Alpine CDA-9855 or Clarion DXZ855 or ...
03-29-2005, 03:38 PM
#1
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15
Apologies in advance for the relative lack of car audio experience (I've got a great home system which I can barely find the time to listen to, spend a lot more time in the car listening to that awful Bose).
I'm getting back into car audio after a 15 year reprive. Had a Denon deck I liked 15 years ago, but oem ever since.
Based on sound and build quality, which unit would you pick. I would have gone for a discounted 9833 but can't find one near Ottawa or on-line).
If there's other options I should be considering, let me know. I want a manufacturer/distributor that will be around in 3+ years.
I listen mostly to high quality jazz and blues recordings at moderate listening levels. I have electrostatic speakers at home and like a lot of detail. Source will be mostly IPod and Satellite Radio. (Ipod control from the deck not important, however if the sound quality with an IPod adapter is better vs the headphone jack, I'll pay the extra vs aux). The Bose has got to go, and the IPod is the final nail in the coffin.
Considering the Alpine Type-R's, but open to other suggestions.
Willing to add an amp if necessary.
Everything must fit into a 2001 Pathfinder without a lot of mod's.
Like to stay below $1,500 cdn if possible for the HU, speakers amp and Ipod interface if applicable.
Thanks
[ March 29, 2005, 08:32 PM: Message edited by: Blair ]
I'm getting back into car audio after a 15 year reprive. Had a Denon deck I liked 15 years ago, but oem ever since.
Based on sound and build quality, which unit would you pick. I would have gone for a discounted 9833 but can't find one near Ottawa or on-line).
If there's other options I should be considering, let me know. I want a manufacturer/distributor that will be around in 3+ years.
I listen mostly to high quality jazz and blues recordings at moderate listening levels. I have electrostatic speakers at home and like a lot of detail. Source will be mostly IPod and Satellite Radio. (Ipod control from the deck not important, however if the sound quality with an IPod adapter is better vs the headphone jack, I'll pay the extra vs aux). The Bose has got to go, and the IPod is the final nail in the coffin.
Considering the Alpine Type-R's, but open to other suggestions.
Willing to add an amp if necessary.
Everything must fit into a 2001 Pathfinder without a lot of mod's.
Like to stay below $1,500 cdn if possible for the HU, speakers amp and Ipod interface if applicable.
Thanks
[ March 29, 2005, 08:32 PM: Message edited by: Blair ]
03-29-2005, 04:54 PM
#2
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 597
Hi,
Take a look at the Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP. It's Pioneer's top end car CD player for 2005 with a 13 band digital EQ, digital sound processor (DSP), triple 6.5V preouts, 24-bit Burr Brown D/A converter, auto EQ & auto time align (set up microphone is included) & 3-way digital crossover network.
You can then add a CD-IB100 iPod adapter that will allow the CD player to control your iPod & use a direct audio input for the best possible sound quality. The CD-IB100 also has an IP-Bus input so that you could also add an XM satellite radio tuner to it also allowing direct audio input & full control over the XM tuner from the CD player.
All in all, this would be in your budget with the DEH-P860MP selling for $749 plus the CD-IB100 at $129.
Please let me know if you have any questions & if you decide to go the Pioneer route, I could also supply you with the XM tuner as I have a couple available.
Take a look at the Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP. It's Pioneer's top end car CD player for 2005 with a 13 band digital EQ, digital sound processor (DSP), triple 6.5V preouts, 24-bit Burr Brown D/A converter, auto EQ & auto time align (set up microphone is included) & 3-way digital crossover network.
You can then add a CD-IB100 iPod adapter that will allow the CD player to control your iPod & use a direct audio input for the best possible sound quality. The CD-IB100 also has an IP-Bus input so that you could also add an XM satellite radio tuner to it also allowing direct audio input & full control over the XM tuner from the CD player.
All in all, this would be in your budget with the DEH-P860MP selling for $749 plus the CD-IB100 at $129.
Please let me know if you have any questions & if you decide to go the Pioneer route, I could also supply you with the XM tuner as I have a couple available.
03-29-2005, 07:59 PM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
If it's purely based on sound quality, the six 24-bit D/A's in the Clarion, and 6ch 4V preamp is hard to beat. The display is slick as heck, I have a 955 and haven't been excited about putting a deck in my car in years.
Of course, buying a current product gives you a two-year waranty.
The difference between the Clarion and Alpine would be very hard to distinguish without a direct A/B comparison. In reality, go with the one you like the most, you'll be happy with either.
Of course, buying a current product gives you a two-year waranty.
The difference between the Clarion and Alpine would be very hard to distinguish without a direct A/B comparison. In reality, go with the one you like the most, you'll be happy with either.
03-30-2005, 07:04 AM
#6
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15
Is the Clarion a so-called 24 bit one-bit converter (working with one bit technology inside but accept 24 bit input) or a real 24 bit converter with 96 kHz sampling frequency and 8 times oversampling?
I would be suprised at this price point considering a true multi-bit costs 10X more then the 1-bit?
Any chance someone knows who makes the DAC's, and what model number?
[ March 30, 2005, 08:29 AM: Message edited by: Blair ]
I would be suprised at this price point considering a true multi-bit costs 10X more then the 1-bit?
