Alpine info
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...model=CDA-9856

Pioneer Premier info
http://www.abtelectronics.com/script...id=22174&tab=0

I had heard some bad reviews of 2006 Alpine CD players, but otherwise have heard very good things, especially about their CDA line.

I don't need a ton of features, just good overall sound quality. The Alpine runs around $230 but it looks like I can get the Premier for about $160. Any opinion on either? Does the Alpine have a better sound processor or something that would justify the price jump?

 

I'm running the Pioneer Premier DEH-680MP can be had around ~230. It's better than the 580 imo. 4 volt preouts and 7-band EQ versus the 2 volts and 3 band on the 580MP.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...tailsComponent

 

Yeah, I was looking at the 780MP with the 5V pre-out. How important is this to quality? (I'm a newbie) Will the difference between 2.2V and 4V be huge?

Does the BBE processor in either unit really help quality or is it a gimmick? It seems to be on the more expensive models only.

The Alpine 9856 only appears to have a 2V pre-out....

 

so from what I hear, if I want good sound I will need more than 2V preout. can anyone verify, or give me some more info on how important it is?

 

As we discussed, the 580 was all that I needed (and the 680 lacked the preset buttons on the face), but apparently, the 680 is where the quality of the Pioneers makes the step up. The 580 is the top of the "mid-bottom" Pioneer class, and the 680 is the bottom of the "mid-high" class.

I know how you like to spend cash, so the 680 may be more your speed, but the 580 does all that I need for it to do, and I really like the soundQ. I have not even finished the install, but the improvement in going to the 580 was night and day.

2V versus 4V depends all on how you set your amp gains. I have never had higher then 2.1V and I have NEVER had gain issues.

Also, the Alpine DOES have HD Radio capability, and the Pioneer does not. Not really an issue now, but it might be if HD catches on.

 

I have the Alpine and I got it for only 190. Where were you planning on getting it from for 230?

 

I can't really give you any technical details, because I don't know much about them, but I know that I like this stereo. I have the original Bose stereo setup in my max plus two 10's in the trunk and it sounds beautiful. This site has the stereo for a lot cheaper than you were thinking, in case you decide on the Alpine. http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Alpin...er,__16603569/

 

the signal will be a bit cleaner with the higher voltage. you won't have to match the gains as high on your amps, lowering total distortion.

 

Gordo, when you gonna step up to a 880prs?

 

I'm seriously considering this Pioneer HU...http://www.abtelectronics.com/product/23492.html

5V pre-out, 24-bit Burr Brown converter and BBE digital

 

IIRC the 780 is still a 1bit. Aside from the P9 only the 880 provides a BB 24bit.

Also support your locals and buy one with a warranty...

 

i'm not getting anything else for awhile. tuition pwnz me.

 

According to Pioneer, Abt is somehow authorized to sell that unit. There is/was a link to Abt right off of the Pioneer website (not one from Abt TO Pioneer- from Pioneer TO Abt). I was suprised to find that.

 

From Pioneer's website for the 780:
1-bit D/A Converter: 24-bit Burr Brown

 

Pioneer, Not Premier.

 

As I said IIRC...I believe there was typo there and the only only one was the 880, P9 aside.

 

I just got this unit today from crutchfield. I am going to install it tommorow. I will provide pics/review.

 

Some units say both 1bit DAC with 24bit resolution. I have read that they are 1bit DAC's that then "up-convert" the signal to 24bit word. They are less expensive than a "true" 24bit DAC. My DEH-P8600MP was like this. I had actually emailed Pioneer regarding this....

 

Did you get it installed yet?

 

After reading this, I contacted Pioneer about this discrepency. They responded that because they made no limitation as to WHAT Pioneer gear ABT was authorized to sell, they are honoring the full 2-year warranty for the gear, in the rare instances when people actually bring it to their attention.

So while you are correct, I found a loophole.

Just to be clear, though- had I not, I was planning to buy an Eclipse deck from you. The more I play with the Pioneer, the less ecstatic I am about it, but for the price that I paid, it was a good value. I think that the SQ and output from it are not any better than (and may even be a step DOWN from) my '98 DEH-P835R and my DEH-P77R that I had in past vehicles. This may be my choice of amp, but we will see more once I get it all tuned.

It seems that there is a notable lack of bass. Despite the small cabin and the 200W RMS rating with the amp bridged, it seems that that SVC ID 10 is not putting out much sound unless the "loudness" setting is enabled and the sub level control is at +3 or +4.

 

Let me know if you get that issue resolved....

 

I think that is is a gain issue, but I won't really know until I get my amp DOWN off of the mounting board. The heads of the mounting screws stripped and I cannot get to the gains w/o removing the whole board. I plan to try to do it this weekend, but time is short and I have a ton of "little" car projects to do (install components, remove rear deck/subwoofer and mount amp, deaden car, INSTALL MY NISMO SUSPENSION THAT I HAVE HAD FOR # MONTHS), and a minor honey-do project in the baby's room.

Maybe I can reach the gain adjustment with a screwdriver bit and a pair of pliers...

 

Ok, because the DEHP880PRS also says it has a 1-bit D/A Converter 24-bit Burr Brown.

I called Pioneer and they did say there was a typo, but also said the 780, 880 and 980 all have the Burr Brown. I don't know what to think anymore...

 

I believe someone on another forum ECA or DIY maybe checked into it and found only the 880 having it. Although remember the 880 is a PRS, the rest are not..

 

880 prs.... I def want it if I go active with the next setup

 

You wouldn't have a link handy, would you?

 

no sir I do not.