I am currently getting a fully active setup installed as part of my new system

As it stands I have:


Alpine CDA-9835
Signal by Preout, control by aiNet to:
Processor, H701
split to Boston GT series amps to Dynaudio system 360s running fully active.

In the boot I have screens, a PS2 etc and also an Alpine CD Stacker with optical output, optical lead taking signal to processor, control via AiNet


In the Alpine catalogue I see they have released the DVA-9860E which is effectively a 'classic series' head unit with a DVD player built in, instead of a CD player, it also has optical out. I quite like the 'look' of the unit and I feel that optical will give me a better sound and lower noise floor than the current preout setup (which I havn't even heard).

The 9860 would be really handy as it will mean I can use it to play DVD's through the rear monitor at car shows etc and not dick around with the (sometimes) problematic PS2. It will also mean I can play mp3s from a DVD which will mean I can get huge storage capacity etc (not that this is a huge issue)

I have a spare CD Stacker at the moment and the 9835, I should be able to effectively sell these and buy a brand new, locally supplied 9860 without any cash adjustment.

Is this a worthy side grade? Obviously I no longer need the processing built into the 9835 as I have the processor, however I believe the 9835 internal componants are 'better'? or is this all marketing b*llcrap at the end of the day?

As I see it, the only main difference will be the fact i'm using optical output instead of preouts. Will this be a significant difference considering how high end my system allready is?

the previous years alpine headunits seem to be built more solidly than the current years...but the current years models still work fine. I believe that dvd player your referring to doesnt have an inbuilt amp..

also, let me know if you sell the 9835 or the cd stacker, i may be interested in both items.

Thanks for the quick reply, you also have a P.M
Url for sale is here Liq: Here

Inbuilt amps will not ever be used so are not needed, running everything by external amps.

That is one hot setup. DVD transport mechanism is konwn for better Jitter rejection. This alone would be very benefitial for your system. The better thing to do is buy high quality Optic in the same go. The standard alpine Optic is crap. but the HU are great. Alpine didn't make their own Optic so technically it is not alpine.

Very High quality optical leads are allready being used

Will get same optical lead for head unit also...

So seems like a good idea yes? The difference in quality of componants will be minimal but transport improvement will outweigh any negatives?

For anybody else interested there is quite a good explanation on the head unit Here

yes it is a good idea to go this route. Don't you think the HUlook a bit ugly. it look too cheap for the asking price. sure the SQ you gain from this HU will outweighted the ugly look.

i honestly doubt you'd hear the difference between analogue Ai-NET audio signal transfer and toslink digital fibre optic. having used both extensively in the past (incl higher quality alpine gear than you have) i haven't been convinced of the benefits. having said that, i do use digital connections and it makes sense that it is better; just not obviously audible!



hey golf: can you elaborate on what you consider a 'high quality' fibre optic cable/connection? i'm wondering if i should upgrade although i again doubt i'll hear a difference so may not be good value. but i'm open to suggestions, particularly if the cable is readily available (from aust or online from overseas).

Optical outs are simply a coaxial out that runs into a optical converter, through an optical lead, then back through another optical converter at the other end. In other words, two more stages of circuitry to do the same job. In home hi-fi circles it is well accepted that coaxial sounds better than optical, in a car, once the engine is runnning, unless you drive a Lexus LS-430, I don't think you'll be hearingmuch of a difference.