Well, I've been very happy with my Alpine 7894, but it may be time to move on (or not? Looking for suggestions)
Basically, I'm not worried about MP3 anymore, and I wont be using the internal HU amp, which are 2 big features of the 7894.
I'd like to have the ability to tweak more with EQ settings, which I unfortunately cant do with it.
Here's what I need:
CD player that is reliable
Excellent SQ
Aux input (will use frequently, input signal will be clean)
It would be nice to have an onboard EQ/Crossover/Sub control. If not, I am thinking that an in-dash unit would be useful.

So, suggestions? I was thinking:
Nakamichi (reliability issues though)
Pioneer
Alpine
Kenwood
Rockford/Denon


thanks for the help! (ps, amber/red lighting option would be nice, to match BMW interior.)

 

Considered Eclipse ?
Can you tell us what the rest of the system comprises of? (speakers etc..)
I'd personally recomend no EQ,(if the speakers are placed right, and the tonal balance is matched between components there shouldn't be a need)but if I had to pick I'd go with Audio Control or PG .
Many higher end units feature built in parametric eq's as well as DSP modes, and altho it's a neat feature, I personally feel that common misuse, is the cause of damaged equipment deemed "defective" by it's owner.

 

The list you have is good, Eclipse and Clarion should be included.

Look at the features on the decks, and listen to each deck for SQ (and try to use each deck to be fair). Certain decks are just plain hard to use {pioneer comes to mind} and on some the features are either a little wierd or hard to get to and understand (I have met too many Alpine owners who cant operate their decks worth a darn)

 

^^^^Funny, I've always found that the Alpine's were alway's much more PITA compared to the ease of the Pioneer's.
IMO, it's going to depend on your price point largely. The Clarion 9255 may be a great choice but it is rather pricey. For a cheaper unit look at the RF/Denon 8250 and add a nice EQ/Crossover.

 

Well I might as well let you in on my idea:
Instead of an ipod, I want to run a carputer for all my music. This will also interface with the car.
Id plan to run a high quality soundcard, so the signal would be very clean. However, Im not too sure of the output voltages, so I figured I'd need a line driver or EQ. The soundcards that support 5.1 have seperate channels for F/R/sub and can be adjusted via the interface.
I wanted a simple deck, like an Eclipse 3404, to play CDs, and run that signal through the soundcard to the amps.
Im not sure of any coloration that could be had through a soundcard as far as sound- after all, the processing power of a computer is far higher than a headunit, and the music will be straight from the source.

Then again, I may just be inclined to go with a new headunit and call it quits. But I'd really like to do my idea

Eli47: pioneer rev 6.5comps, adire brahma10, rockford 800a2, alpine 3554 (hopefully)

 

seeing your list of components, I'd suggest either the Eclipse or Kenwood HU for SQ matching. The Rockford will drive the Brahma no problem, and the Alpine will sound great with the Pioneer comps.

 

excelon from kenwood extraordinary HU
got all the sound quality you can get.the only thing I can tell negative is the ergonomy,the buttons are not always easy to use

 

I love my clarion 9255 .. I agree with Dave. Some say it "sounds" better than the p9 combo.

9255 gets my choice

 

Doesnt the p9 combo have the 31 Left/right EQ though? Iassumed they were pretty much equal except for that fact.