Alpine Decks, Model Comparison Options

[mr_dude]

Anyone have an Alpine mp3 cd deck?
I'm looking into them, looking for the best value. Don't mind buying the 300 dollar one or 550 dollar one.
They just released a new set of head units... I think these will be second gen mp3 players for Alpine, any problems with the first gens that I should look out for (now that they're all discounted)?
Any good places to buy them online?

[DmVinny]

I had to chuckle, anyway considering using a HU's amp is not looking into sound quality whatsoever, Alpines built in amps might be strong but consider the fact the heatsink is tucked away at the back of the unit, with the rest of the components in the cars dash which generates heat, so basically after about 5 minutes or so of driving you nice Alpine HU's built in amp went from a clear 40w (just an example) to a "I cant breathe 28w".

When choosing a HU I would not even put the built in amp as a decision maker. My decisions on HU's weigh like this;

1. What am I putting into the car future or planned. Do I need F/R pre-amp outs? CD/Mp3 Changer controls? Sub out? If im buying (for example) Audio Control EQT's do I really need a HU with an EQ?

2. What are my experiences with xxx brand of head unit if any. If something I had in a prior car worked well stick with that brand.

3. Everyone has their own opinions about HU's, and odds are the one someone else recommends may not be something you like.

4. Play with them, get a feel for em, most good audio shops have a nice setup (and shoot me now because I never buy from circuit city but... they do have a nice setup to test HU's, amps, etc)

5. The last thing is totally options, does it look good to YOU not others? Does it come with a remote, or the option for one?

Alpine makes great HU's, but there probably 3rd or 4th on my list of HU's. I dont like their style, just like I dont like Blaupunkts.

I've had alot of experience with Pioneer, Sony, and Eclipse HU's, I like Pioneer's style but I dont like their amps, speakers, etc. Same with Sony, HU's are ok, not the best, nice styling, but I cant say much for the rest of there products except for maybe a crossover unit they had a while back. Eclipse headunits are sweet, I had one, touch screen, problem with Eclipse is they get damn HOT!


Just my 2.3 cents (depending on exchange rates).