controlled all the way up.

However, trying to audition the differences between headunits is tough in the usual demo board of a dealership, so you may have to do some research and listening before you can make a good choice.

for what it’s worth, your source unit has a bigger impact on your sound quality than your amplifiers, so choose it well

[Winno]

My Clarion DRX-9675z retailed at $1999. Cronulla Car Sound in Sydney still had one or two a few weeks back and they wanted about $1200-1400ea for them I think. They'll be able to confirm that obviously.

I love mine. No power amps, 24 bit DACs, 4v out, 33ohm out, etc, etc gives an awesome sound.

[ January 07, 2003, 17:08: Message edited by: Winno ]

[shiny_car]

i think if you spend anything over $1200 for a HU, you can expect something pretty sweet!

so at this level, it should offer audiophile SQ, and often loaded with features. and in the end, it's usually the speaker and installation that affect your system's SQ rather than the HU.

as such, i think it's fair to take for granted that the SQ will be excellent. of course there may be subtle tonal difference between brands/models, but less so than between your choice of speakers and mine (unless they're the same! ).

therefore, your choice may well boil down to price, cosmetics, features, and accessories.

i personally use alpine for not only the SQ quality of their top-line HUs, but also because of the excellent processors they offer.

my shortlist would include:
*alpine CDA-7998R
*pioneer DEX-P9R
*eclipse CD8061
*clarion DXZ925

for a stand-alone HU, i'd probably choose the eclipse for its combo of features, cosmetics, and SQ. otherwise the alpine or pioneer with the addition of a processor later.

[HyperXL]

On the same sort of topic.

What does everyone think of the Pioneer DEH-P9350 as an SQ deck? Im wondering if perhaps I could get noticably better SQ performance out of the Pioneer P9R or eclipse/alpine units?

Just wondering more then anything else, as I dont fancy spending another $2k on a deck unless its something pretty dammmmmnnn Special! haha

Beau.

[shiny_car]

Quote

Originally posted by HyperXL:
What does everyone think of the Pioneer DEH-P9350 as an SQ deck?  Im wondering if perhaps I could get noticably better SQ performance out of the Pioneer P9R or eclipse/alpine units?

IMO, for you to benefit from any SQ difference between such HUs, you need audiophile speakers and installation. you won't get much results from matching them with 'nothing special' kinda speakers; certainly wouldn't justify the added expense.

but, if you have the setup to match (or plan on it), then consider it. those that have used or use that eclipse sing high praise of it (eg: RM audio, marc rushton), and it's the choice of many SQ fanatics in the US.

the pioneer P9, by itself, is pretty minimalist. it really should be matched with the DEQ-P9 processor for full system control and features (xovers, preouts, TA, etc).

the alpine 7998 is excellent, already loaded with features, but in all honesty, i don't see it matching the purist SQ of the eclipse or pioneer P9. it somewhat biased towards 'features' as much as SQ.

the pioneer 9350 is pretty good, including inbuilt TA and EQ. it appears great value next to a new alpine 7998, so would be well-worth considering. and as i mentioned previously, your speaker setup is likely to affect the overall SQ much more so than your choice in HU.

[raziel]

for current model units I think shiny_car has it spot on - but maybe with the eclipse a little higher up the list personally I still run a Clarion DRX9255 (they haven't been made in a couple of years now - but search secondhand , they're still around)great sound quality but no flash features like fancy displays , remotes , detachable faces etc.Thought about trading up but I can't see any better SQ from anything else - unless I start thinking time alignment or 5.1 ( hmmm - checks wallet for spare couple grand )

p.s. 16volt balanced output on the eclipse - where did I put that credit card ?

[rolli]

Quote

the pioneer P9, by itself, is pretty minimalist. it really should be matched with the DEQ-P9 processor for full system control and features (xovers, preouts, TA, etc).

I think you got it there Shiny, for most people in most cases, when you are buying an upperclass HU, its more about the WAY it achieves its functionality, and if it suits you.

Wank factor never goes astray either, but that doesnt effect SQ does it!

[Stone]

The P9R is pretty much useless without the DEQ-P9... You can't fade or anything. All you can do is output audio and turn the volume up and down.

[shiny_car]

Quote

Originally posted by raziel:
for current model units I think shiny_car has it spot on - but maybe with the eclipse a little higher up the list  

hee,hee, yeah. that list was not in any particular order.

i agree, i would favour the eclipse as a stand-alone HU (ie: without a processor) to head a nice SQ setup.

[LongGone]

Alpine 7909L. Old but good.

[NowHearThis]

What, 13 replies and no one mentioned Nakamichi? CD700 all the way. Ok it may be a little over $2k but I'm sure you could blow that out a little .

But seriously, all the units listed are quite good just depends on what you like. As mentioned you cannot ask what is the 'best'.

[ January 07, 2003, 23:22: Message edited by: NowHearThis ]