Best CD receiver??

M

MikeLS

New member
Hey guys,



Well, looks like my currect Kenwood eXcelon deck has died, after a relatively short life in my car, so I'm hunting for the best reciever under $200. I've been out of the loop, so to speak, from new car audio gear for a few years, so I'm having to do my homework, as usual, before purchasing and hoping for some advice from you guys and gals. That "expensive" Kenwood cost me close to $500 new, so I now see that spending excessive money on a deck is just a waste, thus the reason I want to keep the price tag under 2 bills. So far I've narrowed my search down to an Alpine 7874 or Pioneer DEH-4400. I'm not limited to these two models and I'm open for suggestions, but if anyone has either of the mentioned units I'd really appreciate advice and input. My main goal is sound quality and high power, not gee wizz marketing features that you'll never use. I do have to connect my PPI sub amp to the receiver, which will affect my decision somewhat. I'm just looking for a good quality CD player without spending a load. Also, since I may not keep my car much longer I wouldn't want an ultra expensive unit anyway.



Thanks for any help!



:wavey
 
i own a deh-3300 $200retail when i got it, last summer), and am happy with everything except the volume control, a rotary volume was a must, and this model is, but it doesn't respond fast enough, it lags, and sometimes doesn't even start going down (up is usually fine) until i turn the knob about 1/2 turn, this is really anoying when driving, and you need to concentrate for a minute or so.



other than that it plays all kinds of CD-r's (haven't tried RW's), i have yet to hear a skip due to vibration,



nice deck , but the volume will prevent me from getting another pioneer.



looked into eclipses??, couple my frineds had them (fairly high end models ~$500), and i was just amazed at the super sleek look, design, beautiful decks but lower ends tend to be plain looking.



i was also looking at nakamichi, and you can get the z35 i think for $300 or so (when i was looking), i really like them for that factory look (if you're into that).



dang, that was way longer than i planed, hope it helps
 
actually, I've seen a couple 3rd-gen camaros like yours with the DEH-P77 (I think its called that) Din-and-a-half pioneer CD deck. They look really slick because it fits flush in the hole, just like a stock delco deck. :up
 
Out of the two you have chosen, I would suggest the Alpine based on sound quality and reliability (Some Pioneer products have had a history of being terrible in terms of reliability). Outside of that, I would suggest Clarion or Eclipse.
 
Thank you all for your help! I've been reading the latest Crutchfield catalog like it's the Bible, reading and comparing features and specs. Actually, I've experienced reliablity problems with Pioneer in the past, not so much with car audio however, so I don't know that much on how they rate compared to the big guns, like Alpine, Eclipse, Nak, etc... I know Eclipse is probably one of the very best as far as SQ, but their units are a bit pricy, and the lower end models usually skimp on specs for the money at least. I've also heard Clarion units are pretty good on the upper end, but I don't know much about their lower priced models. I do know their specs aren't as good as the Alpine or Pioneer in some areas, but they seem like decent overall receivers for the money. So many choices!!! Every time I compare another brand though, I always end up drawing direct comparisons with the Alpine and they always fall short, so maybe the Alpine is the best for the money, who knows.... I just wish there was a way to demo each unit in the car and see which sounds the best without just ordering blindly, or a lame demo at the local electronics store running on crappy speakers. Well, thanks for your help so far and I'm keeping all the sugestions in mind. I think I tend to over-analyze things a little (hey, I am an analyst by trade!), and I'm a value shopper, so I like the most bang for the buck, thus the reason I make a big deal about any purchase over $100. Heh, along those lines, it's taken me 3 years to pick out a new car, but I can say that after that much research, I'm more knowledgeable than most any dealer on cars I'll probably never own! Such is life....



:wavey
 
If I had to do it all over again, I'd get something with an MP3 player on it, only because you can fit like 800MB on a disk at 1-3MB per song. For my personal use, it'd be worth it.



I have a sony xplod and i'm a big fan of the motorized face plate at night (plus it matches my car)



here's a link to some sonys http://shop.store.yahoo.com/advantage123/soncdheadun.html



here's a pic of mine at night
sony_at_night.jpg
 
Forget about the pioneer. I have always liked Alpine's, and they have finally come around with a decient looking faceplate again. I absolutely cannot stand the mickey mouse crap looking units manufactures are putting out now a days. Its like a contest to see how many colors will fit on a display.



