Ok...well for the past 5/6 years I've been running an ALPINE CTA-1505 commander unit with 12 disc changer. I am thinking that its time to upgrade and wouldn't mind giving up the changer or leaving the alpine family. Ideally I would like a nice Alpine unit...somewhat recent that will give me the ability to control the changer as well as give me an AUX in option.


I was also looking at some of the Eclipse gear but I'm not that familiar with their stuff to make a decision...any input is appreciated.

O

 

Eclipse is a excellent brand and any of there units will be very nice.

stay away from sony

 

I would not use anything else for a HU even if someone payed me
the 5444 and 8454 are the cleanest decks in their price range

 

And also some of my Best sellers.....Although my customers buy Eclipse in general 10-2 over the others available.

--Don

 

unless of course you like flying dolphins across your display

These decks are strait up performance....

 

I've used Alpine for many years and have been pleased with their headunits. I ran a CDA-7949 with a PXA-H600 for years (now in my closet), but decided I wanted to listen to XM, and the ability to play MP3's. I am currently using a CDA-7998, great headunit. Their newer units (higher end ones) as with mine have a built in 5 band parametrice eq, digital time delay, and built in crossovers. Take a look at the CDA-9835, & 9833 they both look like nice headunits and have the functions that I commented on. The 9835 has a very nice display, you can see it even in direct sunlight it. I have a KCA-801B auxillary adapter that allows me to use my cd changer, and also let the kids listen to their movies & games through the system. I just toggle a switch to mute the cd changer and let the auxillary sound in. They make a new version that does not need the toggle switch, it automatically senses if there is any sound from the auxillary connection.

As for Eclipse, they make some very nice headunits. One of the main reasons I have not installed one in my car is due to them not having a detachable face, not due to their function (as they are known for having some of the best headunits). Eclipse gives you a 1 year theft replacement warranty, and the headunit wont work without the key cd. For me though I would rather have the ability to take off the face. I will not trust the thief to know what ESN means (I sometimes go to Mexico, and a thief down there would jump all over the nice radio in my car), and then leaving me to deal with not only a stolen cd player, but also any other damage they did to get into my car and the damage to take the cd player out (as I know they will not take a lot of care of my interior).

In the end both of these companies are great choices (sound quality wise you can't go wrong), just look into which one offers the options that you want.

 

thanks for all the input folks...

 

So your comin down for an Eclipse HU now?

 

not sure which way I'm going yet Don, need to get this carputer thing sorted out first..