PistonHead

I already have an Eclipse CD8061 with the 37601 16volt balanced line adapter.

Eclipse CD 8061

I have been having problems with this unit, and I am thinking of switching over to a Pioneer DEX-P9 with the DEQ-P9 also.


Anyone have any experience with both units that could give me a comparison? Or even just the quality of the Pioneer unit?

I have competed in IASCA SQ, and I will likely compete again, so I am concerned about loosing some of the quality I already have with the Eclipse unit, if I switch to the Pioneer.

I am trying to decide if I should just get my Eclipse unit repaired or make the switch.

Thanks for any help, or opinions.
Later,
Brad

[ October 03, 2003, 12:48 PM: Message edited by: PistonHead ]

PerryB

I haven't used that specific eclipse(I have used the 415, 5341R, 8051 which is 1 step below your deck, and currently use the 8053). I have found them all to be incredibly reliable, and they just sound awesome. What is your deck doing? I know, in the US, united radio(www.unitedradio.com) does flat $85 repairs on decks I think. If your deck was installed professionally(and you registered the deck with eclipse), it should have a 3 year warranty. That is an 01 deck, so if you have the 3 year warranty, it should be covered. I would pursue that avenue before buying a different deck.

PistonHead

Well, the deck started out not holding onto the cd when it ejects it. The spring roller things that clamp onto the cd actually shoot the cd out onto the seat. Then the motorized face plate started grinding like it was two gears jumping teeth. The faceplate has gotten stuck in the fully retracted mode and not allowed me access to the cd for a couple of days.

Now it is having trouble reading any burnt cd's. It skips on almost all songs on a burnt cd.

This is my fourth or fifth Eclipse head unit (different installs, different cars). I have had trouble with the grinding faceplate on a few of them. It seems to be a common problem to me.

The 8061 works great, when it is working, but I am just tired of having these recurring problems. I want to put a good head unit in and forget about it. Just have it work consistantly ALL the time.

I have no problem with getting the deck repaired. The shop I deal with is great for service and I could easily go that route. I am just kind of fed up with the problems I seem to have with Eclipse head units.

Thanks,
Brad

PerryB

Wow, I think the eclipse motorized faces are the best I have seen, and I have always been impressed with an eclipse's ability to read cdrs(your model isn't listed as being able to play cdrws, however). A friend of mine still uses a 10 year old ECD-413, and that thing plays cdrs flawlessly. I was very surprised. I have seen several complaints of grinding faceplates on alpines, but not on eclipse(I have seen 1 eclipse back at the local shop with a screwy faceplate). I am on my 2nd eclipse with a motorized face(1st being the 8051), and they are rock solid and move very quickly. I don't know what is up with yours. If it is under warranty, I would have it repaired(especially if there is more than 1 problem). After that, if you think you want to change, sell your deck and try something else. The pioneer is supposed to be a pretty nice deck.

PistonHead

I will be getting my deck repaired, whichever way I decide to go. My burnt cd's are CDR's, so they should be o.k. I have been told to try a cd cleaner, which I have never used on any cd player (home or car). I am going to see what kind of cleaners are out there.

Anyone have experience/opinion on the Pioneer's quality, as compared to the Eclipse.

Thanks again,
Brad

TomK

No, but with the Pioneer combo, you can't beat it for tuning ease........... based on what they are going for, best bank for the buck. I don't think much touches it still.

Dmoza

I have owned 3 eclipse decks, the first one started to skip on cdr's, Then i ran it's power line strait from the battery, instead of through the wireing harness. Problem fixed. Give that a shot let me know if it helped.

lemonlime

Some of pioneer's premier equipment (like the P9) is great, but in my personal experience, eclipse has always made some great gear, that IMO is of higher quality than pioneer.

Oh man, sounds like a pretty nasty problem with the deck. I have a feeling it will never be the same if it's repaired.

Good luck though

PistonHead

I already have the constant power and the switched (ignition) power ran directly from the battery, through relays. I had some noise issues with my original install, so I went to town on wiring, grounding etc. at that time.

I like the sound and the "feel" of the Eclipse deck. It really does feel well constructed when you touch the face plate etc. The sound is great, then the deck skips or the faceplate grinds and it is like nails on a chaulk board to me.

And yes Lemonlime, I worry about recurring problems after the repair.

Thanks for the help and any further opinions.
Brad

PistonHead

Tom, Yes I am impressed with what I have read about the P9, but I have never saw one in actual use. I am kind of worried that it is all hype, or it is a bear to setup just right.


Brad