Alpine CDA-9831 vs. Clarion DXZ835MP, Having Trouble Deciding Options

[Coomer]

Does anyone have experience with these head units? I'm having trouble deciding which one, because they both have their different strengths.

Alpine CDA-9831

• Ability to black out display and turn off internal amps for better sound quality
• Ability to search for a MP3 while another is still playing
• 4 band parametric EQ

Clarion DXZ835MP

• Sub control lever directly on faceplate
• Full control over button and display color
• Cheaper

Does anyone know if the Clarion has the ability to browse for another MP3 to play while the current track is still playing, then you hit a button and it starts playing the MP3 you just browsed to? I know the Alpine supports this for sure, but I didn't see this mentioned in the Clarion's manual.

And which would you guys recommend, and why?

[PaulMK]

I have the Clarion DXZ845MC and i love it. It has the ability to store songs off of cd's 250 mins on high quality and 350 mins on long play, but only off regular cd's, not cd-r's or cd-rw's. But the quality is awesome.

I had 2 alpines, not sure of the model #'s but they were in my old jeep wrangler, one got stolen b/c i was stupid and the second one i had in there until i gave it back to my dad and just told him to keep it in there, i was gonna get a new one for the celi. I was looking at the alpine again, but decided going with the clarion for the music catcher feature (its awesome when your on the highway by yourself you dont have to switch cd's if you have the songs recorded into the HU)

I know that's not the one you asked for but i sorta have experience with both, they're both awesome but go with the one that has the features that you will use. (i went with clarion b/c i didn't have an ipod at the time and didn't think i was gonna get one, but even now, i wouldn't go back)

Thats my input and Goodluck with the choice.

~P

This post has been edited by PaulMK: Mar 29, 2005 - 10:08 PM