Does anyone out there have a headunit they'd like to bragg on??

[keith]

OK, if you'll look back to the (pathetic) "Premier DEH-P880PRS VS ????"
thread, you'll see that I'm looking into a new, higher end HU for my
re-entry into SQ oriented car audio. So, in the absence of response to
that thread, I offer the opportunity for open bragging, taunting,
flaming and fawning...

I'll start... My all time favorite is the P1R - cutting edge for its
time. clean facade, yet enough bells and whistles inside to make a
calliope jealous.

Then there's the old Naks. They broke alot, but when they worked, DAMN
they were clean!!

From the limited new generation HU's I've been able to audition, so far
I like the above mentioned 880... reminds me alot of the P1R, but with
WAY more format flexibility and functional transparency.


What's your vote?

Flame away

KeithS

[MOSFET]

OK, I have the Alpine 9853. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. It has an incredible
array of sound shaping features including 6 channel time alignment, a 1/3
octave parametric EQ (a TRUE parametric EQ with Q adjustment and 33 bands to
choose from to adjust). Also, it has a fantastic X-over feature.

The NEW Alpines, one the other hand, have decided to do away with
BassEngine Pro (which the 9853 and 9855 have) and Bass Engine Plus (which
also has the time alignment and X-over feature). Even the high-end Alpines
now have just "Bass Engine". Which only gives you control of the
frequencies of your bass and treble controls (BIG DEAL!!!!).

Obviously, Alpine felt (and I'm sure extensive marketing research
demonstrated) that the Bass Engine Pro/Plus features were too confusing to
set-up and use for most users (and it's true, they were tricky to set up).
But the pendulum swung WAY to far the other way. These new units are REALLY
dumbed down.

My last three HU's have been Alpines and I have loved every one. SQ has
been awesome and they have all been incredibly reliable.

I have always felt that Alpine understood the needs of serious SQ users.
The Bass Engine Pro features seem custom made for an IASCA competitor (I
wonder if Steve Brown had anything to do with the addition of all these
extensive sound shaping features).

But these new Alpine units are a HUGE disappointment. For instance, I love
the time alignment feature. It is STARTLING the difference it makes when
engaged vs. not engaged. Without it, my front stage is diffused and bass
from the subs are OBVIOUSLY coming from the rear. When engaged, my
soundstage becomes perfectly etched in space, I have a rock-solid center
image, my low bass seems like it is coming from in front, and my rear-fill
(which is delayed to the max, 9.9 milliseconds) adds a wonderful ambience
that seems to make the listening space larger (yet, you are unaware of any
sound coming from the rear). I really love it.

Frankly, if Alpine does not bring time-alignment back, my next HU WILL NOT
be an Alpine, despite how pleased I have been in the past.

If I were you and looking for a new HU, I would try LIKE HELL to get my
hands on a new 9855. It is last year's model, but I have NO DOUBT there are
a few retailers (both online and brick-and-mortar) that still have a few on
hand. It has a great display and the Bass Engine Pro feature (the 9853 that
I have is also last year's model and it too has Bass Engine Pro).

You can see pictures of my HU (and my whole system) at:

http://www428.pair.com/mosfet/mtx.html

Anyway, that's my feelings on Alpine: last year's models are some of the
BEST HU'S EVER MADE, IMHO. This year's models, however, are a BIG
disappointment.

MOSFET
"keith" > wrote in message
...
> OK, if you'll look back to the (pathetic) "Premier DEH-P880PRS VS ????"
> thread, you'll see that I'm looking into a new, higher end HU for my
> re-entry into SQ oriented car audio. So, in the absence of response to
> that thread, I offer the opportunity for open bragging, taunting,
> flaming and fawning...
>
> I'll start... My all time favorite is the P1R - cutting edge for its
> time. clean facade, yet enough bells and whistles inside to make a
> calliope jealous.
>
> Then there's the old Naks. They broke alot, but when they worked, DAMN
> they were clean!!
>
> From the limited new generation HU's I've been able to audition, so far
> I like the above mentioned 880... reminds me alot of the P1R, but with
> WAY more format flexibility and functional transparency.
>
>
> What's your vote?
>
> Flame away
>
> KeithS
>

