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?

[Hym3n]

Aight. I just got done studying the car stereo market for quite some time to find out what is best for my interests (hard rock, with the ability to change that at will--change the stereo's sound that is). As a matter of fact, I'm having my stereo put in as I write this, and it should be done by 7:30 PM CST tonight. For head units I narrowed it down to two choices: Alpine and Pioneer. Pioneer was known for their durability and outstanding tuner, however Alpine has more features, and well.. looks better IMO. There new line is coming out very soon (if not already), BUT, BUT, they are lacking a model with something unique in one of the first generation ones. I'll explain..

I'm getting the CDA-9813. The 9813 is unique from all of the others, (with the exception of one or two of the higher models..) in that is has the '5-Band Parametric EQ'. If you like [example] rock, and then want to listen to some classical, you'll have to go mess with settings on other head units, but none of them are going to give you the same kind of 'perfect sound' that you'll get by messing with a true digital equalizer. This is very similar to equalizers in other head units, but the 9813's is just more advanced and has.. well.. probably more than a million different combinations for how you can set it up to be EXACTLY to your tastes. I've messed with it in-store for hours and hours, and it's definitely the best you can get as far as versatility goes.

Really you just gotta mess around with it, find what you think has the most feautres that you're actually looking for, find what you think sounds the best. It's like they say with wine: "There are no bad wines. If you like it, and the seller is making a profit when you buy it, then it's a good wine."

-Brian