12 replies to this topic

[Bear2230]

Hi all,

I'm choosing between these 2 units for the Subie. Would love to hear some opinions/advice or experiences with either unit.
Both do everything I need but which is best?

http://www.alpine.co...php?item_id=186

http://www.clarion.c...9521183919.html

I like the look and the bigger size of the Alpine but am happy to hear otherwise.

Richard.

Edited by Bear2230, 21 January 2012 - 10:15 PM.

[wazzab4]

For me it would have to be the Alpine its a $1899 unit for $999 NOW.

Why i don't know the Clarion that well its most likely a $999 unit for about $850.

Every Clarion i have fitted have seam a little down in the quality department.

Warren

[Damon]

Actually, this looks like the AV bargain deal from Soundmaster.

http://www.soundmast.../AVH2350DVD.asp

[Bear2230]

Haha, Soundmaster are selling the VX401A for $449.00
I wonder if that's because they are not popular or just a oversupply or they are just not worth $900.00
I've had quite a good look at all the u-tube videos and it looks pretty good to me.

[sphell]

Go the Alpine......a lot of the Clarion's have the same chassis/harnesses they use on those POS ebay units (the ones where you have to remove the transport screws before installation) so I'm guessing they come out of the same crappy factory.

[Domza]

<sub>I would definatley go for the W520, it has a nice interface where as the Clarion is much less user friendly IMHO.

Regards,
Domza.</sub>

[iluvmusik]

Hey Richard, have you got your system installed yet?

[Bear2230]

Thank you all for your advice and opinions. I will probably go with the Alpine I think from FHRX but found these guys selling them for $895.00 if anybody else is interested.
http://www.streetsou...om.au/specials/
Mathew, Marty is starting tomorrow. With these Subaru's to install a new HU you have to import a complete new fascia from Japan. I have ordered one and am just waiting until it arrives.
I will wait until all the new units arrive and have a look at them but I have always likes these Alpine units and the $1000.00 price reduction might just be to good to pass up. I can just do the HU later but I will need the fascia regardless.

Richard.

[oldtimer]

The bluetooth Module 250BT is only included on the Alpine at certain dealers.


What about this:

http://www.soundmast...e/DDX7036BT.asp

$1200 off.

The Apline looks pretty featureless to be worth $1800 to begin with.

Edited by oldtimer, 30 January 2012 - 11:48 AM.

[Big_Valven]

sphell, on 24 January 2012 - 07:32 PM, said:

Go the Alpine......a lot of the Clarion's have the same chassis/harnesses they use on those POS ebay units (the ones where you have to remove the transport screws before installation) so I'm guessing they come out of the same crappy factory.

That's a bit of a sweeping generalisation.

[iluvmusik]

Bear2230, on 29 January 2012 - 05:07 PM, said:

Mathew, Marty is starting tomorrow.

Exciting. We must have a sound off when it's done

[tunerequired]

i have no idea why you guys seem to enjoy bashing on the clarions .. they are a mid level company and for people who actually cant afford to waste over 1k on a headunit they are damn decent headunits


as for clarions using the same harness / chassis as the cheap ebay units, i would suggest you stop smoking the happy weeed and actually put the 2 units side by side they are nothing alike

i have used clarion headunits in all my rides for the last 8 years and not once have i ever had a issue with them...

[Damon]

While not including the current generation, I have had it confirmed to me in the past that Clarion's entry level double and single DIN units were sourced from a 'third party' vendor to get the price down. This was the case with the previous models to the VX401, and it is possible it is still the case.

This also explains why the street price can be so aggressive with this model.

As always, a first hand demo of all features is required to make any educated purchase. If it works like you want and costs what you can afford go for it.

Edited by Damon, 31 January 2012 - 06:44 AM.