[keith]

Yea, I've been a fan of Alpine in the past for my 4x4 vehicles (the
things NEVER skip), but I was really surprised when I started looking at
this year's Alpine line-up. I've never been a huge fan of Alpine's user
interface features (always with the poorly marked buttons - and to many
of them), but when I heard that not only did they do away with the
BassEngine Pro and Plus, but they don't even offer 24 bit Burr-Brown
DAC's anymore, I pretty much ruled them out.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the 9855 has the slide touch thingy
right?? not a big fan of that. I did see (and hear) a demo unit that
was on sale for under $300, but I just dont think I could handle the
slide pad. that, and I don't know if the '05 iPod interface is up there
with the '06 set-up... Again with the iPod conspiracy.

It'll be interesting to see where Alpine goes from here.

BTW, bet that Forester pounds. And yes, you're right to thank your wife.

KeithS

MOSFET wrote:
> OK, I have the Alpine 9853. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. It has an incredible
> array of sound shaping features including 6 channel time alignment, a 1/3
> octave parametric EQ (a TRUE parametric EQ with Q adjustment and 33 bands to
> choose from to adjust). Also, it has a fantastic X-over feature.
>
> The NEW Alpines, one the other hand, have decided to do away with
> BassEngine Pro (which the 9853 and 9855 have) and Bass Engine Plus (which
> also has the time alignment and X-over feature). Even the high-end Alpines
> now have just "Bass Engine". Which only gives you control of the
> frequencies of your bass and treble controls (BIG DEAL!!!!).
>
> Obviously, Alpine felt (and I'm sure extensive marketing research
> demonstrated) that the Bass Engine Pro/Plus features were too confusing to
> set-up and use for most users (and it's true, they were tricky to set up).
> But the pendulum swung WAY to far the other way. These new units are REALLY
> dumbed down.
>
> My last three HU's have been Alpines and I have loved every one. SQ has
> been awesome and they have all been incredibly reliable.
>
> I have always felt that Alpine understood the needs of serious SQ users.
> The Bass Engine Pro features seem custom made for an IASCA competitor (I
> wonder if Steve Brown had anything to do with the addition of all these
> extensive sound shaping features).
>
> But these new Alpine units are a HUGE disappointment. For instance, I love
> the time alignment feature. It is STARTLING the difference it makes when
> engaged vs. not engaged. Without it, my front stage is diffused and bass
> from the subs are OBVIOUSLY coming from the rear. When engaged, my
> soundstage becomes perfectly etched in space, I have a rock-solid center
> image, my low bass seems like it is coming from in front, and my rear-fill
> (which is delayed to the max, 9.9 milliseconds) adds a wonderful ambience
> that seems to make the listening space larger (yet, you are unaware of any
> sound coming from the rear). I really love it.
>
> Frankly, if Alpine does not bring time-alignment back, my next HU WILL NOT
> be an Alpine, despite how pleased I have been in the past.
>
> If I were you and looking for a new HU, I would try LIKE HELL to get my
> hands on a new 9855. It is last year's model, but I have NO DOUBT there are
> a few retailers (both online and brick-and-mortar) that still have a few on
> hand. It has a great display and the Bass Engine Pro feature (the 9853 that
> I have is also last year's model and it too has Bass Engine Pro).
>
> You can see pictures of my HU (and my whole system) at:
>
> http://www428.pair.com/mosfet/mtx.html
>
> Anyway, that's my feelings on Alpine: last year's models are some of the
> BEST HU'S EVER MADE, IMHO. This year's models, however, are a BIG
> disappointment.
>
> MOSFET
> "keith" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>OK, if you'll look back to the (pathetic) "Premier DEH-P880PRS VS ????"
>>thread, you'll see that I'm looking into a new, higher end HU for my
>>re-entry into SQ oriented car audio. So, in the absence of response to
>>that thread, I offer the opportunity for open bragging, taunting,
>>flaming and fawning...
>>
>>I'll start... My all time favorite is the P1R - cutting edge for its
>>time. clean facade, yet enough bells and whistles inside to make a
>>calliope jealous.
>>
>>Then there's the old Naks. They broke alot, but when they worked, DAMN
>>they were clean!!
>>
>> From the limited new generation HU's I've been able to audition, so far
>>I like the above mentioned 880... reminds me alot of the P1R, but with
>>WAY more format flexibility and functional transparency.
>>
>>
>>What's your vote?
>>
>>Flame away
>>
>>KeithS
>>
>
>
>

