what is so good about the eclipses?
what features make them so good?

how much are they?

they are just a well-designed SQ HU with top quality sound reproduction. it's the sum of the parts, but their ability to reproduce exceptional clarity and depth to sound is impressive. if i didn't want alpine processing, i'd probably have myself an eclipse setup.

prices range from about $729 up to $1999 from memory. for $1000 you will get the CD5441 which is a very high quality SQ deck.

eclipse website

its hard to beleive that your clarion deck has hiss they have a 'Zero-Bit Mute' built in to silence the source if playing zero-bits (ie nothing). that, plus they are generally quality source units, ive owned two, and there was no hiss, though they used the 24-bit DAC's which are different to yours.

so i'd evaluate if its your CD's, or amplifiers, before you upgrade

The CDA-7894 over here in Canada has (all of them my buddy has had at his store) a small hiss/noise at low volumes which disappears as the volume is turned up...we called Alpine and they said "Never heard of it.." We then searched a few other forums and low and behold they reported noise as well...go figure..There was a thread on it at www.highwaymp3.com in the message board under CDA-7894

The CDA-7878 on the other hand is still considered by many to be the best MP3 player ever built partly b/c as it utilizes the F-#1 transport from the exotic CDA-7990...some people have disconnected the internal amp on the 7878 and have found that it produced increased gain on their preouts and overall better SQ. Try changing tracks on a 7878 w/ an MP3 in the deck...the track/folder changes are instantanious whereas any other MP3 capable Alpine HU takes a few seconds...the other significant feature of the 7878 is DHE...just listen to a 7894 and 7878 side-by-side and you will realize what a marvel the 7878 is!

what alpine processing shiny?

How do the parts make better SQ?
how audible would the difference be?

the 2 notable systems i've auditioned with eclipse HUs are marc rushton's and RM audio's. both use the topline CD8061. definitely an excellent sound to their setups, albeit comprised of top quality gear allround. however, marc always comments that he finds the eclipse the pick of the plethora of HUs he's used...and still currently uses.

eclipse has a great reputation too, including in SQ comp circles in the US. very well regarded.

so if you want pure SQ, without the thrills of processing, definitely worth considering. and if the install of your speakers is done properly, processing like TA is not necessary.

thanks for the link! i don't see much difference between the base model and the top of the range except for balanced line outputs

Does that mean even then base model is up to scratch for SQ ?

where does Nakamichi fit in here SQ-wise?

yeah, the entry level eclipse looks to be far from entry level for build quality and SQ. should be nice.

but a lot of the SQ features are hidden away, say in the 8051/8061. things like better power supply, copper plated chassis, presumably better circuit layout, etc. but no doubt the technology has filtered down to the more basic models.

nak also have a great SQ reputation. their minimalist cosmetics appeals to many. their sound is nice and full, more-so than the super clean and somewhat sterile alpine sound (IMO). the CD45Z was popular for its value and top SQ. their upper models are pretty expensive, if not up there amongst the best. nak HUs came in either green or amber backlit models, which is not selectable but set 'from the factory', so you'd want to find the colour display you need (probably changeable via a service department). early models did have some reliability probs, but i believe that was sorted with later release ones.

hope this helps.

Big Fella (guy started this thread) and I went into our local Alpine dealer (Car Accessory Installs) this arvo after work and he is still choosing between 2 particular HU's being 7878R and the 7969R.
hard decision as they are pretty similar and the prices he has been offered them for are pretty good too. Still making his mind up and waiting for finances to settle.

after owning a 7892 and looking at the 7969 there is some difference to be had, in an SQ point of view a fair bit. for your average hack and if you interested in SPL i wouldn't bother. but we is trying to setup a SQ car(s) here.
which is why after my sales of current gear go through and i have some spare cash i will be going for either a 7998 or a 7969.
more than likely though i will have to find one second hand as the 7969 is rarely seen.
anyone got either of these that they want to sell?

Both the 7878 and 7969 have DHE which I find only really helps with MP3's to restore information lost due to MP3 compression, so I don't see it being as great a benefit to the 7969 as to the 7878...

If you decide to build a system with the upgrade option of going to a optical digital processor like the PXA-H700 or Orion DEQ then the 7969 is the one to consider as it features the optical out.

7878 on the other hand has no optical out, but features the best CD-transport in the business (Yes it is the same one used on the 7990)...rock solid performance especially when compared to any other MP3 capable head on the market.

The 7878 is possibly upgraded to a tuner by going inside and manually turning off the internal amp...also I am in the process of finding out if an optical output can be added, that would make the 7878 a keeper.

Hope this helps..

Thanks Guys, I'm upgrading the grounding and getting helix series Stinger RCA's but will still go for the new unit. Leaning toward the 7878, mostly because I'm not going as far as fiber optic cabling and the price I got for the 7878 was pretty good. Still thinking though. Any more opinions on the 7969?

if youve got hisses, chances are its in the install and even when you get a new headunit, it will still hiss

I own the eclipse CD5441 and its a damm sweet HU, I actually had owned all alpine HU'd before buying the eclipse. Yes the alpine HU's look more flashy well thats debatable, but from everyone that has had experience with the eclipse range of HU's from the base model up has loved them. The CD5441 give great options at a good price.

Have an audition of the eclipse stuff, you wont regret it.

Hehe yeh uhh right... I remember the days of Big Fella wanting Eclipse HU!!!
trouble is we haven't got a dealer down here,
and as good as the features are on it (i would say better than alpine quality wise) they are just plug ugly.

You should be able to turn the internal amp off. the HU i am looking at can (CDA-7897!!!)
The procedure is as follows: Setup button for 3 secs/ >>Up or <<Down button to select 'P-IC'/ Press Band to toggle between On or Off.

Anyone got a good reason why i shouldn't get this HU. It is basically the 7998 without I personalise, Biolite display, but it has an internal amp. and i can get it for a pretty good price

Haha, dude, I'm looking at the same unit, pretty nice, it's a US model though, dont know if its available in aus stores yet...

yeah, how can you get this HU? it's not an australian release.

must be an import.

and the 7878 does not feature the defeatable inbuilt amps to my knowledge.

I don't knwo for sure but it will probably be released here this year??? supposed to be bloody expensive though.
Yeh i am getting it import

Might also be getting an MRP-M350 amp too as a package, just gotta sort out my finances, cos the guy who was supposed to be buying my Stacker said he would take it once i took it out of my car and got a quote on postage. I did that nw he aint interested at that price.

Anyone interested in it?? Willing to take $450 + postage which is around $25 insured

No the 7878 internal amps are not defeatable via the front control panel...but a good tech can go inside and do it for you...or have Alpine Australia's tech dept do it for you..

eclipse is the best grate for SQ ... that face of the matter is once you have one you wont go back to alpine !!!!!!! i have a eclipse and it's the best