Hi Guys,

I'm looking to possibly compete in caasq comps (and of course, enjoy my music on a daily basis!), but am stuck on h/u choice.

The inner voice is telling me to go for the clarion hxd2, but budget, lack of a removeable face plate (don't want to be worried about it being stolen when out at dinner or movies, and insurance will laugh at me - 20 year old male, loss of lisence, etc) and lack of mp3 (majority of music is on original cd's though).

The other possibilities are:

Kenwood XXV-01D.
Alpine CDA-9855R.

and if stretch the budget a little

Alpine CDA-7998R

Any thoughts or advice?

EDIT: Would like a black h/u to match my interior (had a silver unit before and stuck out like a sore thumb) and something that doesn't look like a toy.

the kenwood is a killer unit - check the "reviews" forum for a good read.
i have just purchased the 7998r and love it, though be aware that it has no internal amp, so any speakers u have MUST be run from external amps

what other components do u already have, or are looking to get - getting such a high-end h/u may not be necessary
and its always a good idea to get complete insurance coverage for ur stereo gear, just in case...oooh and dont forget an alarm - they are now part of the judging sheet.

alot of competitors seem to be using the phantom, it also packs up nicely to look stock wen the car is off...

Looking at buying reasonably high end gear. As I said, looking at competing in sq comps and i've acquired the habit of being very fussy with how my music sounds (hence why I've sold all my gear).



Definately! But I'd like to be inconcspicous and avoid nasty premiums - especially if some idiot decides to smash a window and cause extensive damage! Everything will need to be stealth focused, so big chrome flashy things are definately out of the question.

Thanks for your help.

if i was to purchase just a HU, i would look only at eclipse and alpine (excl the HX-D2 in your case based purely on budget). and eclipse would be my first pick.

if adding a processor, then alpine is very hard to beat for value. their PXA-H701 processor is top value and very powerful in terms of output channels, time correction, EQ, and xovers. though ideally you will feed it a digital input, and the choice of alpine digital output HUs is very limited: 7998 or a DVD HU. although the analogue Ai-NET connection is still excellent, and the difference is really tiny.

until u have a H900 to play with, then u want digital.

*sigh*

Where does the Kenwood sit in comparison to the alpine and eclipse h/u's?

I noticed it has many desireable features, such as being able to turn off internal amps, gold rca terminals, 24bit da, etc... But it doesn't seem to rate a mention on these forums unless fudd's around?

yeah, ask fudd. he used one, but is currently using a 7998.

I think the 7998 is better sound.
I have one too now - not in yet, but been bench testing... nice!

How can extending the budget get you a 7998R? These are cheaper then the Alpine and Kenwood equivalents???

If you want a good SQ unit, try Eclipse first. Then look at the Alpine. The 7998 is hard to beat for the price, with all its functions, but some people just dont like the sound. Try it yourself.

Assumption is the mother of all screw ups. I assumed it would be more expensive without doing my h/w.

I saw a kenwood last night - it's not that flash in person and is a little "toy" like with it's flashy colour lights, etc. What I do like about this hu is the ability to turn the interal amp off, and the smooth mechanism of the front face, along with the 24bit Burr Brown D/A Converter and Gold Plated Preouts.

In regards to the eclipse, the one thing putting me off - and as superficial as it sounds, is the damn ugliness of the unit. Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?

Nobody given thought to the Alpine Alpine CDA-9855R?

The 7998R looks like a helluva unit, but how are they reliability wise? Those faces look like a bit of a problem when it comes to frequent use - and is warranty a big problem? Also - is running it WITHOUT a processor an overly huge problem?

EDIT: I appreciate the help so far.

I got a 7998r and have had one for around 2 years now, looks incredible, no problems what so ever.

Sound is amazing from this HU, much better then a high end Kenwood I had previously

Are you running it with a processor such as the PXA-H701? What are EQ adjustments like?

the 7998 and 9855 are essentially the same in terms of features. whilst i've not compared the 2 side-by-side, reports suggest the 7998 is superior; there must be some tweaks inside that aren't in the 9855 or older 9835/9815.

running without the processor is no big deal. same tuning features as 9855: bass engine pro (para EQ, time correction, xovers).

IF you envisage buying the processor, ENSURE you buy the 7998R if you get one, as this has the digital output. import US models (no 'R' in the model number) DO NOT have the digital output.

As far as the 9855 is considered,
for SQ forget it, it's not a SQ Head unit, it never will be.

I ran it one after the other with a Eclipse CD7000 and a 8053, and the difference was massive,
the alpine just sounds Busy, Dull and generally flat. That being said, if I was into SPL (and thats all) I would choose the Alpine 9855 cause the signal is noticeably warmer/boomier on the bass side than the eclipse equivalent.

To give you a visual idea how the 9855 sounded to me, the 9855 sounds like someone got a eraser and rubbed the instruments together.. while the eclipse sounds like each instrument is right there with you you can see and feel and touch almost.. where the alpine it's like they shoved 1 mic into the room and let everyone play..

Don't get me wrong, the 9855 does sound Good.. real good even.. but thats just it, it's just good by comparison. I'd say most people probably couldn't tell.

if I had to choose a alpine,
at a pinch a 7998R, but preferably the brand new 9861 (i think) DVD player WITH the PHX701 Processor.
However this goes outside your budget most likely but are fantastic options, would be as good or better than a eclipse head unit.

so the other option is the Eclipse CD7000,
or a AVX5000 and a DCU105 (again probably out of your budget)

Regards
Juls

Team Ghost who Walks

juls wot you experienced may be due to the whole 8v vs 4v pre out thing...

put a line driver on the alpine and then do a retest...

and for the record for anyone to say that a 9855 is not a sq head unit is just downright arrogant...

dont be so dramatic wen explaining things mate, thier excellent head units...