[MOSFET]

> Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the 9855 has the slide touch thingy
> right?? not a big fan of that. I did see (and hear) a demo unit that
> was on sale for under $300, but I just dont think I could handle the
> slide pad.

Yes, it does, as well as my 9853. I like it and I was reluctant, too. But
once you get used to it, it actually is REALLY easy to use and does not
require NEARLY as much hunting for tiny buttons. In fact, that was kind of
the idea behind it, and it really does seem to be effective.

It's kind of like a mouse, in that what is displayed over the slide pad
changes, you just touch under the appropriate item. Is it going to
revolutionize the industry? No, it's not THAT cool. But I honestly do find
it easy to use and I really believe it saves having to hunt around for small
buttons.

So, IMO, I would not let that feature scare you away from the 9855. Also,
after 7 months of use (I know that isn't really THAT long a time) it is
still working PERFECTLY.

And like ALL HU's, once you learn where all the controls are, your fingers
will be dancing around the controls at warp speed with no problems. I mean,
I sometimes adjust the time alignment while driving, no problem. But yes,
you MUST read the manual (several times, I'm afraid). But I'm the kind of
guy who LIKES lots of functionality, not less. So the Bass Engine Pro
feature REALLY appeals to me. But if you like your HU's simple, then Bass
Engine Pro equipped HU's ARE DEFINITELY NOT for you.

I imagine that many people complained that these units were too difficult to
use. For some, I can really understand this (for instance, there's no bass
and treble controls on a Bass Engine Pro equipped HU, you must adjust the EQ
to change the tonal quality which involves several nested menus, something
nearly impossible to do while driving). But, hey, I just got around that by
buying a dash mounted EQ for my front mids and front tweets (I like to
adjust tone controls, and subwoofer level control, a bit from song to song).
I use my parametric EQ to adjust for acoustic anomalies in the cab (using
test discs and an SPL meter) and once that's set up, I don't generally mess
with that.

I understand why Alpine did what it did. I just think it should have
included Bass Engine Pro on at least one or two higher-end units.

MOSFET

[Matt Ion]

keith wrote:
> OK, if you'll look back to the (pathetic) "Premier DEH-P880PRS VS ????"
> thread, you'll see that I'm looking into a new, higher end HU for my
> re-entry into SQ oriented car audio. So, in the absence of response to
> that thread, I offer the opportunity for open bragging, taunting,
> flaming and fawning...
>
> I'll start... My all time favorite is the P1R - cutting edge for its
> time. clean facade, yet enough bells and whistles inside to make a
> calliope jealous.
>
> Then there's the old Naks. They broke alot, but when they worked, DAMN
> they were clean!!
>
> From the limited new generation HU's I've been able to audition, so far
> I like the above mentioned 880... reminds me alot of the P1R, but with
> WAY more format flexibility and functional transparency.
>
>
> What's your vote?

I love my old Alpine 7904. AM/FM/CD *tuner* deck, meaning no internal power
amp. "Classic" Alpine six-button layout with "classic" Alpine green
backlighting. Display is simple and clean, no jumping dolphins or fake RTA bars
or other animated ****. Volume/Fade/Balance are REAL analog audio controls
using good old fashioned operation - pull volume out for balance, separate ring
for fader - and bass/treble controls are REAL analog sliders... just so easy to
tweak and adjust without having to look at it all the time, and none of the
one-step-isn't-enough, next-step-is-too-much BS you get with digital controls.

