Looking at the Pioneer 740mp and the Alpine 7894 for head units anybody have either one and what do you think.

Thanks

 

I like my pioneer better than the clarion I had...if that helps...

 

I have the P7200 and I like it. It has plenty of features. I only wish I has spent more and gone with the 8 or 9 series

 

very happy with my DEH-P7400MP
got it from ebay for $250ish

dont know anything about teh Alpine one though

 

Go with the Alpine

 

I heard many times now that Alpine and Eclipse make the best sounding headunits. Alpines are just laid out kind of ugly and the Eclipse decks are too plain. Pioneers look good though and don't sound bad either. I have a 9200 and it's great.

 

alpine gets my vote, and soon, they will get my cash. im getting the 7998 din+1/3. those are AWESOME!

eric

 

according to the new issue of auto sound and security the DEH-P7400MP has a 6 second cue up time between tracks, which really must suck, and it wont work with CDRW MP3 discs, something to seriously consider, i would take the Alpine on this choice, though i currently run a Pioneer Premier DEX-P98R right now, but i am upgrading to teh Alpine CDA 7998 when it releases

 

Well if your bringing Eclipse into it.....plain looking or not, its got my vote. SQ wise non of the above compare.

 

between alpine and pioneer, alpine is better.

 

Pioneer - slide-by quality on audio processor features/sound quality/performance of the deck as far as audio quality goes, but they go all out on the displays. The consumer-level premier line is a little better, but still just "decent" as far as audio performance goes. But if you like a flashy, glitzy display to show off to your friends (if you're the neon-sticks-in-the-car kinda guy), then pio's right up your alley.

If you're more concerned with the actual audio performance, alpine and eclipse are a better way to go. Alpine is usually a little more expensive than the standard pio/sony/clarion/etc decks, but worth the price. I have an Alpine 7863 myself, and LOVE it except for one minor annoyance (the HPF is active on all speakers and pre-outs...so if you set it for your speakers & have a sub, it will cap the speakers AND the sub...kinda defeats the purpose of having a HPF in the first place - then again, using deck filters isnt the best way to go anyway).


Smooth, sexy, sleek, and functional (tho the green buttons are a bit too colorful - alpine trademark though). No dolphins jumping into the side of morphing buildings all floating around in a vertigo sky here.

 

Alpine for Sound quality... Pioneer for gimicks and useless features.
If you have the money get a non-powered deck and run amps to all your channels. You won't regret it. Ohh, and don't forget to rewire all your speakers too.

 

Heh, yea...thats the true way to go, but it's usually not a good idea for entry-level or novice car audio listeners to attempt a setup like this. Unless they're ready and willing to do a lot of research, and have a lot of cash to blow. (Have to research speakers, amps, plan out a wiring scheme that may accomodate future additions like subs, really have to do all the work yourself or have a very trusted friend/shop installer do it/help, etc, etc)

 

This is what I run and I love it...but you can always get something better. My deck is FANTASTIC though! It is the one item I would not change anytime soon.

 

Yes, definitely Alpine for the most part. Pioneer decks can have a lot more features (if you need them) but fall short in SQ. Alpine is much more SQ oriented. However, if anyone remembers, Alpine used to be the best of the best many years ago. Now, they are built to be more affordable and targeted for younger buyers. Thus, build quality and performance has suffered. IMO, unless you are an audiophile, Alpines make a sound product.

The nice thing about Eclipse is that even the lower-end models have almost the same, if not the same, processor as the upper-end ones. SQ is far above Alpine IMO.

Tony

 

Eclipse does not make cd players that will read mp3 files though. At least I haven't found any. Looks like the Alpine is goine to win out. Now I need to decide between the 7894 and the 7995.

Thanks

 

Yes, I believe you are right.

Tony

 

I couldnt have said it better.

 

Between the 4 and the 5 Alpines, the biggest decision is whether you want your signal preamped or not...the 5 is not, thus much cleaner, but it also costs more.

 

7995 All the way, but read on. I have the 7977 (What I believe is last years model of same deck, but without the mp3 capability :-( )and it is the one of the cleanest sounding decks I have ever heard. For my external amps I have a rockford 400.4 for the fronts and rears and a Phoenix Gold pumping my subs. My speakers are Infinity Reference series all around. I HIGHLY recommend the 7977 deck! I would assume the 7995 to be similar. The only downfall I can see is that my deck costs a heck of a lot more than its sucessor which has more features than mine. Websites that are still selling my deck have it listed at a discounted price that is higher than the price of the 7995, which is non discounted because it is new. Makes me wonder how Alpine is cutting their costs that drastically. And the fact that Alpine is in Crutchfield... I won't even go there. I remember a time when Alpine was sold installed only. Too bad those days are gone.

 

Did alpine just start dropping the prices on their decks for this model year?

