Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
#1
Posted to rec.audio.car
|
|||
|
|||
Alpine CDA-9857 tuner issues
Got a CDA-9857 HU installed recently.
First I just had the HU put in, then a few weeks later, 4 speakers and an amp. However, as soon as the HU was put in, I noticed that the the stations would come in plenty strong, but the SQ was pretty bad: cracks, pops, hisses, tinny - you name it. It's especially noticable when someone was talking (I listen to a fair amount of talk radio). It's really unlistenable most of the time. Thinking that maybe the stock speakers were showing some kind of strain with the new HU, I thought that once I got the speakers and the amp installed it may not be there anymo Wrong. I had Boston Acoustics RC61 in the front and RM6 in the back and an Alpine 3553 (bridged to 2 channel mode). Same issue: everything sounded fine, except the tuner quality. I called Alpine tech support and they said that it may be a defective antenna adapter. I had heard reviews that the tuner had issues, but it all seemed focused on tuner reception strength and not on tuner SQ (I live in the Boston area and there are plenty of stations that come in good and strong). I've got half a mind to give up on the Alpine HU, but the Ipod connectivity is great. Not sure how to handle this, I can 1) get another HU altogether (The $300 Clarion comes to mind) or I can 2) replace the 9857 with another one or 3) try a different Alpine: 9856 or 4) have Alpine check out the HU. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated. |
#2
Posted to rec.audio.car
|
|||
|
|||
Alpine CDA-9857 tuner issues
This is not likely your problem, but it is possible.
I recently installed the very same radio in my Jeep Wrangler. The unit worked fine on Cd's and my iPod. But, the radio reception seemed odd. It was much worse on am (you said you listen to talk radio.... most of it is on am. ) To make a long story short, I had accidentally separated the antenna cable at a junction point just behind my glove box. Thus , the tuner was using just about 24 inches of coax from the back of the HU to the junction point. I didn't even know there was an additonal coupler or junction, I thought it was a solid coax from the HU to the base of the antenna. You just might want to check this. It would give you erratic radio reception, including possible crackling. Again, this would be more pronounced on am. Please let us know if this helps. --James-- |
#3
Posted to rec.audio.car
|
|||
|
|||
Alpine CDA-9857 tuner issues
Is it bad on both AM and FM and how is you AM reception?
What year and type vehicle is it? Some newer vehicles have amplified antennas and if the installer may not hook that up. "ScottReeve" wrote in message ups.com... Got a CDA-9857 HU installed recently. First I just had the HU put in, then a few weeks later, 4 speakers and an amp. However, as soon as the HU was put in, I noticed that the the stations would come in plenty strong, but the SQ was pretty bad: cracks, pops, hisses, tinny - you name it. It's especially noticable when someone was talking (I listen to a fair amount of talk radio). It's really unlistenable most of the time. Thinking that maybe the stock speakers were showing some kind of strain with the new HU, I thought that once I got the speakers and the amp installed it may not be there anymo Wrong. I had Boston Acoustics RC61 in the front and RM6 in the back and an Alpine 3553 (bridged to 2 channel mode). Same issue: everything sounded fine, except the tuner quality. I called Alpine tech support and they said that it may be a defective antenna adapter. I had heard reviews that the tuner had issues, but it all seemed focused on tuner reception strength and not on tuner SQ (I live in the Boston area and there are plenty of stations that come in good and strong). I've got half a mind to give up on the Alpine HU, but the Ipod connectivity is great. Not sure how to handle this, I can 1) get another HU altogether (The $300 Clarion comes to mind) or I can 2) replace the 9857 with another one or 3) try a different Alpine: 9856 or 4) have Alpine check out the HU. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated. |
#4
Posted to rec.audio.car
|
|||
|
|||
Alpine CDA-9857 tuner issues
Try jvc hdr1 has ipod ready all you need is the i pod adaptor. there is a