All that, and it still sounds GREAT, over 15 years later.

Actually, my first 7904, I sold many years ago (needed the money) and just got
more and more fed up with the increasing complexity and "bling" and decreasing
reliability of newer decks I'd had, so when it came time to build a system in my
latest car, I found myself another 7904 on eBay ($25, worked great, but the face
markings were all worn off and the slider caps were missing), and picked up
another at a flea market ($30, worked more-or-less, but was in mint condition
esthetically), and put together my current deck.

[Tony F]

I loved my Sony CDX-C90. Sounded awesome, looked great, terrible display.

I loved my Nakamichi CD-700. Love it or hate it looks, subperb SQ, spartan
controls. Not very versatile, but it did sound awesome.

I love my Clarion DRZ-9255. Sounds awesome, looks stellar, almost flawless
in its features and controls. Definitely my favorite.

Tony


--
2001 Nissan Maxima SE Anniversary Edition
Clarion DRZ9255 Head Unit, Phoenix Gold ZX475ti, ZX450 and Xenon X1200.1
Amplifiers, Dynaudio System 360 Tri-Amped In Front and Focal 130HCs For Rear
Fill, Image Dynamics IDMAX10 D4 v.3 Sub

2001 Chevy S10 ZR2
Pioneer DEH-P9600MP Head Unit, Phoenix Gold Ti500.4 Amp, Focal 165HC
Speakers & Image Dynamics ID8 D4 v.3 Sub

2006 Mustang GT Coupe
Alpine IVA-D310 DVD Head Unit, Alpine MRA-550 Digital 5.1 Amp, Boston
Acoustics Z-Series Speakers, Alpine SBS-05DC Center Channel Speaker,
Amplified MTX Thunderform Sub

[John Durbin]

Sony XES-P1 w/X1 and C1 changer... still the best sounnding system I've
heard, day in day out. I've owned Nak's and other high end decks but
none of them touch the XES for SQ. Although, I did get very fond of the
Alpine 7915 after using it in a couple of cars. Very simple and
reliable, great SQ.

JD

keith wrote:
> OK, if you'll look back to the (pathetic) "Premier DEH-P880PRS VS ????"
> thread, you'll see that I'm looking into a new, higher end HU for my
> re-entry into SQ oriented car audio. So, in the absence of response to
> that thread, I offer the opportunity for open bragging, taunting,
> flaming and fawning...
>
> I'll start... My all time favorite is the P1R - cutting edge for its
> time. clean facade, yet enough bells and whistles inside to make a
> calliope jealous.
>
> Then there's the old Naks. They broke alot, but when they worked, DAMN
> they were clean!!
>
> From the limited new generation HU's I've been able to audition, so far
> I like the above mentioned 880... reminds me alot of the P1R, but with
> WAY more format flexibility and functional transparency.
>
>
> What's your vote?
>
> Flame away
>
> KeithS
>

[keith]

Classics indeed... any thoughts on the Z50's? It seems like high end
HU's are becoming a rare occurance these days, and it'd be nice to know
how well Sony is keeping the flame.

there's one that's apparently about to be re-listed on ebay for 2k buy
it now...
Item number: 180022735057

Nice to see you here JD. Are you still with Directed?

