Need help finding a HU

[KOL]

What do you recommend for >$500 with:

SQ #1
time alignment
subwoofer level control
3 sets of 4v preouts or higher
decent EQ capabilities - independent L/R is preferred
active capable is also preferred but not a deal breaker

[07ramjam]

Alpine 9887 Pioneer PRS 880 Eclipse 7200

These are pretty popular and will have everything youre looking for.The 9887 is the boner here.

[nineball]

kenwood x993 fits everything but active, but it's trade-off would be bt.

[KOL]

When do this years new models start popping up?

The Eclipse 7200 is fugley & a little pricey
The Pioneer 880 looks to have everything I'm looking for, except the fact that its a Pioneer. I tried a Pioneer before & didn't care much for its sound & interface.
The Kenwood x993 looks pretty nice but how does it sound? It lacks good EQ & x/over capabilities as well.
The Alpine 9887 looks like the front runner. Too bad you can't independently adjust the L/R EQ.

[defianttek]

Get the Alpine 9887 and then run imprint

[nuugen]

Go back a couple years and get a CDA 9835 off ebay..One of the most flexible and best sounding 'pines ever..won't do sep l/r eq but has excellent eq/x-over functions..

[AlterEgo99]

Get the Alpine 9887 and then run imprint

x2

If you go that route, I have some Imprint guidelines that can save you some time. Awesome HU and Imprint rocks.

[KOL]

Imprint doesn't intrest me much, I've seen too many mixed reviews. Since my ears are doing the listening, I'd rather tune with those.

[FJF]

Since my ears are doing the listening, I'd rather tune with those.

You seem to have a pretty good handle on things. Like you, I dismissed the Eclipse on the basis of its cosmetics. I had a 880 and sold it for a 9887. The 880 was more flexible of the two, its appearance wasn't bad, but it was an ergonomic nightmare. The Alpine is much more user-friendly, but it does lack the Pioneer's extensive tuning features, as you know. Sound wise, outside of relatively subtle tonal differences, the two are similar.

[AlterEgo99]

Imprint doesn't intrest me much, I've seen too many mixed reviews. Since my ears are doing the listening, I'd rather tune with those.

As do mine (ears that is)...and as a user of Imprint, it is very good on the ears! You just need to know how to set the amps before running the software.

[KOL]

A Clarion DXZ9255 looks to be exactly what I want. Too bad it's so expensive

Are there any nice new Alpines coming out this year? I might just hold off and see what their next line-up looks like.