View Full Version : Torn between two different HUs
ClovaGz
04-28-2010, 10:38 PM
Hello I'm new here and am looking for some advice on which head unit to go with. From what I can tell these are pretty similar in features and what not. I've found the Kenwood one for $302 and that's what is making is so difficult the prices are close and I know both brands are good. Any tips or advice would be appreciated.
Kenwood KIV-BT900 (kivbt900) - Car Stereo In-Dash Receiver at Sonic Electronix - Sonic Electronix (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_22924_Kenwood+KIV-BT900.html)
or
Alpine iDA-X305S In-Dash MP3/WMA/AAC/USB/iPod Car Stereo Receiver (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_24287_Alpine+iDA-X305S.html)
maritoze
04-28-2010, 10:43 PM
Kenwood.
Well, the Alpine has 105 s/db rating which is pretty good. The Kenwood does not specify. They both have 3 RCA outs at 2v each...I honestly think these decks are nearly identical. I suppose it comes down to whether you prefer Kenwood or Alpine....if it was my, I would likely go Alpine
ClovaGz
04-28-2010, 11:02 PM
I went on Kenwood's site but couldn't find the s/db rating. So far 1 for alpine 1 for kenwood that figures.
Louisiana_CRX
04-28-2010, 11:09 PM
i'd go Kenwood...the DVD is a simple 1 wire video bypass...the Alpine you have to use a PAC TR7 which sometimes doesn't work right...The Kenwood has better overall SQ than the bas Alpine....plus the Kenwood is easier to use.....
Rich B
04-28-2010, 11:14 PM
Kenwood only because if you ever decide to add a CD changer in the future Alpine changers are too d@mned expensive.
Louisiana_CRX
04-28-2010, 11:19 PM
Kenwood only because if you ever decide to add a CD changer in the future Alpine changers are too d@mned expensive.
unless you find a good deal on a used alpine changer on here ;)
ClovaGz
04-29-2010, 06:55 PM
Yeah I'm starting to lean towards the Kenwood one more myself. Probably gonna go with that one.
AllenH427
04-29-2010, 07:27 PM
Alpine CDA-117, that is all.
Databyter
04-29-2010, 07:44 PM
Well, the Alpine has 105 s/db rating which is pretty good. The Kenwood does not specify. They both have 3 RCA outs at 2v each...I honestly think these decks are nearly identical. I suppose it comes down to whether you prefer Kenwood or Alpine....if it was my, I would likely go Alpine
The Kenwood has contradictory info about the Preouts, in the summary it states it has 3 sets of 4V but in specs it claims 2 sets of 2 V
At any rate I'd go with the Alpine.
For Kenwood it's troubling that the signal to noise not being advertised (not a good sign), and I wish it had a pic of the back end so I could confirm what it really has on preouts.