KeithS



John Durbin wrote:
> Sony XES-P1 w/X1 and C1 changer... still the best sounnding system I've
> heard, day in day out. I've owned Nak's and other high end decks but
> none of them touch the XES for SQ. Although, I did get very fond of the
> Alpine 7915 after using it in a couple of cars. Very simple and
> reliable, great SQ.
>
> JD
>
> keith wrote:
>
>> OK, if you'll look back to the (pathetic) "Premier DEH-P880PRS VS
>> ????" thread, you'll see that I'm looking into a new, higher end HU
>> for my re-entry into SQ oriented car audio. So, in the absence of
>> response to that thread, I offer the opportunity for open bragging,
>> taunting, flaming and fawning...
>>
>> I'll start... My all time favorite is the P1R - cutting edge for its
>> time. clean facade, yet enough bells and whistles inside to make a
>> calliope jealous.
>>
>> Then there's the old Naks. They broke alot, but when they worked, DAMN
>> they were clean!!
>>
>> From the limited new generation HU's I've been able to audition, so
>> far I like the above mentioned 880... reminds me alot of the P1R, but
>> with WAY more format flexibility and functional transparency.
>>
>>
>> What's your vote?
>>
>> Flame away
>>
>> KeithS
>>
>

[MOSFET]

but when I heard that not only did they do away with the
> BassEngine Pro and Plus, but they don't even offer 24 bit Burr-Brown
> DAC's anymore,

Did Alpine EVER offer a 24 bit Burr-Brown DAC? I don't remember that ever
being a feature on an Alpine HU (I remember back in '96-'97 EVERY OTHER
manufacturer seemed to be introducing high-end HU's with Burr-Brown DACs
like Sony, Clarion, McIntosh and Eclipse I think). I know Alpine offered a
three disc HU changer that had a higher-end 20 bit DAC that was supposed to
sound better than their traditional 1-bit DAC (and there was something
called their M-DAC as well).

MOSFET

[Jamie Pruden]

Hi Nick,

See... there is a reason I like you. You have the same head unit I do...

I'm ready to replace my current head with the 9853, but I just don't
have the time to do it. Of course, my front left tweeter is out, so I'm
going to have to make some time soon to make the swap.

Current system:

Sony CDX-C910 (sound is awesome, display sucks eggs)
Sony XDP-210EQ
Sony CDX-T65
Sony 6 disk MD changer
McIntosh MC440
Dynaudio 220 set
Dynaudio MW160 x2 (rear fill)
JL Audio 8IB x2 (subs)

New system:

Alpine 9853 w/iPod interface
JL Audio 300/2
JL Audio 500/1
JL Audio XR525Csi
Alpine 12" Rseries sub

Much simpler and will be somewhat louder. I'm a little nervous
replacing the Dynaudios with JL Audio front stage, but I'm sure it will
be better than having a tweeter out... ;)

Car stereo garage sale upcoming... LOTS of ES Sony gear available.

smiles,
Jamie

On 2006-09-09 20:05:21 -0700, "MOSFET" > said:

> OK, I have the Alpine 9853. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. It has an incredible
> array of sound shaping features including 6 channel time alignment, a 1/3
> octave parametric EQ (a TRUE parametric EQ with Q adjustment and 33 bands to
> choose from to adjust). Also, it has a fantastic X-over feature.

[John Durbin]

Never did play with the Z50... that and the Alpine F-1 came after I
moved away from retail and the prices are still stupid high. I picked up
a complete XES system - most of it NIB - for under $600 recently, hard
to beat that. My understanding was they did fix a couple of things in
the Z50 that were problematic in the XES such as limitation on crossover
points in 4-way operation (3-way plus sub). I use a 2-way front end so
that's never been an issue for me though.

I think the flames burning at Sony these days are more of the
destructive kind. They're under tremendous pressure to overhaul their
consumer electronics business, and have gone through a lot of changes
since these statement pieces were made. I use a lot of ES product around
the house including their DST multi-room system, but it's been a while
since they launched anything really unique or particularly spectacular
for audio products. Focus for them now is catching up with the
competition on flat screen TV's. Car audio isn't a growth industry any
more, and home audio has so much focus on home theater in a box that it
kind of discourages development of high end product.

I am still with Directed... moved away from car audio last year to run
the Sirius program as product director.

