hey all,

i was asked what difference there was between the P9 processor and the alpine F#1 processor?

i couldn't really answer that question because i've only heard the F#1 processor (older, discontinued one). i assume the original question was related to the P9 silver series. the one ICACHA owns.

i figured if someone knew, they would frequent these forums. so, i want to know the difference in features AND the difference in sound

cheers

Just for interests sake the newer F1 Status is discontinued aswell now, I don't think they intend on replacing it, so there may be some on close out going cheap but once there all gone expect 2nd hand prices to go up.

lets say for arguments sake i could get one of the old ones brand new

I would get the Alpine. Simply because the F#1 Status is equivalent to Pioneer's ODR system, rather than the (somewhat) lacking P9 series.

Also, the P9 has 8 outputs compared to 11 on the Alpine

can send a copy of the user guide for the F#1 if you like (or you could find it and download)

The only difference in quality with the ODR is the DSP processing is done inside the amplifiers(when you buy them) same DAC chips though - Burr Brown Sign-Magnitude PCM1704 DAC.

as for the sound - they're both nice.

i have a manual for the F#1 thanks.

i think the question was purely driven from curiosity. i remember a post by george a while ago and he thought the sound between the P9 and the alpine to be similar, with the alpine have greater detail.

The F#1 has more flexibility than the P9/P90 for sure (one being purely stereo, the other all-shiny disk formats), and the older series (IMO the nicer stuff) was on par with the old ODR gear.

Aint nothing wrong with the P90/P9 though, and is definitely cheaper (esp. on the 2nd hand markets). I love my P90, and it will take a lot for me to give it up!!

The newer ODR gear (07' series) is incredible though. The external ODR processor (RS-P90) is by all reports the best processor available in any car, ever, in terms of quality. Gotta pay through the nose though.

At this level however, it comes down to personal preference. Some people like the sound of one over the other, some like the look. Either way, its dependent on what you wish to play with it, and personal preference. The newer Alpine has supposedly a noticeable bump in the top end to give it more ambiance (which a lot of fanboys were dissapointed with), and the Pioneer sounds a bit 'digital'. I guess it depends on whether you can tell the difference, and whether you care.

I use to own the P90RS (charcoal coloured one), F#1 far superior, P90RS easier to setup.

P90RS is more forgiving like that, whereas the F#1 is more intricate. If you can put the time into it (and your ears and wallet allow) the F#1 allows for more flexibility and is more precise than the Pioneer.

From a sound perspective the Alpine isn't lightyears ahead when you consider the premium over the Pioneer, but if you want the best you should not look at the price tags and just get the Alpine.

i haven't really played with the p9/p90/f1's on a technical tuning level.... but ive heard alot of the units, and i must say i like the F1 over the pioneer offerings, sounds alot smoother.... that and i hate the display on the p9's, the aqua looks terrible imo.... bring on the black and white oel's!!! also what ive seen of the menu's and set ups of the 2 units, the f1 is much more complex... the remote for the f1 we have in store (older model i believe) looks like 5 pda's joined together! :/

P90 is black and white.

We have a P9 here if anyone wants to come and have a play with it...

Where, where??