I havent got a processor on it

I'll be upgrading some stuff soon, so I'll have some further opinions on the EQ adjustments

The Time Correction is great though

Anyone know how much those alpine h/u's retail for?

I have a VAGUE idea from ringing one shop - but would like to know if maybe someone has a pricelist laying around for the alpine gear.

I know the Kenwood is sub $1,000.

I don't think the 8V Preout is going to make that much of a difference,
I've used both decks extensively,
and the Alpine 9855 just isn't that nice, the 7998R is alot nicer to listen to.
Consider you can pickup a 9855R for $750 from your local Car audio shop,
obviously money has been saved somewhere over there older top end head units.
for a start a 9855R does not have a 24bit DAC.

there is alot of people that will agree with me, and some that won't
mostly the people who have 9855's or similar won't agree.

you can easily do a A/B test and hear the difference between Eclipse CD7000 and 9855

if it was up to me, there should just be Alpine F1 and nothing else.. LOL

Juls

Totally agree!

I've been running a relatively basic Ai-NET deck (with optical out) and the system sounded very nice. I just recently added a PXA-H701, and it now sounds incredible! The capabilities of the processor are enourous, and almost negate the need for a high-end deck. Of course, I wouldn't recommend any crappy unit, but any Alpine Ai-NET deck teamed up with the PXA would produce very impressive results, with far more adjustability than almost any stand alone head unit could offer. The fine adjustments of a 31 band EQ are where systems are perfected, and points can be won. After my A-B comparison of my system with and without, I'm definately converted to the benefits of such a processor. I highly recommend it!!

9855r? 750?

I was quoted much more for the 7998R?

Waiting on those rrp's (help appreciated)

CDA-9855R - $799 RRP (2006 Price - they have been reduced since last year)
CDA-7998R - No Longer Available (This model has very recently been discontinued)
PXA-H701C - $1,099 RRP (Package with PXA processor AND RUX controller for it)


The CDA-7998R was originally $1,699 RRP.
Some dealers were able to offer these under $1K during the run out of the final Alpine Australia stocks. (Yes, they are all gone now - it would depend on individual dealers still having any in stock in their stores)

Thanks champ - that explains the price I was given.

Another question for the alpine gurus - will the 9855R run the PXA processor?

maybe I should look into a processor

You can use the CDA-9855R with the PXA-H701, but you will need the package with the RUX-C701 to control the processor. The head unit and the processor can connect via Ai-NET, but the deck will not control any of the processor's functions. You can actually use pretty much any head unit with the processor. It can connect audio via Ai-NET, optical digital, or standard RCAs.
The reason you can purchase the PXA-H701 without the controller is because the Alpine "Mobile Media Stations" (A/V units) can display and control the processor on their TFT/LCD screens. So, if you are using a traditional head unit, you will need the RUX.

There's no bloody winning

Space now becomes a problem. Only one place to put the h/u, so finding somewhere for the RUX unit will be a bitch!

I'm under the impression that the processor will not need to be used all the time though, and a pocket sitting in my glovebox can house this unit without problems.

The debate on the kenwood seems to have drifted into oblivion. I still don't think it's a bad unit from a features perspective...

Okay, so here's how the install of the processor goes...
The PXA is a hideaway box that can live anywhere, under a seat, or whatever.
The RUX is a head-unit sized FACE ONLY. If you can imagine just having a detachable face - thats what the RUX is.
You can put it in the dash and it looks like a normal DIN head unit, or if you dont have room, get tricky and creative - I've seen them trimmed into sun visors, centre consoles, gloveboxes, etc.
Don't worry, you'll be able to find it a home!

I reckon I can pull something off if I go custom

Thanks for all the help hollywood - it's been appreciated.

Also, the controller only needs to be used when you set up the processor, not all the time (if its connected to an Ai-Net deck). So you can even just 'plug-it-in' when tuning, and unplug it and store in your house (or whereever) when not tuning (aka, just driving around).

The Processor is usually used all the time, but doesnt need to be seen. Its a hide-away unit so you can put it anywhere. Smartest thing would be to install it as close to your Amps as possible, so that the RCA lengths are really small (mine are only 1-metre long) and dont pass over/past any power/signal cables.

The Don

If you're looking at getting an Apline headunit + processor package, you may as wll spill the beans and buy the HXD2.

I know not having a removeable face is a bit of a let down for you, but from my experience it shouldn't be an issue security wise. The deck doesn't look overly flash as to attract the eye, and you get the added benefit of one less thing to go wrong. Now i live in NZ not OZ, but have soley used headuntis with non removeable faceplates (both spl and sq cars) for 6 years straight and have never fallen victim to car theft.

No that don't sound ridiculous AT ALL.

I was asking about nice looking HUs a while ago and the Pioneer P80RS was suggested by Stone. After looking around I decided it was between that and the HX-D2. (Still haven't got any money together yet to make a decision either way)

The P80RS has 24 bit Bur Brown, remote, removable face, (I think) can go active etc all that jazz. Is about $900 so I think its in your price range. I haven't heard anything about its SQ or anything but I thought it was easy to use and it's a really nice looking unit.

cheers

thanks guys, put a deposit down on a h/u today

Top of the range Eclipse > top of the range Alpine HU in terms of pure SQ in my opinion.

Have listened to the 7998 directly alongside my Eclipse 8454, Eclipse stomps all over it for detail, imaging and resolution.

Okay spill the beans c'mon what did ya get?

Maybe you should take a look at Eclipse's latest offerings, and by look I mean exactly that - not listen...


He got teh Alpine 4TW.

Yah i put a deposit on a 7998r

Quick question for those owners of 7998r's... do you have any problem playing cd's with copyright protection on them?