JD

keith wrote:
> Classics indeed... any thoughts on the Z50's? It seems like high end
> HU's are becoming a rare occurance these days, and it'd be nice to know
> how well Sony is keeping the flame.
>
> there's one that's apparently about to be re-listed on ebay for 2k buy
> it now...
> Item number: 180022735057
>
> Nice to see you here JD. Are you still with Directed?
>
> KeithS
>
>
>
> John Durbin wrote:
>
>> Sony XES-P1 w/X1 and C1 changer... still the best sounnding system
>> I've heard, day in day out. I've owned Nak's and other high end decks
>> but none of them touch the XES for SQ. Although, I did get very fond
>> of the Alpine 7915 after using it in a couple of cars. Very simple and
>> reliable, great SQ.
>>
>> JD
>>
>> keith wrote:
>>
>>> OK, if you'll look back to the (pathetic) "Premier DEH-P880PRS VS
>>> ????" thread, you'll see that I'm looking into a new, higher end HU
>>> for my re-entry into SQ oriented car audio. So, in the absence of
>>> response to that thread, I offer the opportunity for open bragging,
>>> taunting, flaming and fawning...
>>>
>>> I'll start... My all time favorite is the P1R - cutting edge for its
>>> time. clean facade, yet enough bells and whistles inside to make a
>>> calliope jealous.
>>>
>>> Then there's the old Naks. They broke alot, but when they worked,
>>> DAMN they were clean!!
>>>
>>> From the limited new generation HU's I've been able to audition, so
>>> far I like the above mentioned 880... reminds me alot of the P1R, but
>>> with WAY more format flexibility and functional transparency.
>>>
>>>
>>> What's your vote?
>>>
>>> Flame away
>>>
>>> KeithS
>>>
>>
>

[keith]

That's too bad Re: Sony... I wondered where they thought they were going
with that whole eXplode line-up contrasted against the quality of
products like the XES system. I guess that picture is clarifying now.

Awesome deal on the XES system... I'm in the market, so if you know of
any other little tidbits like that laying around, I'd LOVE to hear about
them.

Are you enjoying the switch to the Sirius program? I imagine that there
are some serious (no pun intended) growth opportunities on your hands
there.

Talk to you later,

KeithS

John Durbin wrote:

> Never did play with the Z50... that and the Alpine F-1 came after I
> moved away from retail and the prices are still stupid high. I picked up
> a complete XES system - most of it NIB - for under $600 recently, hard
> to beat that. My understanding was they did fix a couple of things in
> the Z50 that were problematic in the XES such as limitation on crossover
> points in 4-way operation (3-way plus sub). I use a 2-way front end so
> that's never been an issue for me though.
>
> I think the flames burning at Sony these days are more of the
> destructive kind. They're under tremendous pressure to overhaul their
> consumer electronics business, and have gone through a lot of changes
> since these statement pieces were made. I use a lot of ES product around
> the house including their DST multi-room system, but it's been a while
> since they launched anything really unique or particularly spectacular
> for audio products. Focus for them now is catching up with the
> competition on flat screen TV's. Car audio isn't a growth industry any
> more, and home audio has so much focus on home theater in a box that it
> kind of discourages development of high end product.
>
> I am still with Directed... moved away from car audio last year to run
> the Sirius program as product director.
>
> JD
>
> keith wrote:
>
>> Classics indeed... any thoughts on the Z50's? It seems like high end
>> HU's are becoming a rare occurance these days, and it'd be nice to
>> know how well Sony is keeping the flame.
>>
>> there's one that's apparently about to be re-listed on ebay for 2k buy
>> it now...
>> Item number: 180022735057
>> Nice to see you here JD. Are you still with Directed?
>>
>> KeithS
>>
>>
>>
>> John Durbin wrote:
>>
>>> Sony XES-P1 w/X1 and C1 changer... still the best sounnding system
>>> I've heard, day in day out. I've owned Nak's and other high end decks
>>> but none of them touch the XES for SQ. Although, I did get very fond
>>> of the Alpine 7915 after using it in a couple of cars. Very simple
>>> and reliable, great SQ.
>>>
>>> JD
>>>
>>> keith wrote:
>>>
>>>> OK, if you'll look back to the (pathetic) "Premier DEH-P880PRS VS
>>>> ????" thread, you'll see that I'm looking into a new, higher end HU
>>>> for my re-entry into SQ oriented car audio. So, in the absence of
>>>> response to that thread, I offer the opportunity for open bragging,
>>>> taunting, flaming and fawning...
>>>>
>>>> I'll start... My all time favorite is the P1R - cutting edge for its
>>>> time. clean facade, yet enough bells and whistles inside to make a
>>>> calliope jealous.
>>>>
>>>> Then there's the old Naks. They broke alot, but when they worked,
>>>> DAMN they were clean!!
>>>>
>>>> From the limited new generation HU's I've been able to audition, so
>>>> far I like the above mentioned 880... reminds me alot of the P1R,
>>>> but with WAY more format flexibility and functional transparency.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> What's your vote?
>>>>
>>>> Flame away
>>>>
>>>> KeithS
>>>>
>>>
>>
>

