Questions about Alpine CDA 7990 and Focal TLRs
05-31-2004, 07:56 AM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
the 700, in my opinion, is 75% of the 900, in terms of sq, i agree the 700 is an amazing piece for the $$$$, no better value out there, imo, i gress with tom the c class at ces had some tonality problems, that car was built and tuned in japan and it sounded like it, you definitely have to have some serious tuning skills to make something like the 900 be used to its full proential but damn is it fun [img]graemlins/headbang.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/headbang.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/headbang.gif[/img] to play with
[ May 31, 2004, 09:00 AM: Message edited by: defro13 ]
[ May 31, 2004, 09:00 AM: Message edited by: defro13 ]
05-31-2004, 08:40 AM
#23
Originally posted by droy:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Adam, some people have taken the top Denon Z1 transport as they prefer the sound vs. 7990 and used the PXA-H900 as the processor with it.
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Adam, some people have taken the top Denon Z1 transport as they prefer the sound vs. 7990 and used the PXA-H900 as the processor with it.
I was wondering how you would go about connecting the Z1 to the H900? This is an interesting option to me since I have a Z1 and am presently using all Zapco EQ's and such which present some difficulty due to size and limited functionality. Plus I'm just not happy with 'em. [/QB]</font>[/QUOTE]Hey Doug, what's wrong with the Zaps?
You can use the digital outputs on the Z1 and connect to the PXA-H900, however, If I was going to replace your processors, it would be with a Behringer unit of some kind, and then I would use your Symbalink cables from there....pick yourself up a good set of RCA's to go to the behringer. The Behringer, while it does not have the capabilities of the H900, is a better product in regards to SQ IMO.
Nick Wingate uses(used) the Z1 with a h900 off Audison VRx's and full Focal speaker set up including the new Focal Berillium tweets....Very good sounding car.
As for the 7990, I wasn't that impressed, I would actually take my 8250 over it, or a Z1...I LOVE the analog volume control on the Z1, it rocks...I found the 7990 kinda "flimsy" so to speak.....what I did like was the tuning capabilities of the 7990/H900 combo.....I'd definatly take it over a P9 combo because I found the F#1 units much easier to use...ask anyone with a P9 or that has had one...they are confusing.
05-31-2004, 01:31 PM
#24
Just my opinion, but I think it somewhat pointless to say that a certain car using whatever gear sounds bad so the gear they use must sound bad because as we all know each and every sound system sounds very different! I would say the only good way to compare the sound of something would be to direct compare it with your current equipment in your own car. How a car is tuned can obviously influence how that mega-buck or mega-cheap gear will sound. I know one of the preferred ways to demo something new you want to buy is to listen to it in someones car but look at the variables:
1) It might not be the same make and model as your car
2) The tuning will most likely be different
3) That one piece of gear you are interested in probably is connected to a lot of other pieces you don't or won't own.
All that considered, how can one really take a good comparitive listen to something if not in their own car? Adam, I would say the best advice for what you want to buy is to try your hardest to find somebody who can loan you what you want to buy or at least go to the shop that has it and see if they can temp. install it in your car for a few hours. Might sound crazy, but when you are plunking down for high dollar gear like that, you better make sure you like it!
1) It might not be the same make and model as your car
2) The tuning will most likely be different
3) That one piece of gear you are interested in probably is connected to a lot of other pieces you don't or won't own.
All that considered, how can one really take a good comparitive listen to something if not in their own car? Adam, I would say the best advice for what you want to buy is to try your hardest to find somebody who can loan you what you want to buy or at least go to the shop that has it and see if they can temp. install it in your car for a few hours. Might sound crazy, but when you are plunking down for high dollar gear like that, you better make sure you like it!
05-31-2004, 06:55 PM
#26
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 96
Hey Buddy,
"Hey Doug, what's wrong with the Zaps?"
I like the idea of the added functionality and the reduction in the number of items. In addition, I've heard the F#1 twice and was very impressed overall, but didn't like the 7990 all that much. I much prefer the lay out of the Z1 (simplistic and old school looks...like me). In addition, I had a friend from Texas give me a call recently noting that he had a used one available from a bankrupcy sale...but he called today to let me know he sold it to his brother. Wasn't ment to be I guess...
"Hey Doug, what's wrong with the Zaps?"
I like the idea of the added functionality and the reduction in the number of items. In addition, I've heard the F#1 twice and was very impressed overall, but didn't like the 7990 all that much. I much prefer the lay out of the Z1 (simplistic and old school looks...like me). In addition, I had a friend from Texas give me a call recently noting that he had a used one available from a bankrupcy sale...but he called today to let me know he sold it to his brother. Wasn't ment to be I guess...
05-31-2004, 07:07 PM
#27
Ah bummer eh....check out the H700.....equally sweet unit....quite a bit cheaper and has a TON of features, you can still go optical to it from the Z1 too....Or like I said, check out a Behringer unit...they'll have something you'll like I'm sure, pretty sure they even have a unit with a built in RTA as well as the 30 band eq. They are also a whole lot cheaper than a PXA-H900 or H700. The 8024 like I have would cost around $500 after the 12V mod.
06-01-2004, 05:06 AM
#28
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,783
SUX 2BU,
I totally agree with you regarding the try before you buy. I don't think you are crazy. In fact, my latest trunk design will allow the exact kind of testing that you suggest to be performed...that is if I don't run out of room first. (latest addition to the trunk of doom, 110V power inverter and the ELF-1 Processor.)
defro,
some people don't like the F-40. [img]smile.gif[/img]
I totally agree with you regarding the try before you buy. I don't think you are crazy. In fact, my latest trunk design will allow the exact kind of testing that you suggest to be performed...that is if I don't run out of room first. (latest addition to the trunk of doom, 110V power inverter and the ELF-1 Processor.)
defro,
some people don't like the F-40. [img]smile.gif[/img]
06-01-2004, 05:12 AM
#29
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 1,649
Can't compare the F1 to the P9. HUGE price difference. I actually found that the Pioneer P9 combo was quite user friendly. I still believe it's the best bang for the buck (features wise)if you can score a low mileage one used. Mind you, a solid deck like a Alpine 7949 with the H700 would be even cheaper I think. So I think that the days of yelling and screaming about the "greatness" of the P9 combo are drawing to a close for me.
I haven't yet played with this next setup that I'm going to mention, but I believe it's going to be very nice and transparent. Rockford 8250i with the new Arc Audio DXE. As far as stand alone head units/transports go, the Rockford 8250i is the best bang for the buck I believe. Not sure about the DXE because I haven't installed one and only had limited time to play with one at CES, so can't honestly comment on performance........ yet. Specs look to be heading in the right direction for high end SQ.
Another option is to modify RANE EQ's with an 8250i.
I think the 8250i is my new fav transport. Oh wait........... I guess that's why I sold the P9 combo............. doh
[ June 01, 2004, 06:16 AM: Message edited by: dawgsbreakfast ]
I haven't yet played with this next setup that I'm going to mention, but I believe it's going to be very nice and transparent. Rockford 8250i with the new Arc Audio DXE. As far as stand alone head units/transports go, the Rockford 8250i is the best bang for the buck I believe. Not sure about the DXE because I haven't installed one and only had limited time to play with one at CES, so can't honestly comment on performance........ yet. Specs look to be heading in the right direction for high end SQ.
Another option is to modify RANE EQ's with an 8250i.
I think the 8250i is my new fav transport. Oh wait........... I guess that's why I sold the P9 combo............. doh
[ June 01, 2004, 06:16 AM: Message edited by: dawgsbreakfast ]
