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I've started the search for a new head unit. I''ve narrowed it down to Alpine, Eclipse, or maybe a JVC with the HD radio built in. I don't need a jillion watt competition system, just something that sounds better than the Blose. I already have a JL 8" sub with 140 watt Alpine amp on it. I plan on purchasing some components for the doors. Any recommendations on a good, solid, not crazy expensive HU? I know this is vague, but any tips would be appreciated.
I put my money on Eclipse something along the 3000 line is nice, if you want ipod integration Alpine is the way to go for that. The eclipse is a very sq oriented deck and is actually very underrated, the internal amp is quite powerful
go alpine or eclipse... and get another amp for the front stage.
I would suggest ditching the bose entirely.
have you read the C5 Audio FAQ?
Yep. Been through it a bunch. I was just asking opinions on those three decks. The Bose will go bye-bye soon. I already have an amp for the fronts, but may get a new one to up the power a bit. The Alpine amp I bought works pretty well.
I like my Alpine CDA-9857. The Ipod integration is awesome. I'm not sure your plans, but I'm not using it to power my speakers. I have a seperate amp for the components in my doors.
I agree with the Eclipse and Alpine recommendations. I haven't owned Eclipse but they have an excellent reputation - I have owned a number of Alpines over the years and have a 9853 in my C3 now and definitely recommend them. I was playing around with a few NAV units last weekend at Tweeter (was there with a friend, I'm too cheap to pay list @ brick & mortar!) and you can definitely feel the build quality differences between units like Eclipse and Alpine vs JVC or Clarion.
Generally speaking, Alpine will be less expensive than Eclipse for a given feature set.
LOL...including JVC in that group is like including a GEO with FARRARI and LAMBO !
I've had both Eclipse and Alpine. Eclipse will win hands down in sound quality, but Alpine just seemed easier to work while driving down the road. BTW- unless you have a very high end compitition sound system, you WILL NOT hear the difference! Its more for bragging rights on data paper.
LOL...including JVC in that group is like including a GEO with FARRARI and LAMBO !
I've had both Eclipse and Alpine. Eclipse will win hands down in sound quality, but Alpine just seemed easier to work while driving down the road. BTW- unless you have a very high end compitition sound system, you WILL NOT hear the difference! Its more for bragging rights on data paper.
I liked the streamlined eclipses. now they seem to be going down the road of all the other major manufactureres and putting a lot of flash into the h/u. The old ones just always did it for me. Now it seems like you have to go with nakimichi do get a 'meat and potatos' h/u
LOL...including JVC in that group is like including a GEO with FARRARI and LAMBO !
I've had both Eclipse and Alpine. Eclipse will win hands down in sound quality, but Alpine just seemed easier to work while driving down the road. BTW- unless you have a very high end compitition sound system, you WILL NOT hear the difference! Its more for bragging rights on data paper.
Yeah, the only reason I included it was because they have an HD radio built in, versus having to get a serparate unit. I've heard the HD is good sound quailtiy, but I'm not gonna pay extra for it. I've always liked the Alpine head units. This system will definitely not be in any competition. I just want a solid head unit that's easy to use, and won't crap out after a month or so.
Yeah, the only reason I included it was because they have an HD radio built in, versus having to get a serparate unit. I've heard the HD is good sound quailtiy, but I'm not gonna pay extra for it. I've always liked the Alpine head units. This system will definitely not be in any competition. I just want a solid head unit that's easy to use, and won't crap out after a month or so.
I went with the Alpine 9857 also. You cannot beat the quality and IPOD
integration.