repate from hd radio on this unit if purchased before 12-31-06 i think. more bang for the buck with jvc "ScottReeve" wrote in message ups.com... Got a CDA-9857 HU installed recently. First I just had the HU put in, then a few weeks later, 4 speakers and an amp. However, as soon as the HU was put in, I noticed that the the stations would come in plenty strong, but the SQ was pretty bad: cracks, pops, hisses, tinny - you name it. It's especially noticable when someone was talking (I listen to a fair amount of talk radio). It's really unlistenable most of the time. Thinking that maybe the stock speakers were showing some kind of strain with the new HU, I thought that once I got the speakers and the amp installed it may not be there anymo Wrong. I had Boston Acoustics RC61 in the front and RM6 in the back and an Alpine 3553 (bridged to 2 channel mode). Same issue: everything sounded fine, except the tuner quality. I called Alpine tech support and they said that it may be a defective antenna adapter. I had heard reviews that the tuner had issues, but it all seemed focused on tuner reception strength and not on tuner SQ (I live in the Boston area and there are plenty of stations that come in good and strong). I've got half a mind to give up on the Alpine HU, but the Ipod connectivity is great. Not sure how to handle this, I can 1) get another HU altogether (The $300 Clarion comes to mind) or I can 2) replace the 9857 with another one or 3) try a different Alpine: 9856 or 4) have Alpine check out the HU. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated. |
#5
Posted to rec.audio.car
|
|||
|
|||
Alpine CDA-9857 tuner issues
e-nigma wrote: Is it bad on both AM and FM and how is you AM reception? What year and type vehicle is it? Some newer vehicles have amplified antennas and if the installer may not hook that up. I tried the AM stations and they sound just like I expected - no problems. Only the FM sounds bad. Unfortunately, I don't listen to AM at all. It will be a bummer if I have to yank the Alpine just for the tuner because everything else about the HU is good/excellent. I think the next step is sending it right to Alpine. "ScottReeve" wrote in message ups.com... Got a CDA-9857 HU installed recently. First I just had the HU put in, then a few weeks later, 4 speakers and an amp. However, as soon as the HU was put in, I noticed that the the stations would come in plenty strong, but the SQ was pretty bad: cracks, pops, hisses, tinny - you name it. It's especially noticable when someone was talking (I listen to a fair amount of talk radio). It's really unlistenable most of the time. Thinking that maybe the stock speakers were showing some kind of strain with the new HU, I thought that once I got the speakers and the amp installed it may not be there anymo Wrong. I had Boston Acoustics RC61 in the front and RM6 in the back and an Alpine 3553 (bridged to 2 channel mode). Same issue: everything sounded fine, except the tuner quality. I called Alpine tech support and they said that it may be a defective antenna adapter. I had heard reviews that the tuner had issues, but it all seemed focused on tuner reception strength and not on tuner SQ (I live in the Boston area and there are plenty of stations that come in good and strong). I've got half a mind to give up on the Alpine HU, but the Ipod connectivity is great. Not sure how to handle this, I can 1) get another HU altogether (The $300 Clarion comes to mind) or I can 2) replace the 9857 with another one or 3) try a different Alpine: 9856 or 4) have Alpine check out the HU. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated. |
#6
Posted to rec.audio.car
|
|||
|
|||
Alpine CDA-9857 tuner issues
Did you check the antenna coax coupler, as previously suggested ??
I had the very same experience, and my in-line coax coupler had been pulled apart. Not the antenna coax plug at the radio, but a coupler right behind the glove box. --James-- |
#7
Posted to rec.audio.car
|
|||
|
|||
Alpine CDA-9857 tuner issues
By the way, I also have the very same Alpine 9857. It is a great radio !
The symptons you described indicate a likely problem with the antenna. I would explore that area very carefully before I tried another radio. Good Luck -------------------------------------- Did you check the antenna coax coupler, as previously suggested ?? I had the very same experience, and my in-line coax coupler had been pulled apart. Not the antenna coax plug at the radio, but a coupler right behind the glove box. --James-- |
#8
Posted to rec.audio.car
|
|||
|
|||
Alpine CDA-9857 tuner issues
"ScottReeve" wrote in message ps.com... e-nigma wrote: Is it bad on both AM and FM and how is you AM reception? What year and type vehicle is it? Some newer vehicles have amplified antennas and if the installer may not hook that up. I tried the AM stations and they sound just like I expected - no problems. Only the FM sounds bad. Unfortunately, I don't listen to AM at all. It will be a bummer if I have to yank the Alpine just for the tuner because everything else about the HU is good/excellent. I think the next step is sending it right to Alpine. If the AM works fine and the FM does not, then the problem is more than likely the FM tuner inside the unit itself. If it was the antenna, then AM would be 1st to go. |
Reply |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
FA: DYNACO FM-3 STEREO TUNER | Vacuum Tubes | |||
Rotel RT-1024 Highly Regarded Tuner, see images | Marketplace | |||
Tuner Recommendations | High End Audio | |||
Alpine CDA-9815 vs Clarion DXZ835MP | Car Audio | |||
Alpine deck blew my subs! | Car Audio |