I posted this in the Audio section but I'm not getting much of a response, please tell me what you think!

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=514258

 

Get the pioneer...

 

I'm sorta biased towards Pioneer (since I work for a Pioneer dealer), but if I had the choice between the Alpine CDE-9843 and the Pioneer DEH-P4500MP, I'd have to opt for the Pioneer.

Since you've indicated that you're only using the head-unit (heretofore referred as HU) to power the speakers, and NOT the sub, you may want to be aware that you're not gonna have ANY sub control with this HU. That just means that - in regards to your amp - you'll be doing a set-it-and-forget-it move with the amp. And any further tweaking with gains or frequency settings will need to be done AT the amp.

And with what you're planning on doing with this setup, having one or two pre-outs won't really matter. They would only be a factor if you're planning on running another amp for your front/rear stage. And even then, I'd recommend getting rid of both of these HU's and getting one that has a better pre-out voltage.

So, while the Alpine probably is in better condition cosmetically, the Pioneer seems to be better suited for what you want to use it for.

 

If I hook up the sub using the rear preout, shouldn't I be able to control the speakers with the normal volume and the sub separately with some other control (within the HU)?

 

Personally, I don't care for either brand. Pioneer seems relatively inferior but has some nice features and moderate reliability. Alpine is not worth the wrapping they put it in. I used to be a big fan of Alpine until I had two units (one was top of the line: $700) go out due to bad grounds/internal connections on the boards after only a couple years use. The local stereo shop even dropped Alpine soon after this due to other quality issues he had and Alpine's failure to make these issues right by his shop or customers. On a positive note, my experience with Alpine is that when you have 3 pre-outs, they tend to have a bass line control function you can increase/decrease when setting Bass/Treble; L/R; or F/Rear. Not specifically sure on this model.

I've had consistent great results and reliability from Clarion. Although I know it's not an option you've listed. I also agree that you would do well to get a unit with good pre-out voltage (4v is good). There are units with higher output but it would be overkill unless you are pursueing competition with your system.

 

Seriously listen to Nubiannupe...he know his shiz.

I would absolutely try to hold out (umm...save money) for a HU with dedicated subwoofer controls (3 sets of preouts) if you are planning on running a sub. That makes everything easier from a lot of different perspectives.

Also, down the road, you might want to upgrade and amp your front speakers. It makes a HUGE difference in sound. If you have decent front speakers and power them with a decent amp, it is way better than any deck power. Most HUs are not that strong and not using the HU power keeps them cooler. My Alpine allows me to shut off the HU power completely.

Just browsing Crutchfield and they have an Alpine CDE-9881 for $179 with 3 sets of preouts and a Pioneer DEH-P4900iB for the same price that also has 3 sets, with a few more features than the Alpine. They don't list the voltage on those, but my older Alpine has 3 sets that are 4v each.

 

Chris, Are you sure your HU shut off amp power? My old (crap) Alpine utilized the amp in order to produce the 4v pre-out via a converter. My understanding is that this option on HU's (amp on/off) cut power to high output on/off, subsequently changing pre-out voltage from 4v (amp/high output off) to lower ?v (amp/high output on). Not sure, so I do step back a bit ont his one. Really more of a question.

 

Yeah, I don't have the $$ right now for a new HU or amp for the front speakers. My next bit of money will hopefully go towards some speaker pods and 6.5's for the front to replace the stock bose.

 

pioneers have the best equalizers!

 

I'm gonna have to disagree with you on pioneer reliability,i personally have had pretty much nothing but pioneer hu's in my vehicles for 15 years now..They all have many lasted years without any problems...

The pioneer unit in my wifes maxima i bought in 1999 for my old supra,it still works/sounds great,it was in my ve until last year when i upgraded to the DEH-P6700MP HU...Only because it would not play burned cd's...

 

I haven't had a pioneer in a while, but I've used several alpines that were older than dirt. the alpines sounded great

 

Most head units when your using the pre-amp outs can turn off their internal amp to keep the headunit cooler, adding longevity to the HU as well as some slight gains in sound quality.

 

That's what mine claims to do. It was in the owner's manual, but that's buried in the garage somewhere. I bought it about 3 years ago.

 

I have always used Pioneer so i would go with them.

 

If selling them both and buying one with a sub preout is not an option, I'd go with the Pioneer in this case.

Or the Alpine, it's really not going to make a huge difference. Use whatever one you like more or try them both and see if one sounds better. I would use whatever one has the easiest access to the features you use the most often.

 

Well, if you're in the market for some "lightly used" stuff, I'm gonna be posting my "spring-cleaning-everything-must-go" audio stuff shortly...

 

I hope there is nothing on that list that will make me regret buying a pair of Focal V1's last Thursday

 

The Premier DEH-P680MP was recommended to me, and Im very happy with it. The controls took a bit of getting use to, but otherwise its great. It's up there with the top HU's for a fraction of the cost.

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=15720