I know when I was looking, and bought my 7863, it was real hard to find a discounted/lower price on any alpine decks. Even volume discount places that sold other names pretty cheap had like, $5-10 discounts off normal for their alpine decks. Luckily when the time came that I needed a deck (someone actually jacked my old Clarion pro audio deck? Hehe...I feel sorry for them), the new years models had just come out and they were closing out on the prior year (I think the 7863 was 2000 model line).

 

What do you guys think of the Alpine HUs that use the V Drive hybrid amp that needs to be hard wired to the battery? I think its 7893 if I'm not mistaken.... a good idea for people who are in between a regular HU and speakers, and a full blown amp? Ideas, do we like this, think it's stupid, ect.?\

 

The V Drive will blow the pants off any other standard, radio amp driven deck. V Drive is around 27 Watts continous/60 peak as opposed to a typical deck being something like 17 continous/40-50 peak. It can put out and can even outperform cheaply made amps (read as Jensen). If your going to be running speakers off your deck, get the V Drive and preferable get it somewhere with free install because wiring to your ignition can be a pain in the behind depending on your car and I also wouldn't want to run the risk of messing up your ignition.

 

I got my 7995 discounted...$450.00 ($50.00 off).

 

what about panasonic, what do you guys thing of their HU's?

 

I think they look alrigt and I have heard that panasonic has been putting a lot of work into their decks lately. I don't know too much about them so I would also like to get peoples opinions on them. Speak up people.

 

Good cd player. More of a light show though.

 

What about sound quality compared to pioneer and alpine?

 

Maybe closer to Pioneer, but not Alpine.

BTW...everyone keep in mind that most manufacturers make different levels of quality. I've never been a big fan of Sony CD players, but their CDX-C90 ($1,200) is one helluva unit SQ wise. Pioneer is the same way, but they make a high-end, ultra $$ one as well (can't remember the one). Many others are the same way.

Also keep in mind that SQ is very subjective to most listeners. TRUE SQ is considered by audiophiles to be a CD player that does not color or add anything at all to the original source, which is a CD. When you ask me what the best SQ deck might be I would probably say the Nakamichi CD-700 ($1,750). It plays a CD nearly exactly how the artist intended it to sound without any coloration or distortion or anything else for that matter.

One listener might like the sound of Eclipse CD players better because they sound "warm" and don't hurt your ears. Others may like Alpine because they sound "bright" and more detailed.

With that in mind, you really can't go wrong with most major brands of CD players. It's all subjective. Also keep in mind what else you plan on using in your system. Certain brands should be avoided if used together.

A good example of this would be an Alpine CD player, MB quart speakers, and Alpine amps. In my opinion, all of these components are very "bright" sounding. They may impress the casual uneducated listener that only sits in your car for 10 minutes while you crank the volume up, but try a long trip and see how far you can make it before your ears get fatigued. On the other hand, a lot of people might like this combo. From a purist standpoint, I sure wouldn't.

Holy cow! I really got on a roll!! Sorry.

Tony

 

the old pioneer is the dex-p1r, and the new one is the dex-p9.

eric

 

I've been thinking. I would definately like to get one of these HU with detachable, D-mask, or phantom face(alpine 7998) features. Alpine 7995 surely got my attention. Enough with this for now..

What I'm worried is it's security. I'm pretty sure the thieves will KNOW a high quality HU when they see a ugly black back side of the HU from the D-mask or phantom face. So they'll take it. Well, I guess there is warranty for this. But, this can mean scratches on the body or broken window, all that crap etc..

So I'm assuming detachable faces are the best way to go since that face ONLY works with that HU(Am I right on this? Heard this from a friend who wasn't so sure..)

Alpine 7995 got my vote, maybe even my cash soon or later.. What do you guys think

 

Each unit has a specific face that will work on it only (for the most part, a few decks may have 2). However, a theif could gank your deck without the face and order a new one or steal a face and get the deck to work. Depending on the manufacturer the model of the deck may be on a sticker on the deck letting the theif know what face they need to get. That is a lot of trouble to go through to get a deck, but it can be done. It is definetly better than those masking faces if you ask me. Even so, it isn't a perfect system, but is quite good.

 

i've been meaning to ask this for a while now ,but how do most people on here mount their decks? do you use the factory screws or do you used the metal cage? i always used the screws and its not the easiest thing to get out ... so i really havent been to worried about getting my stuff ripped out

 

although I agree that alpine makes a good head unit, I don't believe you can hear a difference in sound quality between 2 that do "exactly" the same....there is only 3 different dac configurations,well, 2 actually, burr-brown and 1-bit..now some use multiple ones for different reasons, but they are all the same..prices depend on features really..although I agree that your system starts in the head (p9 combo here) it is not the only thing in the system..you could have a 2k$ radio ran with kraco amps and speakers and it will sound like poop..now you could have a 300$ head ran with decent speaks and amps and possibly get an invitation to iasca's world finals if you know what your doing...
basically what I am saying, get what you need..want..if you need 4v outputs or better with 3 way lineout and sub volume control or just a head that is only being used to power up some factory speakers, go for it as for alpine to pioneer, you won't be able to hear a difference trust me......

