Personally I love my Sony DSX200, when researching for a deck upgrade recently I couldn't really find anything that out-performed it for anywhere near the price range.

24bit DAC, 3 4v pre-outs, listener position calibration (in cm), 7 band EQ with some-what customizable slopes, visually appealing, very responsive and quick search features, etc.. I was looking at this Pioneer though it seems pretty damn nice- http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...vers/DEH-80PRS

 

Oh yeah that new Pioneer is SUPER NICE too. Just don't think I'll use it to full advantage though.

I've settled on the Kenwood KIV-701.
Has everything I want, not too flashy, good features..etc.

I'll be my first Kenwood product.

 

Ah nice, let us know how you like it! I've looked at that one a few times too but I couldn't gather enough info on it, Kenwood's site sucks

 

Here's the manual. PDF format.
http://manual.kenwood.com/files/4db4d4c970137.pdf
So many audio options. Check the DSP section. I fell in love. =]

 

Damn that's nice!

 

I have been running the KIV-BT900 for a couple of years now and have been quite happy with it. Tons of EQ options, along with extensive crossover control, time alignment, strong preouts, etc. My only beefs: non-detachable face, and it is slow to change tracks while hooked up to the iPod, sometimes it takes 3-4 seconds to load up the album art while switching tracks.

 

older alpine hands down,I have a CDA 9811 with HPF/LPF,Time Alignment,3 pairs of 4v output...its been good to me for the last 6 yrs,My next deck is gonna be a 9835

 

I have been an Alpine guy all my life, although it seems that the new stuff is seriously lacking without USB capabilities, etc.

I am thinking of switching to Pioneer or Kenwood.

 

Great timing on this thread b/c I've been looking for a new HU for a 'new' truck which I just bought.

I've been using Alpine HU's for over a decade and the current crop of HU's out there are either really lacking in features, or they are simply not declaring them.

I have an Alpine CDA-9855, and aside from that *** BioStrip on it, its a great HU.

Trying to find a HU though with 4V, sub control, Time Correction, LPF/HPF crossovers with variable slopes, and Parametric EQ's with at least 7 bands, iPod control , and front USBs is damn near impossible.

I want to sell my current truck with my 9855 in it, but I'm almost at the point of ripping it out b/c I cant seem to find a suitable replacement.


I agree w/ the OP - so frustrating.