Hi there,
I am currently selling all my gear, but looking to set up a small SQ system in my partners car (just to satisfy my cravings). I was thinking of buying a nakamichi CD-400, but am wondering what else I can get in my budget and the pros and cons of each. My situation is as follows -
*want simple set-up, purely SQ, not looking to buy any equalisers or line-outs etc, all quality must come from HU itself
*will be using small mono amp powering 10inch sub
*will be using small 2channel amp for front stage (currently looking at some different 5.25 speakers)

My main question is however on the deck - I am looking to buy 2nd hand and willing to pay 300-500 for the deck - so what should I get?

how do you run an amp properly without line outs?

eclipse.

hands down.

LOL

Sorry bit of bad terminology there

what eclipse models would I be looking at to get in that price bracket 2nd hand...
my current unit is an alpine (the one I have for sale) which has pretty reasonable specs 4v pre-outs etc, is it worth my time... is eclipse that much better than naka (i just love the old school look of them ) or are you just biased

secondhand? too hard to say. you could buy a current model or one that's a few years old. something like an 8061/8051 from a few years ago is pure class.

i'm not sure on current prices.

i am not biased as i have been an alpine user for years. but i have heard enough eclipse systems to know that the SQ is superb even from their modest models. sure, i can surpass their overall quality by use of a processor (EQ, time correction, etc), but at huge cost.

definitely worth auditioning. i can fair and squarely say they sound better than alpine.

i'll second the eclipse motion.

Look on ebay USA for second hand 8053's.
there is some other models, I think 8454 maybe, 8443, check them first make sure they are the top model
with the Pro mode and the below features. You should be able to pick these up incl freight under $500 AUD

these have 8V Preouts,
internal Time Alignment,
internal X/Overs and Internal 10 Band P-EQ when you use pro mode.

for the system your trying to create, just front splits and a sub,
these decks will offer the most adjustability and sound quality for your dollar.

The trick is, the pro mode is a Fully active mode.

you get 3 preouts,
1 for Tweeters, 1 for Midbass and 1 for subs.

you will need a 4 channel amp for your front stage,
and a sub amp.

The X/overs are all adjustable on the deck, from 6/12/18/24 DB and basically any frequency you like to choose from.

Secondly, the time alignment is separate for your tweeters, midbass and Sub.
meaning you can mount your tweeters almost where you like, and fix any slight distancing issues with the time alignment,
which is nice if you want to dash mount the tweeters.

Thirdly, the 10 band EQ, is 5 bands PEQ for the tweeters, and 5 Band PEQ for the midbass.

so pretty much you can adjust everything from the deck. Even if you have average speakers, you can still make them sound great. And if you have expensive speakers, make them sound Awesome.

Juls

2nd the Eclipse 8443 I have one of these, absolutely brilliant HU, I got mine off another forum member who got it of another member who had it imported from the states. Has more adjustment then I was expecting sounds awesome, and the best bit it only cost me $350 and it has all the features of all the 2005 top line Eclipse and Alpine decks.

I spotted a HXD-1 in for sale section, it's an excellent head unit, simple and solid.

2nd that. HXD1 would be a great choice in that price range.

I've had Naka CD400, top notch sound quality but built quality: no good! it doesn't read some of my cds, also trouble with skipping

other option would be the eclipse 8061

I vote eclipse as well, my sisters install is far from an SQ install (Though it is pretty good, she spent more than the average uninformed person and she actually auditions and stuff) but she has the 2nd from the top eclipse head unit (2004 model I think). She got it at a midnight madness sale for half price. It is excellent but she hasn't a clue why.

where r u? if u in perth check out albert morley, they got special on eclipse 8445 rrp 800-900 i think, now only $500

While they still only use 1Bit DACs and whatnot, a year or two old Alpine with Bass Engine Pro would be well within that budget. You would arguably achieve better sound with the assistance of TA and PEQ than with a unit that has 24Bit DAC and higher sampling yet without. I'd also consider running the system active in this case to take full advantage of digital crossovers and independant TA as this yields major SQ benefits more than most other factors.