help me out guys. i know the eclipse is probably going to win, but i can get the Alpine at an unbeatable price, with factory waruntee. I have no idea where im going to get the Eclipse... so thats about the only twist, so should i go with the Alpine or fork out quite a bit more for the Eclipse??? These are the two i want.


General
Chassis Size Code IEJ
RMS Power Output 18 watts
Peak Output 50 watts
RMS Power Bandwidth 20-20kHz
Preamp Voltage 2.0 volts
Video Control No
Preamp Outputs 3 pair
Sub Preamp Outputs Yes
AUX Input Optional
Display Color Multi-color
Key Button Color Blue/Green
EQ Bands 5
Sound Shaping Type Bass Engine Pro
Wireless Remote Yes
Wired Remote Optional
Changer Control Yes
Security Detachable face

Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year
Tuner
Tuner Type MaxTune SQ
FM Sensitivity 9.3 dBf
FM Presets 12
AM Presets 6
European Tuning Yes
Seek/Scan Seek
Radio Data System No
Satellite Radio Ready Both
Navigation ---
CD
CD Frequency Response 5-20kHz
CD Signal-to-Noise 105 dB
Anti-shock Memory None
CD-R Playback Yes
CD-RW Playback Yes
MP3 Playback Yes
WMA Playback Yes
DVD Playback No

vs.



CD, CD-R/RW, WMA and MP3 compatibility
Circle Surround II (advanced mode on)
E-iSERV connectivity
Area Shot (basic map, arrow and text)
GPS unit-ready
Motion Picture
Advanced 2-mode Sound Control DSP:
7-band Parametric EQ
Multi-Harmonizer
Time Alignment
Crossover
Listening Position Selector
Source Volume Control
Memory Stick-ready for recording/playback (ATRAC3)
All digital circuitry with advanced 24-bit D/A converter
High 8V preamp output with low 55 impedance
HD Radio-ready
SIRIUS Satellite Radio-ready
FM/AM tuner
MOSFET power amplification
8-step full dot VF display
5-pattern illumination
MS or CD ESN security
3 prs. pre outputs
Aux input
Remote control



I know the Alpine says only 2v preouts, but i think that might be 'before clipping'.. as some other Alpine units have said. Most Alpine's are 4v.

 

I'd go eclipse. Stronger preouts and more flexible on tuning, which is key. You gonna run active two way frontstage with it (and use the onboard x/0's, t/a, and eq), right?

 

probably, yes..

thanks for your input.

 

Don, aka Pearl96Max, is an authorized Eclipse dealer. I would certainley advocate shooting him a PM...his prices are AWESOME, way better than anything you'll see at another other dealer.

The last decent Alpine units were considered to be the 9833 & 9835...anything after that is pretty much total junk. I would have to agree.

Go with the Eclipse, you WON'T regret it.

 

If those were my choices I would go with Eclipse. I do not like the Glidetouch gimmick, or the low preout voltage. Having said that, the Alpine will give you a better time alingment feature than the CD8445. The Eclipse uses preset TA values, which I have found inadequate for my application. That is one of the reasons I went with the CD8455 over the CD8445. If you are interested in the CD8455 (one step above the CD8445), send me a PM, I am selling mine.

 

Eclipse can play them there mp3s, and is able to seemingly do more. I'd go with that over the Alpine.

 

thanks for the input fellas. i know Don sells eclipse, im not really sure whether he can ship eclipse products or not however.. and im not driving to NJ...

 

 

Go for the Eclipse. Although a newer one might be in your better interests...

 

...........

 

like which one Don?

im aware that eclipse probably just makes a better unit all around than Alpine for sq. my prediciment was the price. i can get that alpine brand new with waruntee for under 200, i doubt i can get that Eclipse for that.. does that make more sense?

 

If you are going authorized, that Alpine is going to be very hard to beat. Their newer units do not include the 5 band PEQ, the time alignment feature, or the built in x-over anymore. If those are things that you want, and can get by that strip thing, go for it.

 

+1

..........

 

thanks guys..

96black, what strip thing? .... it is authorized.

 

What Alpine calls the Glidetouch panel. The white silicone strip. I played with it on several ocassions and would much rather have real buttons. There is a reason why they are not using it after only one year....

 

Isnt the Eclipse cd8445 the old model?? I believe the new 2006 model is CD5000. Thats the one I am actually looking into right now. I love all the features, but it has one major drawback. No removeable faceplate. In this day and time, how can any manufacturer not include this important option.

 

How can other manufacturers not include theft coverage?

 

HU's with detachable faces get stolen as well...

 

Here's my $0.02. I own the 8445 (upgraded from the Alpine 9833) and here is my take after a few months...

1) the Eclipse is MUCH more powerful (and you WILL notice the difference)
2) sound quality on the Eclipse is better than my old Alpine HANDS DOWN
3) you can't beat the tuning options in this price range

Where the Eclipse falls short:

1) Remote range and functionality sucks. Alpine remotes are more user friendly.
2) I absolutely HATE the Eclipse's volume control. From the remote it takes 4EVER to lower/raise volume and the rotary **** has a very "loose" feel to it.
3) Eclipse does not auto close the face when a CD is inserted (small gripe but I noticed)
4) It may be me...but I think the FM reception on the Eclipse is weaker than on my 9833 (I could be imagining this)

All in all..the Eclipse is top notch in terms of sound quality and tuning options BUT from a function/form/user perspective my 9833 was better.

That being said...there are countless threads out there bemoaning Glidetouch ...so BEWARE!

P.S. I voted for the Eclipse

 

the glidetouch problem was fixed with this model, according to the Alping rep i've talked with. The older model alpine with the glide touch had issues..

thanks for your input. i think ill go with the eclipse.

 

Eclipse all the way muta****ers... O ya baby...

I love my Eclipse, Never had a problem with it for 2 years.