[keith]

My bad... I never did pay too much attention to Alpine, and that snippit
of conversation came up while I was auditioning them with a salesguy who
swears by Alpine, but was dissapointed by the downgrades that they
engineered this year. The DAC was discussed, and I probably read too
much into that.

Thanks for the correction....

KeithS

MOSFET wrote:

> but when I heard that not only did they do away with the
>
>>BassEngine Pro and Plus, but they don't even offer 24 bit Burr-Brown
>>DAC's anymore,
>
>
> Did Alpine EVER offer a 24 bit Burr-Brown DAC? I don't remember that ever
> being a feature on an Alpine HU (I remember back in '96-'97 EVERY OTHER
> manufacturer seemed to be introducing high-end HU's with Burr-Brown DACs
> like Sony, Clarion, McIntosh and Eclipse I think). I know Alpine offered a
> three disc HU changer that had a higher-end 20 bit DAC that was supposed to
> sound better than their traditional 1-bit DAC (and there was something
> called their M-DAC as well).
>
> MOSFET
>
>

[keith]

Well, I guess that explains that... so what about the 980? Is it
basically the 880, with the face design of the 780, or is there
something I'm missing?

Thanks,
KeithS


Jackson wrote:

> On Sat, 09 Sep 2006 20:56:19 -0400, keith > wrote:
>
>
>>From the limited new generation HU's I've been able to audition, so far
>>I like the above mentioned 880... reminds me alot of the P1R, but with
>>WAY more format flexibility and functional transparency.
>
>
> 880 was according to a Pioneer rep.. the new '06 improved version of
> the P1R.

[RG]

The Premier 880PRS is a fantastic HU. It has just about all the features (a
list as long as your arm) you could possibly ask for, with a few exceptions
that kind of bug me. But overall it is an extremely elegant looking HU, has
fantastic SQ, and is wonderfully devoid of the current trend to kaleidoscope
displays. As to the exceptions I mentioned ... it does not have an
attenuation or a pause button, both of which I find useful in a HU. It does
have a pause feature but it is nested 3 deep in the menu so is not too
handy. But these ommissions pale in comparison to the overall quality
inherent in the unit. The 780 does not come close and IMO also looks tacky
in comparison. But that is just a personal preference. One thing about the
880 though that should be mentioned ... it does have a front AUX input but
it requires a 2.5mm mini jack. Ipods and such use 3.5mm. Strange, to say the
least. It's almost like they don't want you using it. But you can use a $10
adaptor which plugs into the IP bus and gives you a rear AUX input.

