Thoughts on Eclipse 8445 Head Unit?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Maumelle Arkansas
Thoughts on Eclipse 8445 Head Unit?
Like the title says. Looking for a head unit for my system. I can get this one brand new for $500 from the audio shop. Thoughts?
edit: here's a link to it: http://www.cardomain.com/item/ECLCD5000
edit: here's a link to it: http://www.cardomain.com/item/ECLCD5000
Last edited by 1-BAD-VETTE; Apr 20, 2006 at 06:52 PM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 2
From: Decatur IL
I am a bit confused...your title says you are interested in the Eclipse 8445 but the link takes you to an Eclipse CD5000.
I am interested in the 8445 as a possibility for my new system in the car. It doesn't look like the 8445 is in the current line up for Eclipse...guessing it's last year's model.
Hopefully this post will TTT and we can both get some reviews of the 8445 from other forum members.
I am interested in the 8445 as a possibility for my new system in the car. It doesn't look like the 8445 is in the current line up for Eclipse...guessing it's last year's model.
Hopefully this post will TTT and we can both get some reviews of the 8445 from other forum members.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 793
Likes: 2
From: Milwaukee & Long Beach WI & CA
The eclipse 8445 is a 2005 model while the CD5000 is the model that replaces it for 2006. I have an eclipse 8455, the next model up in the 2005 line up, which I'm in the process of installing. The eclipse head units have a reputation of being high sound quality units, that is their DACs provide a strong, clean signal, and offering lots of sound processing features like time alignment and parametric EQs. I have yet to hear mine in action so I can't really comment.
$500 for the 8445 is not a good price in my opinion. I got my 8455 for $400 from an authorized eclipse dealer, with the full warranty. Since it's last years model you should be getting close out pricing if you are talking about the 8445. This site advertises the 8445 for $300, although they aren't an authorized dealer: http://www.techronics.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=3576
The dealer that sold me my 8455 said that nothing really changed between the 8445 and the CD5000. If you look at the specs they are the same for the two units. (You can download product info at the eclipse site.) If you could find an 8445 at a good price I'd take that over the CD5000. Lot's of people on the audio forums are talking about the new Pioneer DEH-P880PRS, which has a ton of sound processing features and can be had for under $400.
$500 for the 8445 is not a good price in my opinion. I got my 8455 for $400 from an authorized eclipse dealer, with the full warranty. Since it's last years model you should be getting close out pricing if you are talking about the 8445. This site advertises the 8445 for $300, although they aren't an authorized dealer: http://www.techronics.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=3576
The dealer that sold me my 8455 said that nothing really changed between the 8445 and the CD5000. If you look at the specs they are the same for the two units. (You can download product info at the eclipse site.) If you could find an 8445 at a good price I'd take that over the CD5000. Lot's of people on the audio forums are talking about the new Pioneer DEH-P880PRS, which has a ton of sound processing features and can be had for under $400.
Last edited by mathia; Apr 21, 2006 at 05:13 AM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 2
From: Decatur IL
That is some good information about how the two models compare.
1-Bad_Vette, I agree with Mathia about the pricing. I found the 8445 for $309.99 at www.sonicelectronix.com. When I went searching for the CD5000, a quick search yielded a price of $549.99. But I also realize that the audio shop you are working with may not be able to get last year's 8445 model.
1-Bad_Vette, I agree with Mathia about the pricing. I found the 8445 for $309.99 at www.sonicelectronix.com. When I went searching for the CD5000, a quick search yielded a price of $549.99. But I also realize that the audio shop you are working with may not be able to get last year's 8445 model.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Maumelle Arkansas
it is the 8445 model. I got to looking and the CD5000 looked exactly like the 8445 so I thought that "8445 might have been their stock number or something. But yes, it is the 8445. I've never seen some people try and rip people off like these guys. Also, here was the set-up planned:
Eclipse 8445 Deck = $500
Diamond Audio D661i front speakers = $265
Diamond Audio D351i rear speakers = $120
Diamond Audio D3600.1 Amp (sub) = $350
Diamond Audio D3400.4 Amp (speakers) = $320
Amp kit/distribution blocks = $140
Diamond Audio D610D4 Sub = $250
Parts = $35
He said expect labor around 500-600 depending on what they had to do. THe total before labor was $2,127.37.
Would you say i'm getting ripped...again?
Eclipse 8445 Deck = $500
Diamond Audio D661i front speakers = $265
Diamond Audio D351i rear speakers = $120
Diamond Audio D3600.1 Amp (sub) = $350
Diamond Audio D3400.4 Amp (speakers) = $320
Amp kit/distribution blocks = $140
Diamond Audio D610D4 Sub = $250
Parts = $35
He said expect labor around 500-600 depending on what they had to do. THe total before labor was $2,127.37.
Would you say i'm getting ripped...again?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 2
From: Decatur IL
I can't comment on the speakers/amp because I haven't checked pricing on those. I'll try to do some research later. But I'd say the headunit is over-priced...especially since we have two people that found it for right near $300.
Are there some other shops you might be able to work with? It's tough (at least around here) finding good shops that charge a fair price. I realize paying for stuff to be installed will always cost some money, but they don't have to jack up the product prices too.
Keep posting as you make your decisions. I know I've been following your posts as you design your system. I'm getting ready to start buying stuff for mine. I'm picking up my first Vette tomorrow!
Are there some other shops you might be able to work with? It's tough (at least around here) finding good shops that charge a fair price. I realize paying for stuff to be installed will always cost some money, but they don't have to jack up the product prices too.