Any chance someone knows who makes the DAC's, and what model number?
[ March 30, 2005, 08:29 AM: Message edited by: Blair ]
03-30-2005, 10:02 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Bigman - uh-huh.. The 855 has all those features, just not the crossovers and time-alignment or funky Music-Catcher.
It's got a single IC with six fully independant 24-bit D/A's. (one for each RCA channel)
It does not use 1-bit technology anywhere in the system. The chip also features a 24-bit ADC for accepting input from the tuner, aux-in or CeNET bus audio. Just don't tell the big guys at Clarion that I took their sample apart.
Bigman - I downloaded th owners manual and you can adjust the distance for the center speaker and the surround speakers. You are right, not totally adjustable, but better than most.
As an aside, the 9255 and 955 are fully adjustable for each of the 8 or 6 outputs for level, crossover and delay. That makes the 955 a fargin' steal! And of course, is the reason why I bought the sample I reviewed for PAS.
It's got a single IC with six fully independant 24-bit D/A's. (one for each RCA channel)
It does not use 1-bit technology anywhere in the system. The chip also features a 24-bit ADC for accepting input from the tuner, aux-in or CeNET bus audio. Just don't tell the big guys at Clarion that I took their sample apart.
Bigman - I downloaded th owners manual and you can adjust the distance for the center speaker and the surround speakers. You are right, not totally adjustable, but better than most.
As an aside, the 9255 and 955 are fully adjustable for each of the 8 or 6 outputs for level, crossover and delay. That makes the 955 a fargin' steal! And of course, is the reason why I bought the sample I reviewed for PAS.
03-30-2005, 10:03 AM
#8
Cheddar
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 558
Just my two bits, but I would think the iPod adapter would be the deciding factor - all others being the same. For quite some time, I've been doing the iPod via headphone into the AUX thing and it's a real pain in the butt. The iPod is now hooked up to an Alpine head unit via their adapter. The adapter is a charger and controller in one unit. Having use of the head unit's remote controller while the iPod is in the glove compartment or anywhere safe for that matter is a real nice and welcome feature that I once thought was frivolous.
I am, however, not impressed with Alpine's interface. Clarion's interface looks much more user friendly, but then again I haven't actually used the Clarion since it hasn't come out yet.
Related to the iPod issue is the ergonomics and aesthetics of the head unit - how it integrates into the car and how easy it is to navigate through the controls. Remote control, if that's also important. These things are what you have to live with once you make the choice. I don't think performance wise, there will be much difference between the two units.
Other features that might make a difference - optical out, changer options, etc. You never know and when you decide to sell the thing for whatever reason, those features might be a selling factor.
As far as the two companies are concerned, I don't think either of them will be gone any time soon. They both have quite the history of doing well. Clarion in particular in Japan is a good seller.
I am, however, not impressed with Alpine's interface. Clarion's interface looks much more user friendly, but then again I haven't actually used the Clarion since it hasn't come out yet.
Related to the iPod issue is the ergonomics and aesthetics of the head unit - how it integrates into the car and how easy it is to navigate through the controls. Remote control, if that's also important. These things are what you have to live with once you make the choice. I don't think performance wise, there will be much difference between the two units.
Other features that might make a difference - optical out, changer options, etc. You never know and when you decide to sell the thing for whatever reason, those features might be a selling factor.
As far as the two companies are concerned, I don't think either of them will be gone any time soon. They both have quite the history of doing well. Clarion in particular in Japan is a good seller.
03-30-2005, 10:09 AM
#9
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 597
As I mentioned earlier relating to the Pioneer iPod adapter, the CD-IB100 has an IP-Bus input as well for your satellite radio. Alpine does not & I don't believe Clarion does either.
As some of the posters above mentioned, I'm not sure you're going to notice much (if any) difference in the performance of the head unit but there is a difference in compatibility, reliability & cosmetics.
Good luck in your shopping!
As some of the posters above mentioned, I'm not sure you're going to notice much (if any) difference in the performance of the head unit but there is a difference in compatibility, reliability & cosmetics.
Good luck in your shopping!
03-30-2005, 10:42 AM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
The Alpine box plugs in to the AiNET bus, but requires the use of their Multi-changer control box (KCA-410c) if you want to use a CD Changer at the same time. There is no bus pass-through on the KCA-420i
The forthcoming Clarion iPod adapter is purely Bus-based. So you can use it (the iPod box), a CD changer, DVD changer, Sirius tuner and TV tuner all on the same deck.. They are all daisy-chained together.
I don't have details on how the Kenwood will work, but as far as I know, it is also a bus system.
The difference between and 1-bit and 24-bit deck, even from the same product line is absolutely stunning - I was able discern the difference using STOCK speakers in my WRX.
Nice to be able to play with everyone's products...
The forthcoming Clarion iPod adapter is purely Bus-based. So you can use it (the iPod box), a CD changer, DVD changer, Sirius tuner and TV tuner all on the same deck.. They are all daisy-chained together.
I don't have details on how the Kenwood will work, but as far as I know, it is also a bus system.
The difference between and 1-bit and 24-bit deck, even from the same product line is absolutely stunning - I was able discern the difference using STOCK speakers in my WRX.
Nice to be able to play with everyone's products...