If security is a concern, Eclipse cannot be beat. No fake black out, or PIA detach. You choose a key CD and if power is lost, you must insert your chosen key CD. You get ten tries to make it work, and if you fail the deck displays an 800 number. It must be sent in for unlock and they trace the SN to the proper owner.



Good luck in choosing! I am close to switching my Eclipse for an Alpine 7874 or 7995



<img src=http://image1.villagephotos.com/pubimage.asp?id_=377303>

<img src=http://image1.villagephotos.com/pubimage.asp?id_=377304>
 
Not sure if this will help or not.



If you are looking for reasonable cost...

Blaupunkt Model BPV-655 from Costco $141



Me, I'm cheap, so it's going into my Rabbit Convertible.



fat biker
 
YoSteve said:
If I had to do it all over again, I'd get something with an MP3 player on it, only because you can fit like 800MB on a disk at 1-3MB per song. For my personal use, it'd be worth it.



I have a sony xplod and i'm a big fan of the motorized face plate at night (plus it matches my car)



here's a link to some sonys http://shop.store.yahoo.com/advantage123/soncdheadun.html



here's a pic of mine at night
sony_at_night.jpg
Click to expand...



My current Eclipse (Not a CD, but I am getting the 6 disc In Dash changer for my '02)
 
laynlow said:
If security is a concern, Eclipse cannot be beat. No fake black out, or PIA detach. You choose a key CD and if power is lost, you must insert your chosen key CD. You get ten tries to make it work, and if you fail the deck displays an 800 number. It must be sent in for unlock and they trace the SN to the proper owner.
Click to expand...



Most Eclipse HUs have the ability to daisy chain CD changers.
 
Dollar for dollar sound quality and features I don't think you can beat the Eclipse brand. The looks are top notch, excellent security and just tremedous sound quality. I had one installed in a Towncar I owned a few years ago, and liked is so much i moved it when I traded cars and had it installed in the Caddy i bought.
 
That's nice Prinz, I sure have enjoyed my Eclipse. I hate to give up its security features, but I want something new.
 
You guys have pretty nice gear! Back in the day, I wouldn't hesitate about buying an Eclipse or any higher end product. But, my car isn't getting any younger and I'd rather not shell out the extra $$ for a CD player, especially whan I need the cash for beefing up my guitar rig, which is my current priority now. A lot of you seem to prefer the Alpine and the 7874 seems to have a no frills aproach towards the product, so I'm leaning towards that particular model, even though I still like the Pioneer. Even the Sony's have decent specs, but I've never been a huge fan of their gear. Just can't decide...:nixweiss Plus the Alpine has a BBE chip, which is kinda cool, and there isn't a player in it's price range that offers a 105 S/N ratio, very impressive as far as SQ goes! And, I like the MOSFET chip as well for extra punch. I think I'll email Crutchfield though about my Ken "wood if it could" and see what they may think is wrong, before I splurge and buy.



Thanks again for all your help guys!
 
fat biker said:
Not sure if this will help or not.



If you are looking for reasonable cost...

Blaupunkt Model BPV-655 from Costco $141



Me, I'm cheap, so it's going into my Rabbit Convertible.



fat biker
Click to expand...



I haven't read everybody else's post, but I do like this man's taste. Unless you go up to a DVD head unit, I've never seen anything with a higher CD signal to noise ratio than the Blaupunkt San Francisco. This is what I currently have in my truck. It is 700 retail, but I got it for 347.99 including shipping on ebay. I know it's over your price, but I think it's worth it. If it's still to expensive for you, I still would recommend a Blaupunkt.
 
your looking at the wrong pioneer for one. W/e pioneer you buy, make sure your getting the premier. Pioneer premier is a step up from the regular pioneer and youll be getting 4 volt preamp outputs. For mp3 decks, take a look at the p740 mp3, p840, and the p940. Now if you want the best hu, id suggest the pioneer p9 hu, eclipse hus(the higher end ones, not sure which models), and even though its old, the sony cdx-90 which was sony's best hu before they went cheap on everyone.
 
Thanks for the recommendations everyone!



I agree about Crutchfield though. I've spent hundreds of $$ with them over the years and I keep going back. Great selection, great service, and decent prices. I'd certainly give them a :up !



Anyhow, I guess I'm out of the market for a receiver now as I've sold my Camaro for the new G. At the time, I thought I was going to keep the car a while longer, but that was not the case. But, thanks for your help in the decisions...



Mike

:)
 
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