New Alpine-based stereo

P.S. Thanks to Alpman for all his help!

No doubt. Greg is an awesome resource for this site.

Keeping the stock deck then?

No. It looks like I will be buying some sort of an aftermarket HU -- probably Pioneer or Sony. Definitely not Alpine on that.

Go with that Sony you showed me, it was really nice.

I've never liked the sony HU's, but maybe they have improved from their overpriced, underperforming days of a couple years ago...

Now I've changed my mind. I'm thinking about this one:

Panasonic MXE CQ-C8400U

Any other suggestions for head units for $250 or less are welcomed.

Glad you decided to bite the bullet and very happy to help anytime. Can I ask why is it "definitely not Alpine" on the head unit. You know, the new 2005 models are just coming out and we have four models priced under $200. You may want to take a second look. Check out the CDA-9847 at $199, which is well within your price. It's awesome for the money. It's iPod ready, Satellite Radio ready (XM or Sirius), plays MP3/WMA files, has some really cool Alpine exclusive features like Bass Engine, MX and Quick Search and it even gives you three pre-outs (Front, Rear and Sub) to add amps. Check it out at our website:

http://www.alpine-usa.com

The key word in your response is "settling". I just have to say...do your homework before you make your purchase. Some manufacturers may use tactics such as a two year warranty to entice you. Wouldn't you rather have a 1 yr warranty you never had to use? Alpine is a 100% 12V company. We don't build microwaves and toasters and such. We are dedicated to the car. We also have the lowest failure rate in the industry, an excellent replacement/repair policy and some of the lowest out-of-warranty flat rate repair charges out there. For 2005, ease of use has never been better. Go to a local Authorized Alpine dealer and check out the new models. I won't try to talk you into an Alpine deck any more, but I'd rather see you at least get into the Pioneer.

The Alpine decks are probably very good, but the aesthetics don't agree with me, either. In particular, I don't care for the slanted controls on the left side of the units.

This, of course, is only my opinion, as I'm 49 and know that Alpine has a great reputation when it comes to car audio.

I've never bought an aftermarket head unit that wasn't an alpine or a pioneer. Never had anything but good experiences with both brands.

I did my homework before deciding on the Panasonic. Feature for feature, it appeared to be equal to or better than the Alpines in that price range, and I liked its physical appearance much better than any Alpine head unit at any price. The Panasonic also had excellent reviews everwhere I looked.

I took your word on the speakers and the amplifier, but in the end my own personal experience steered me away from Alpine when it came to head units. Also, I've never had a bad experience with any Panasonic product. Not being a moron, I trust my own impressions and experience when it comes time to make a purchase.

Maybe it will turn out that I made a bad decision on the head unit, but it won't be for lack of research.

I can speak for that research. LoL...2 days worth of flashing head units at me n' Pliss.

Marty,

I by no means meant to offend you and if I did, I'm sorry. I was just trying to help. If you don't like Alpine head units, then that's fine. Not everyone does. I just wanted to make sure you had reasearched it, not just went off of looks or the warranty. You did your homework and I'm glad for that. I'm sure your system will sound awesome. Let us know how it all turns out. Again, I'm sorry.

-Greg

Originally posted by Alpman@Feb 19 2005, 02:19 AM
I by no means meant to offend you and if I did, I'm sorry. I was just trying to help. If you don't like Alpine head units, then that's fine. Not everyone does. I just wanted to make sure you had reasearched it, not just went off of looks or the warranty. You did your homework and I'm glad for that. I'm sure your system will sound awesome. Let us know how it all turns out. Again, I'm sorry.

Click to expand...

You know what? Don't be sorry. I've had a little while longer to think about it now, and nothing you said was out of line -- you work for a company who makes what are widely considered to be fine products, and you're anxious to to spread the word. You know, it's actually really GREAT to find someone who so thoroughly believes in his company's products, and can produce hard data to support it -- that's why I went with your recommendations on the speakers and amplifier.

I'll tell you this -- knock on wood, but if I'm NOT satisfied with the Panasonic, I will seriously consider Alpine for a replacement.

Thanks again for all your help -- it's so hard to find people with actual knowledge on the subject, rather than just opinion or guesses, or things they heard -- and I'll definitely let you know how it turns out.

I do take pride in the company I work for and the products we sell. I've been with Alpine for nearly 10 years and several years of retail experience with the brand before that. Their reputation as a brand is exactly why I decided to work for them and is why I have stayed. Some people would say I bleed Alpine blue.

I just wanted to make sure you weren't upset or lost your trust in me because of this. I'm always willing to help those who ask and will always give my opinions to those willing to listen, so keep your questions coming.

Group hug!!!!