Keep posting as you make your decisions. I know I've been following your posts as you design your system. I'm getting ready to start buying stuff for mine. I'm picking up my first Vette tomorrow!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 2
From: Decatur IL
1-Bad-Vette,
As a FYI, I'm considering the following for my system. Bear with me on the prices as I don't have them with me (going off memory...)
Headunit - Eclipse 8445 = $310 (or using a Kenwood eXcelon I already have)
Front speakers - CDT CL-641 = $499 (three way, 6.5/4/1)
Rear speakers - none
Sub - Image Dynamics IDQ 12d2 = $150 (wired in series, 4 ohm load)
Amps - Elemental Designs nine.2x (fronts) and nine.2 (sub) = $408
- Also looking at using Phoenix Gold, Memphis Belle, or JL Audio "e" series
Misc.
Headunit and speaker mounts by Vrum Vrum = $120
Sub box - making my own or go subthump = $200 or less
Wiring, splitters, RCA's - got it all from a member on a diesel forum = $35
I'm going to install everything myself. So, total price for the stuff... about $1700 (or less if I make my own sub box and/or use my own HU).
As a FYI, I'm considering the following for my system. Bear with me on the prices as I don't have them with me (going off memory...)
Headunit - Eclipse 8445 = $310 (or using a Kenwood eXcelon I already have)
Front speakers - CDT CL-641 = $499 (three way, 6.5/4/1)
Rear speakers - none
Sub - Image Dynamics IDQ 12d2 = $150 (wired in series, 4 ohm load)
Amps - Elemental Designs nine.2x (fronts) and nine.2 (sub) = $408
- Also looking at using Phoenix Gold, Memphis Belle, or JL Audio "e" series
Misc.
Headunit and speaker mounts by Vrum Vrum = $120
Sub box - making my own or go subthump = $200 or less
Wiring, splitters, RCA's - got it all from a member on a diesel forum = $35
I'm going to install everything myself. So, total price for the stuff... about $1700 (or less if I make my own sub box and/or use my own HU).
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Maumelle Arkansas
Alright guys, i did a little bit of searching on the prices of these parts, this is what i came up with:
Eclipse 8445 = $310 (quoated at $500)
Diamond 3600.1 amp = $230 (quoted at $350)
Diamond 3400.4 amp = $200 (quoted at $320)
diamond 661i components = $150 (quoted at $265)
all the other prices are alright.
Now tell me, why would they do that to the prices?
Eclipse 8445 = $310 (quoated at $500)
Diamond 3600.1 amp = $230 (quoted at $350)
Diamond 3400.4 amp = $200 (quoted at $320)
diamond 661i components = $150 (quoted at $265)
all the other prices are alright.
Now tell me, why would they do that to the prices?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,394
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
To take advantage of the people that do not do any research, wake up on Sat morning and decide they want a system installed in their car. They wander down to the local stereo shop and get screwed. Either negotiate prices with them considering you are paying for them to install it as is with the information that you now have, drive over to their nearest competitor in town armed with their "quote" and see how much they will beat it by, OR just drive over to the nearest major metropolis and see how much better you can do. Gotta be some people that are local to you that could recommend some shops that they have had work done at.
G'luck bro
Fej
G'luck bro
Fej
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Maumelle Arkansas
yeah i did that today. I went back armed with the website quotes and their excuse was "well when we bought it, it was $450, and we have to get rid of it before the 06 line comes in, and we have to make money on it, so we can't give it to you for any cheaper than $455" I was like "alright, i'm outty" and left. So I went to another shop, and they came up with some focal components, crossfire amp and sub, alpine amp for the speakers, and the top-of-the-line kenwood deck installed for 2100. The 1st place said the install would take 2 days, the 2nd place said they'd have it done in 2-3 hours, and that I could wait on it if I wanted. i think someone just wanted to take the vette out for a little spin... 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,394
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
Electronics do not work on that small a profit margin or that high a cost of goods. If anything they received FREE product to net down their original cost. Good idea to leave that place ... let them continue to pray on the uninformed.
Not familar with that brand of amps myself, can't help ya there.
Fej
Not familar with that brand of amps myself, can't help ya there.
Fej
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles Ca
i'm not familiar with crossfire products either, and i'm also not a fan of non-matching amps :-) Why aren't they going with all alpine amps? 2-3 hours seems really really fast.... just make sure that they aren't just rushing through things either. I'd go and check them out as they are installing someone elses components and see if you are at ease with how they work.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Maumelle Arkansas
Alright, i'll be sure to check them out. I thought it was fast to me too, and he explained it to me that they have an install team and they work one car at a time, whereas one person does the left side front and rear speaker, one does the right side, one does the amps, etc. etc. etc. and then they all tie together. He said there's never one person not working on the same car as the others. They've got quite a positive reputation here ( I never went to them becuase they tend to be expensive) He also said that I could change to the crossfire amp to match the other one, it just wouldn't be as efficient for the speakers as the alpine amp would, although I probably wouldn't notice (according to him) so i probably will end up switching to the other crossfire amp. I'm quite familiar with crossfire amps becuase when my dad had his stereo done, his was done in all crossfire, and my dad went through some of the vehicles they had at the shop with all crossfire and they sounded excellent!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,460
Likes: 16
From: hamilton alabama
i just bought a new 8445 off of ebay because i about gave up on finding a 8053 like fej has and recommended.and soon as i bought it a day later i came across a 8053 in a forum im trying to work out a deal on.if i can get the 8053 for my car and you still need or want a 8445 i can sell you mine for what i paid for it which is alot cheaper than $500 more like $280 shipped to your door!
