Hi...I'm thinking of changing out my HU to better reflect the other components in my system, as I am a true believer in having a great source before investing in the other pieces.
I currently have the Alpine 9853 (4 months old), Focal 165 PolyKevlar components, JL 300/4 Bi-amped and a JL 500/1 sub amp (sub is the JL 10W3v2).
My local dealer is recommending a Pioneer Premiere unit, the DEH 860MP, saying it is one of the truly underrated decks out there. I want to keep the investment within reason (under 1K Cdn)./..any views/opinions? I'm open to any make as long as it is substantially better than the Alpine.

Thanks,
Tim

there is niothing wrong with the cd player you have right now, its as good as 90% of the cd players out there and the pioneer isnt a upgrade but rather a move sideways and not forwqard

I agree.
The CDA9853 is a great HU and you would be hard pressed to find a better deck that is substantially better with the price range your working with.

I personally prefer the Bio-Lite display on the CDA9835 and CDA9855 for making adjustments and Quick Searching playlists but those features do little for better audio. Just convenience.

I would use the money on sound dampening and upgrades to your electrical system if you haven't already.

my exact opinion too.

I don't think you can upgrade unless you go to 24 bit Dac decks( still not sure you'll hear a difference though, since I know I can't). That's a nice deck, look somewhere else in the system to upgrade.

^ Actually, the DEH-P860MP has Burr-Brown 24bit DAC.

As most of the replies state, I also don't think that the change of CD player would do much for you. The only aspect might be the Auto-EQ & time alignment features of the DEH-P860MP & the two-year warranty. If those don't interest you, I'd say stick with what you've got.