 

What if ya want 8V preouts??

 

umm...then you need a deck that will do that..lol.
I'm not saying alpine is better than pioneer or visa versa, just saying that if you base a deck on "cd" features, you won't hear a difference..features are a differend story and this is why head's are bought...I have the P9 combo because it does what "I" need it too.But may not be necessary for others applications
I don't see any need for upgrades anytime soon here also..which goes to what i'm saying..If you plan on doing something later that needs front rear sub with volume control for sub, then why buy a head with 1 rca out that's not even 2v just because it says MOSFET on the front and has "swimming dolphins"......lol
I have used Kenwood excelon(still have 915 in other vehicle)Alpine Premier Eclipse Denon and Sony ES...there is a whole bookoo of choices out there...just get what you need or need in future...amps and speakers make the system as well..don't buy a 600$ alpine and go for a pyramid amp and jensen speakers that won't work...lol
Also pearl, there is a big difference between 8v continous and 8v peak as well...Eclipse is the only 1 that has a continous deck that isn't balanced that i'm aware of

 

Hey slick,
Excellent advice on choosing whatever deck suits your purpose as far as features go, but I have to disagree with you on not being able to tell the difference in SQ between decks. Although I will stipulate that quite a few people won't be able to say "Hey, that Alpine sounds much more detailed than that Pioneer", you will find that even more people, like myself, hear a WORLD of difference from one deck to another. But...you said it...someone with a lot of knowledge can build a system with a $300 head and it will sound great. Well put!

Tony

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tony Fernandes


Hey slick,
Excellent advice on choosing whatever deck suits your purpose as far as features go, but I have to disagree with you on not being able to tell the difference in SQ between decks. Although I will stipulate that quite a few people won't be able to say "Hey, that Alpine sounds much more detailed than that Pioneer", you will find that even more people, like myself, hear a WORLD of difference from one deck to another. But...you said it...someone with a lot of knowledge can build a system with a $300 head and it will sound great. Well put!

Tony [/QUOTE

thanks tony....if you were to compare decks features aside, you'd be surprised in what you hear believe it or not..now a 500$ alpine comared to a 150 or even 300$ pioneer yea you'll hear it...totally differend dac array's but a 500$ alpine to a 500$ premier with the same dac's you won't..I value your opinion as such you do mine though not at all trying to flame just make a point

 

hmmm,
this thread is helpful, and its cool that people arent fighting, just pointing out stuff that some of us would have never thought about. so would you guys take the 7995 over the 7893? my friend wants to get the 7894 but i like the 7995, what do you think?


actually i just visited crutchfield (its a good reference site, for the decks they have love the big pics). i overlooked that the 7995 does not have V-Drive. my friend really want a blue one thats why the 7893. what do you guys think about this? is that a good deck? would you run references or kappas off of it? he wants kappa but i say reference.

also what was it your talking about that one of the decks did something to the outputs while the 7995 didnt? somethink like limited the signal?

what if we ran a jbl 80.4 off a 7995, would that sound good or do you guys think that the JL 300.4 is the best way to go? hes on a budget, so am I, but it would be nice to get good stuff and make it last vs. wanna upgrade still the budget comes into play.


thanks for reading the post and your input is appreciated.
MrGone

 

I have the Alpine 7977 (last yr model of 7995) running 6.5 Infinity References in the doors (components) and the rear deck (2-way) and JL Audio Subs in the hatch. The sound is far superior to my old setup of a 500 dollar pioneer deck ,pioneer speakers which were amped similar to my current setup and with the same subs and sub amp I am currently using.

The Infinity reference series speakers are plenty loud and very clear. They get 60 watts each from my Rockford amp while my subs get 150 a piece from a Phoenix Gold amp I have had for ages (Excellent Product!). I don't know much about JBL or JL amps so I can't recommend much. Kappas are nice but probally not necessary or worth the money. Get the 7995 deck FOR SURE . You will notice a difference in the cleanliness of your sound. I can't stress enough the quality of this deck. All of my friends and even the installer have commented on how clean the deck and system sound. The higher grade components are worth it. Last note of advice. Don't get the 7995 if your not running a good amp (seems like you are -- JBL or JL), if you buy a good deck and crappy amps you'll get crappy sound. Save up and do things right. It will save you money and despair in the long run.

BTW on reading my post as it was originally posted it may have appeared I was implying JL and JBL make crappy amps. NO -- they are good amps. Get something of at least that quality.