Best high end cd decks
there isn't alot of high end decks out there anymore when comparing to standards set in the past.
so many decks like pioneers 880, and kenwoods 993 are inferior to there predecessors.
is nak still making the 700II? or has production ended?
so many decks like pioneers 880, and kenwoods 993 are inferior to there predecessors.
is nak still making the 700II? or has production ended?
oh yeah...how could I forget that one? I hope it's still being made. I think the CD400 and 500 should probably be in the mix as well.
Last edited by Denonite; Nov 23, 2009 at 10:27 PM.
yeah I think to qualify...these decks have to have multi bit DACs...24 bit, dual 20 bit, etc..., high pre-amp voltage, and either great processors or none at all. Whether or not it's actually audible is another story, but if you're looking for the best, then it necessitates having the best parts, and design theory.
For me, high pre-out isn't that important. anyways your amp will never play at 5v constant! Imo, as long as it's 4volt.
What qualify a high-end is head unit with great EQ (more than 7 band),active setting and having the ability to Xover around 2-4khz! ( as I know, there's only the eclipse who can do it)
What qualify a high-end is head unit with great EQ (more than 7 band),active setting and having the ability to Xover around 2-4khz! ( as I know, there's only the eclipse who can do it)
[QUOTEWhat qualify a high-end is head unit with great EQ (more than 7 band),active setting and having the ability to Xover around 2-4khz! ( as I know, there's only the eclipse who can do it)[/QUOTE]
Not only does the 880 & 800 do 12 band EQ but they do it per channel individually.
I agree that the Clarion HX-D2 should be in the list, the Nakamichi and the Kenwood KDC-X993 not so much. I will explain: Even though the clarion belongs here it can't be compared, because it would be like comparing apples to oranges. Price is always the deciding factor and the only thing you could compare the Clarion to currently is the DEX-P99. The Nakamichi is an older unit and doesn't have the T/A and for todays standards imho is overpriced. The Kenwood deck mentioned doesn't belong in this comparison imho + for an ipod cable though.
I think when comparing decks price is the most important part once you figure out what options you require. Nothing on the market other then the Alpine 9887 I believe compares to the Premier decks right now.
I don't even know what this statement means, please explain how the decks of today are inferior??
Not only does the 880 & 800 do 12 band EQ but they do it per channel individually.
I agree that the Clarion HX-D2 should be in the list, the Nakamichi and the Kenwood KDC-X993 not so much. I will explain: Even though the clarion belongs here it can't be compared, because it would be like comparing apples to oranges. Price is always the deciding factor and the only thing you could compare the Clarion to currently is the DEX-P99. The Nakamichi is an older unit and doesn't have the T/A and for todays standards imho is overpriced. The Kenwood deck mentioned doesn't belong in this comparison imho + for an ipod cable though.
I think when comparing decks price is the most important part once you figure out what options you require. Nothing on the market other then the Alpine 9887 I believe compares to the Premier decks right now.
I don't even know what this statement means, please explain how the decks of today are inferior??
there is simply not the demand for really high end decks like there used to be.
ex. would you buy a sony deck today? probably not. they are lower end by choice. they have the ability to make amazing decks, but consumers aren't interested in paying for top end.
my earlier example with the 880 and 993, they both are nice decks, but if you look at the abilities of their predecessors, and then fast track a couple of years and look at theirs, they do not offer as much.
sure today's decks offer bluetooth, and stupid like G-Force meters, but is that really what makes a high end deck? for the most part companies are simply getting away from sound quality and going for all encompassing decks.
Its not the case with everyone, but is an increasingly popular trend.
...and I think that if you are comparing high end decks, you kinda have to through the price out the window. hi end is one thing, value is another.
ex. would you buy a sony deck today? probably not. they are lower end by choice. they have the ability to make amazing decks, but consumers aren't interested in paying for top end.
my earlier example with the 880 and 993, they both are nice decks, but if you look at the abilities of their predecessors, and then fast track a couple of years and look at theirs, they do not offer as much.
sure today's decks offer bluetooth, and stupid like G-Force meters, but is that really what makes a high end deck? for the most part companies are simply getting away from sound quality and going for all encompassing decks.
Its not the case with everyone, but is an increasingly popular trend.
...and I think that if you are comparing high end decks, you kinda have to through the price out the window. hi end is one thing, value is another.
there is simply not the demand for really high end decks like there used to be.
ex. would you buy a sony deck today? probably not. they are lower end by choice. they have the ability to make amazing decks, but consumers aren't interested in paying for top end.
my earlier example with the 880 and 993, they both are nice decks, but if you look at the abilities of their predecessors, and then fast track a couple of years and look at theirs, they do not offer as much.
sure today's decks offer bluetooth, and stupid like G-Force meters, but is that really what makes a high end deck? for the most part companies are simply getting away from sound quality and going for all encompassing decks.
Its not the case with everyone, but is an increasingly popular trend.
...and I think that if you are comparing high end decks, you kinda have to through the price out the window. hi end is one thing, value is another.
ex. would you buy a sony deck today? probably not. they are lower end by choice. they have the ability to make amazing decks, but consumers aren't interested in paying for top end.
my earlier example with the 880 and 993, they both are nice decks, but if you look at the abilities of their predecessors, and then fast track a couple of years and look at theirs, they do not offer as much.
sure today's decks offer bluetooth, and stupid like G-Force meters, but is that really what makes a high end deck? for the most part companies are simply getting away from sound quality and going for all encompassing decks.
Its not the case with everyone, but is an increasingly popular trend.
...and I think that if you are comparing high end decks, you kinda have to through the price out the window. hi end is one thing, value is another.
Can you tell the difference between .001 and .004 THD, I can't. Is there something else there that makes the sound different from one deck to another?? I highly doubt it, you are likely more to find slightly different sound from one amp to another and that can be EQ'd anyway, and this conversation should be left for another thread. If you enjoy spending $$$ on Nastalgia and Marketing ploys go for it, if you like good clean sound with T/A which is a necesitty for proper staging without going crazy on car audio get yourself a nice $300-$400 H/U and enjoy the music.
Last edited by vrdublu; Dec 16, 2009 at 10:38 AM.
