Help me decide which HU to get!

[Rider69]

The screen is getting a little flaky on my Pioneer DEH-P9300, so I am looking into getting a new Head Unit. It must have a few items for me to consider:

1. XM Ready. I already have XM and love it, I don't plan on changing. I have the Pioneer XM Tuner.
2. Blue Lights. The color theme throughout my car is blue and want the HU to match.
3. 3 Sets of Decent Voltage Preamp Out I am currently running 3 amps, so the 3 outs would be prefect. The Pioneer I have has 4 V. Internal Amp is not an issue.
4. MP3 Ability. My current unit does not have this and wish it did.

The few HUs that I am considering right now are:
1. Pioneer Premier DEH-P940MP

2.
Alpine CDA-9815

3. Alpine CDA-7995

Some Features that differ between the units:
-Pioneer has 6V outs versus Alpine's 4V
-Pioneer has nice steering wheel remote compared to Alpine's handheld one.
-Pioneer will hook right up to my XM Tuner, Not sure if Alpine will work with my current tuner or if I have to spend another $150 on Alpines tuner to get the benefits of Artist/Title info
-Alpine is probably of a little better quality but only offers a 1 year warranty to Pioneer's 2-year warranty
-All units have built in crossovers, with Pioneer having the ability to be a 3-way crossover, Time Correction and Sub Phase/Level control.
-Alpine has Media Xpander and the Bass Engine (Pro on 9815, Plus on 7995)
-Pioneer has a built in DSP.

Prices:
UNIT RETAIL EBAY/ONLINE
Pioneer 890 ~550
9815 499 ~375-400
7995 499 ~375-400

If needed the Alpine XM Tuner is available from Crutchfield for 150

So, What do you think, Help me decide.

 

[Natey]

Out of those three I'd pick the 9815. But I really like the way my 7897 flips away when I turn the car off.

 

[Micah]

Agreed - Alpine is really a superior product. I have had Alpine head units in every car I have ever owned.

But, if you are tight on cash - then you might want to go with the Pioneer.

 

[Rider69]

Agreed - Alpine is really a superior product. I have had Alpine head units in every car I have ever owned.

But, if you are tight on cash - then you might want to go with the Pioneer.

Like I said the Alpines are probably better quality, but why only offer a 1 year warranty? The preier has a two year warranty. And as far as price the Pioneer is the most expensive out of the 3, but it might end up being about the same as the alpines if I have to get the XM tuner.

 

[HessSBR]

Man, everyone says the 7897 won't fit in the P5, but I've seen them time again. Have any of you guys installed one yourselves? I really want to get one. Thanks in advance.

 

[Micah]

it will fit, it's a single din head unit - the screen slides out and sits outside the unit, - simple single-din Scosche kit will let you install it.

 

[03P5]

ALPINE!! They are the best quality, and as for warranties, I've never really had a head unit die. I really don't worry much about surface mount and small component electronics, if they work out of the box, and immediatly after installation, chances are they will work for a very long time after that point.

 

[1sty]

Just so you know the alpine 9815 dies have time allignment, 6 Channals, It does have 3 way crossovers aswell and a 6 channel parametric EQ. Also don't forget to play with its abilities with Alpines I-personalize system on there website to get the best idea of what it can do.

I would expect each unit to be of similiar quality.

For $400 you probably aren't going to be getting an Alpine warrenty anyways as the seller is likely not an authorized dealer. This could be the same for the Pioneer as it is a Premier model.

 

[Rider69]

Well, I am leaning toward the 9815 between the two Alpine units, but 1st MP3...do you know if the Xm tuner from my pioneer would work with the 9815 or will I definately need to get the Alpine Tuner? Still wish the Alpine had a steering wheel remote though, cause I love my Pioneer one.

 

[JAC]

I just got a 9815 so I voted for that one.

-Rider69: check your private messages .

 

[1sty]

The Ai-net bus alpine uses to control th eXM tuner will not link up to a pioneer unit to my knowledge , there maybe an adapter though. I doubt it though. Blitz, Soundgate or a few other companies mey have one.

I have never needed a remote with my alpines as they are very easy to use on the fly without even looking at them.

 

[Rider69]

Anyone else with any thoughts?

 

[got wake?]

go with one of the alpines.
and can someone enlighten me as to why the pioneer that is $800 only has a S/N ratio of 94 dB? that's barely better than sony

 

[mikesmazda155]

Here 89.00 dollars

 

[sharkonwheels]

I dunno guys - my DEX-P1R is the shiznit! I LOVE Pio, and will never go back!

My bud that has the stereo shop (that did my beetle install) is going nuts with Alpine RMA's, especially the head units. Damn things keep toasting in under 30 days. Two other local shops have told me the same thing.

Anyways, The Pioneer's are great, Premier better. Great warrantly (which I haven't used yet - 1998/1999 Pioneer Premier DEX-P1R)

Just one's opinion

(laserp5)

 

[1sty]

I have yet to see an alpine come back that my shop installed CORRECTLY!
If you don't hook up the V-Drive like your supposed to then back they come!
The only known problem child was the CDA-7893. 1/2 the time it was the swing face but mostly it was shorting out do to customers not listening to me when I told them NOT to hook it up to the stock wiring.