Tea mAndy

I am looking into getting myself a new deck soon, and am looking for something that should last.

My two ideas are either the Clarion DRZ9255 or the Alpine DVA-9860 with the Alpine PXA-H701.

The two setups are priced similarily it seems, with the notable extra features of the Alpine being the 31 band eq and DVD. My main desire for this deck is for CD's and I don't plan to do any competing, but I do like to tinker, and my shop does have a AudioControl rta, so I might actually be able to use those 31 bands, if only once.

I have the Alpine SPX-177R up front and nothing in the rear. I was thinking with the Clarion that I might use it's 3 way crossover connected to a 4 channel amp and power the fronts with that. Eliminate the passive crossovers and run the tweeters and woofers back to the amp. I think the 31 band eq may help more in correcting any problems the speakers have that was corrected by the passive crossovers.

I don't hear many people here talking about that Clarion unit, but elsewhere I have found that it is definatley not like any other Clarion, and is supposed to be worth the look.

Just would like to know peoples experience, and which would sound better,
Thanks

SQ Civic

iTrader: (3)

Take a look at this mini review of the H700/701...
http://forum.elitecaraudio.com/showt...hreadid=119938
might shed some light on things,

Mark

MarkB

I suggest the Alpine, due to control/flexability.

veeman

iTrader: (3)

I recently got the rux/pxa-h701 combo and I'm amazed at the flexibility and quality of the units. You really could be tuning for a lifetime with all the variables it allows you to control. Anyway, I love it and it looks killer in the dash with the deck.

Tea mAndy

Thank you for your suggestions, but I do still have a few questions.

First off, what all can you control with the Alpine 701 piece? I know it can do time correction and the 31 band eq, but does it also have the 3 way crossover (high, mid, sub)? What other features do you get to play with if your only doing two channel?

Secondly, how is the detail compared to other Alpine units? I have heard that it is not too different from other Alpine units as it is similarily constructed, but with DVD capability and the features mentioned above.

I am really wondering this because I have been talking with others locally about the two units and they lean towards the Clarion. It has the 3 way crossovers and time correction in 7mm steps. The big selling feature of it is supposed to be the output stage and DAC, being Burr Brown and all (if it really even makes a difference).

It seems many of you have been using the Alpine combo and loving it, but what are your experiences with the Clarion?

mike bisson

iTrader: (1)

Good question. What amplifiers will you be using? If Alpine, go with the Alpine combo because I have found that Alpine works best with Alpine; however, if you are using a different brand of amps the preamplifier section on the Clarion could match your amplifier better.

Tea mAndy

For a amplifier I am currently using a Earthquake PH2200W.4 and run my components off the front and a pair of Eclipse 12" subs bridged off the rear.

When I get the new deck I plan to eventually run the components off the Earthquake 4 channel, and at first use one of my other amps for the subs. I hope to get another of the earthquake amps of the same series for the subs (so I can build a amp bridge for a sweet looking setup), and then upgrade to some RE 12" SE's or SX's. I am also planning on using either Alpine type X interconnects, or maybe build my own.

I really feel like by going with the Clarion I will lose the 31 band eq, but will gain some sq, although those who tell me so personally haven't had experience with either.

Tea mAndy

Now that is a fact that I did not know, awesome.

Thanks Defro.