Rob - I really don't know why you keep asking about 7909s. The general concensus is that it's nice but old and not worth over about $400 regardless of condition.

If you like it, buy it. My opinion is that is is a colossal waste of money.

 

$1250 is alot of money for a deck especially when you can find the something with the equivalent features and performance. I can understand why you would prefer the retro look of the 7909 as it complements interiors of older cars. However, as mentioned the bottom line is what is important to you; form or function.

I'm starting wonder that if the 7909s are going for over $1000, then I wonder want I could get for my Alpine Digital Max Combo (Controller, Out-board DAC, and CD Changers)...

 

ive got some 10 year old orion coaxials that id let go for 400 including shipping. they would be perfect with that deck

 

Thanks for the comments..
Owning a 7909 that actually works well, puts you in an exclusive category of owing one of the best decks Alpine ever made.
Yes there are other decks that may sound good too, but the 7909 is unique.

 

Are those the XTR's with the silk dome tweeter. They looked like a real dust cap until you looked closely?

 

^ agreed. I'll go 'old school' for many things, but generally not a deck or speakers. Time is not kind to things that move.

 

What do you guys think of the Alpine CDA-7995?
I have 2 brand new ones in their boxes and I was thinking of selling one...


I'm sure that instead of the 7909 the 7995 is a great alternative.

 

Obviously, many people here don't know about the Alpine 7909. Yes, you can find many newer units with more features; The 7909 doesn't even have a subwoofer output, just front/rear pre-outs, it won't play MP3's, has no auxiliary inputs. But you will not find any unit that sounds as good as the 7909. It is simply the best-sounding car CD player ever made and will rival even most high-end home players. I remember as an Alpine dealer being skeptical when it hit our store, but one CD later and it was like night and day compared to anything else. The difference was that noticeable. Is it worth $1250? Probably not, it sold for less than that new. But its audio quality is unmatched. Here is a URL about it being selected as the "Best Ever CD Receiver":

http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/company/pr/pr.php?prid=217&year=2009

Likewise was the Alpine 3545 amplifier. 250/watts RMS per channel, it is one of the all-time great car amplifiers.

 

Nowadays though, the Clarion DRZ9255 will outperform the 7909 without a doubt.