Okay guys it's almost time to replace my Bose HU. It's coming down to Eclipse vs Alpine

Eclipse CD5100 $549 vs Alpine 9887 $399
http://www.eclipse-web.com/products/archive-cd.html

Eclipse CD3200 (still researching 2008 product)
Eclipse CD1200 (still researching 2008 product)
http://www.eclipse-web.com/cd/index.html

I can get the Alpine at 3 different car audio chain stores. The shop that I believe has the most skilled installers http://www.highlinecaraudio.com/ only sells Eclipse.

So I am kind of torn, need some opinions and advice. Thanks!

 

Saw your message last night! I would stay away from the 5100, I hated my Eclipses. You could try it, but if I was you, I'd stick with what you know and like. The CD5100 at $550 is not worth it when its not even the top of the line deck, the 9887 is close to the top of the line for Alpine, and for brand new Alpines it IS so I would say stick with that.

 

What are your intents with the unit? Active? Need alot of processing? If not then the 3200 will work out just fine for you.

What appeals to you? Bluetooth? Solid overbuilt transport? Look into the CD7200. Hands down would take it in a heartbeat over the discontinued 9887 and definitely over the 9886.

 

if i had to choose between the two...............alpine.

 

Perhaps you could be just a tad bit more vague? If your going to post at least give some reasons why.

 

i like my CD5100 that i got from the mysterious "Don" that lurks around these parts...

 

 

What is this CD you speak of? All I know of is a AVN

 

 

I have always liked Alpine, had great luck with them in the past, on the other hand I've had Eclipse before as well and it was a sweet deck (until I forgot my code and locked myself out ) What in particular didn't you like about your Eclipse units. Also, even though the 9887 is close to the top of the line for Alpine and the CD5100 is not for Eclipse I have a feeling they are pretty close in quality if not in features. Was it quality issues with Eclipse?

Good points. My intents are actually pretty simply.

Bluetooth - Nah
Processing - Maybe, nothing wrong with a little processing if it doesn't cost too much. Alpine 9887 has built in processing.
USB - I really want to be able to plug in an MP3 (not necessarily IPOD) player.

Maybe the 3200 will work for me and save me some money but if it's not much less than the Alpine, not sure which I will choose. I'd probably go Alpine but I am really liking the work that Highline has shown me and feel comfortable with their expertise vs the chain shops, maybe that's a mistake.

I've got my MTX 5302 amp running my subs, it already has a built in crossover, I will have my 6channel running my Blaupunkt Velocity 6 3/4in separates. http://www.blaupunkt.com/us/7606200261_main.asp

My Sansui amp doesn't have a built in xover so my head unit will have to do the highpass.

I know it's old but it was built back in the day by PPI and sounds very good. I expect that once I bridge it out, it should have enough power to drive the Blaupunkts




So you have experience with the CD5100. Cool. What do you think of it? It looks to be mounted very low in you console, is there were it has to go or could you have mounted it where the pocket is and had the pocket be on the bottom?

 

If you pull out the factory deck (non Bose) in a 2007 Max, do you lose the trip computer display?

 

i'm pretty content with it. the only two gripes i have with it, is there's some slight popping sound from time to time when you're playing MP3s via the USB. it's not noticeable at higher volumes though. other than that, i think it's a pretty good unit. the other thing, is the noise floor. it's pretty loud when the volume is about 10 and under. but, i never have the volume this low anyways so it doesn't really bother me.

as for the mounting, it's really not that low. it's a comfortable level IMO. the pocket above it isn't removeable. so the mounting location will have to be below it. the metra dash kit is one huge piece. you will need to relocate the climate control and the cubby hole onto the metra unit.


you don't lose all of the display. the only thing that won't be shown anymore will be the radio information. the outside temperature, ac controls, etc will still work.