- RG


"keith" > wrote in message
...
> OK, if you'll look back to the (pathetic) "Premier DEH-P880PRS VS ????"
> thread, you'll see that I'm looking into a new, higher end HU for my
> re-entry into SQ oriented car audio. So, in the absence of response to
> that thread, I offer the opportunity for open bragging, taunting, flaming
> and fawning...
>
> I'll start... My all time favorite is the P1R - cutting edge for its time.
> clean facade, yet enough bells and whistles inside to make a calliope
> jealous.
>
> Then there's the old Naks. They broke alot, but when they worked, DAMN
> they were clean!!
>
> From the limited new generation HU's I've been able to audition, so far I
> like the above mentioned 880... reminds me alot of the P1R, but with WAY
> more format flexibility and functional transparency.
>
>
> What's your vote?
>
> Flame away
>
> KeithS
>

[Brandonb]

What about the F#1 Status?

http://www.alpinef1status.com/e/products/items/dai-c990.html

From the D/A link:

"For optimum handling of the high-density digital audio, we’ve installed
the top-quality Burr-Brown K-grade DACs. The unit is compatible with our
new DVD-Audio Link interface and accepts ultra-high-resolution
192kHz/24-bit digital audio data sent from the head unit—for the most
accurate sound possible."

Brandonb


Jackson wrote:
> On Sun, 10 Sep 2006 12:32:49 -0700, "MOSFET" >
> wrote:
>
>
>>Did Alpine EVER offer a 24 bit Burr-Brown DAC?
>
>
> Nope.

[MOSFET]

> What about the F#1 Status?
>
> http://www.alpinef1status.com/e/products/items/dai-c990.html
>
> From the D/A link:
>
> "For optimum handling of the high-density digital audio, we’ve installed
> the top-quality Burr-Brown K-grade DACs. The unit is compatible with our
> new DVD-Audio Link interface and accepts ultra-high-resolution
> 192kHz/24-bit digital audio data sent from the head unit—for the most
> accurate sound possible."
>
> Brandonb

YOU ARE CORRECT, SIR!!! (done in the voice of Ed McMahon).

Well, since I can't afford any F1 status gear, it doesn't count in my mind.
;)

MOSFET

[RG]

I didn't know that. But it doesn't help me much as I never use remotes. It
seems dumb (at least to me) to pick up a remote to adjust a unit that is
only a few inches away from ones hand to start with.

- RG


"Jackson" > wrote in message
...
> On Tue, 12 Sep 2006 18:04:31 -0400, "RG" > wrote:
>
>>The Premier 880PRS is a fantastic HU. It has just about all the features
>>(a
>>list as long as your arm) you could possibly ask for, with a few
>>exceptions
>>that kind of bug me. But overall it is an extremely elegant looking HU,
>>has
>>fantastic SQ, and is wonderfully devoid of the current trend to
>>kaleidoscope
>>displays. As to the exceptions I mentioned ... it does not have an
>>attenuation or a pause button, both of which I find useful in a HU. It
>>does
>>have a pause feature but it is nested 3 deep in the menu so is not too
>>handy. But these ommissions pale in comparison to the overall quality
>>inherent in the unit. The 780 does not come close and IMO also looks tacky
>>in comparison. But that is just a personal preference. One thing about the
>>880 though that should be mentioned ... it does have a front AUX input but
>>it requires a 2.5mm mini jack. Ipods and such use 3.5mm. Strange, to say
>>the
>>least. It's almost like they don't want you using it. But you can use a
>>$10
>>adaptor which plugs into the IP bus and gives you a rear AUX input.
>>
>>- RG
>
> Pause button and ATT are controlled via the remote, which is a very
> user friendly remote at that, around the size of a credit card. ATT
> level is adjustable in programming mode.

[Matt Ion]

RG wrote:
> I didn't know that. But it doesn't help me much as I never use remotes. It
> seems dumb (at least to me) to pick up a remote to adjust a unit that is
> only a few inches away from ones hand to start with.

I generally agree, although a remote can be handy if you've got your ride backed
up into the yard to provide the party tunes :)

[John]

F1 status is not too expensive if you can find it second hand...Anyway,
the dvi-9990 w/ copper chasis and aluminum face...mmm


--
John