17 replies to this topic

[[white lie]]

Well I was originally planning on using my factory HU and adding an aftermarket processor for the system i'm currently planning but it decided to give up the ghost yesterday
So i'm in the market for a decent quality HU, under a grand (otherwise i'll go to a DVD unit).
These two have topped my list so far and both seem to have all the functions I need. Decent crossover adjustment, EQ, Time Alignment, 3 Preouts with decent voltage, etc etc
Just after something to sway my judgement one way or the other.
The Alpine is a bit cheaper, RRP is $699 with Bluetooth and iPod cable, $599 without. The Pioneer is more exy at $799 RRP but looks much better IMO. I can get cost price on either so i'll have to price them up as that may make my mind up. But generally the markup is pretty similar.
I'm not fussed on the iPod connectivity but Bluetooth would be nice and is another $600 thru Pioneer!
Anyone compared the two sound wise?
The Alpine may have the edge in regards to external processing.

I've also thought of the Eclipse but don't like their looks.

[wazzab4]

I like both units
The Pioneer has better SQ and looks
The Alpine has better features like Bluetooth and USB

It comes down to what you want i personally would go the Pioneer based on better SQ and better looks and use a non Pioneer bluetooth unit at half the price.


Wazza

[eclipse_DYN]

P80 ftw

Edited by eclipse_DYN, 11 September 2010 - 11:59 PM.

[REVNSS.inc]

I use a p80 and think its great! i have the usb/ipod adapter so for me it does everything i want!

[~Spyne~]

for me, the P80 also wins - the 117 doesn't have the necessary xovers to run an active front stage + sub set-up. it also has Alpine's crappy eq limitations, whereas the pioneer has individual left/right 31-band graphic eq

[[white lie]]

I think the P80 has the edge.
How do you run an active setup straight out of them? Can it only run a 2way active front and a sub, with no rears?
I'm still tossing up whether to go passive or active, i've got the neccessary channels, just don't know if it will be worthwhile for now.
I'm also eyeing off the P9 that's come up for sale, tasty little number that one!

[alpha 1]

I just bought the cda 117 and waiting for the BT to arrive ..will let you know what I think once installed.

[Dylby1]

1.5 year old bump

just got a quick Q that i couldnt actually find an answer for, and isnt worth opening a whole thread for

Can the P80RS do 3 way Active? or only 2 way + sub?

[hardyards]

It can do 3-way active. This means either 2-way and sub or 3-way front stage (no sub).

What you are referring to is actually 4-way active, meaning 3-way front stage + sub, the only standalone head units that can do this (off the top of my head) are the Pioneer P99 and Clarion HXD2.

Other options will involve external processing.

[Dylby1]

ok thanks for that, i'm only going 2 way + sub (so 3 way) but want the option of a 3 way front stage later on, looks like a processor might be the go for me then

Cheers mate

[mad89]

Just note that there is a difference between the decks mentioned here...

DEH-P80RS and DEH-80PRS (latest model, newly released) are two very different head units!

[Dylby1]

haha yeah i know mad, i'm looking at the older model at the moment

[mad89]

All good mate, i was confused myself when researching both. Just a point to note for others.

[muzzy66]

From a potential SQ perspective this is an absolute no brainer. P80 has active crossovers, Alpine does not - game, set, match.

Without the add-on processor the Alpine is barely more useful than any <$400 unit with a HPF. The time alignment has minimal value with a passive front stage, so you're basically paying $300 for a parametric EQ - and Alpine's EQ's have traditionally been pretty useless as it is. That said, I thougt the 117 was closer to the $500 mark?

Edited by muzzy66, 20 May 2012 - 12:18 PM.

[[white lie]]

I ended up with the P80RS, still love it to bits and got it around $400 new from memory.
Runs a 2 way active front stage with sub, plenty of processing power.
I had a bit of a look at the new model but can't stand the look of it to be honest. Very tempted to upgrade to the P99 but it's a lot to ask with my current system.

The 117 is ~$530RRP now, bear in mind this thread was started when it was first released.

[muzzy66]

Nice buy! It's a great unit, and a steal at that price

[bursoAU]

How do you find controlling your iPod? I just installed my p80, and have much to learn haha
Can you access the iPod menu via the unit?

[wazzab4]

I would recommend the Pioneer CD-RB10 Aux input as the iPod control is a pain as it is really slow.