I'm looking at headunits between $200-300. My biggest priority is SQ. I found a few I like but can't decide and I have some ?'s.
1) Eclipse CD5000
2) Eclipse CD3100
3) Alpine CDA-9855
4) Alpine CDA-9885

The cd5000 is older than the cd3100 but looks like it has better features. If I were deciding between these two at the same price is the 5000 the better deal?

Which Alpine would you suggest? Are either of these as good as the Eclipse models?

I need a headunit to finish off my system so any opinions greatly appreciated.

System so far
-DLS UP6 components up front powered by JL 300/2
-12w6v2 in a ported enclosure powered by Alpine MRD-M500

 

Eclipse makes very good units, then again Alpine has an incredible interface which is very user friendly main thing is check the preouts I know Alpine likes to skimp on those.

 

50000000000000000

 

YES YES YES!!!!!^^^^^^^^^^and i think there may be someone on here who can help you out with the purchase of one too!...cough....don.....cough

 

I'd go with Nakamichi over Eclipse

 

Well, I'm planning on having Don do some installing for me I guess it makes sense to ask him about the 5000 too.

 

Sure, but that's not an option, and you're not going to get one for $200-300.

 

............

 

After having one...I will say the 9855. They are awsome for that price range.

 

I do not like the Glidetough strip instead of the buttons on the 9855, but it does have some good processing capabilities built in.

If you need time alignement in your system, the 9855 would appear the way to go. If it's not very important in your system then the CD5000 would a good choice (it does have TA, but a very simplified version that only has presets).

 

Umm, yeah you can, the Nak CD300 is in that ballpark.

 

The high end of that ballpark. But it still wasn't an option of his.