2006 Alpine HUs

[SubaruFlamingo 10+ year member]

Hey all, this is my first post here.

I have a 2006 WRX STI, and do not like the stock system and want to use my ipod with it. I'm not a sound junkie, so the basic upgraded components should be fine for me, nothing extensive, HU + replace stock speakers + amp/sub.

So I was looking at HUs, from what I've heard, Eclipse and Alpine are 2 of the most respected in the mobile audio world. Personally, the Eclipse ones dont appeal to me at all in terms of looks. A few months ago I was looking at the Alpine's with the KCA-whatever ipod adapter, which a few other companies had versions of as well. A few days ago I found out about Alpine's '06 line which looks very appealing. A single $30 cable to connect the ipod to the HU without another box seems like a logical move, but I guess Im wondering will Pioneer's 06 models have this feature? I think I saw Eclipse's 06 line up in another thread here, but it didnt sound like they had that technology. Also, the Bluetooth availability on some of the midrange HUs sounded very appealing, although iPod and a good functioning HU are top priorities.

I guess Im wondering why there isn't more buzz about Alpine's new models? From an audio newb, it sounds like Alpine is really ahead of everyone else in terms of technology for the $200-500 range HU.

The two that look pretty good right now for me are:

Alpine CDE-9856

Alpine CDE-9852

Both around $200 which seems like a good deal.

Is there anything I should know about the competition coming for these things?

Thanks

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[60_cent 10+ year member]

stick with alpine...

I like the cda 9857 and plan to run it, the 9861 looks nice but I don't see spending the extra money for it. From what I read the only difference is the 9862 can play dvd and dvd audio which does nothing for me.

here is a direct link to the new 06 line

http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/products/series.php?category=AV_HU

 

[SubaruFlamingo 10+ year member]

And why would you go with the 9857 over say the 9856 for $170 more? I see the 57 has bluetooth which is cool, but what does "bluetooth ready" mean in the description for the 56?

 

[SubaruFlamingo 10+ year member]

Anyone know what "Bluetooth ready" means? Or should I just email Alpine and ask.

 

[Kagymp5 10+ year member]

its capable of being bluetooth

 

[geezy21unc 10+ year member]

yo , is that your WRX in the signature?

 

[ravens9322 10+ year member]

the 9856 would be a great choice for what your looking for

 

[negativezeroz 5,000+ posts]

Dude...I want your car. GDB's are badass. The 9856>9852 btw.

 

[SubaruFlamingo 10+ year member]

Haha yep thats my STI in the sig //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

GDBs?

So with the 9856, "bluetooth ready" means there will be an accessory in the future and I just pay $50 for some box or something and plug it into the HU and it will work with my cell?

 

[Kenny Pollock 10+ year member]

So with the 9856, "bluetooth ready" means there will be an accessory in the future and I just pay $50 for some box or something and plug it into the HU and it will work with my cell?

Most likely.

 

[Wildcard]

Yes, that is exactly what it is, it is a small box with a microphone that you can purchase as an option to make you phone work with your alpine hu

 

[SubaruFlamingo 10+ year member]

Oh well thats cool, I know I was breifly considering an off brand head unit with bluetooth that I was reading about in some car audio magazine, but then decided Id rather get something that I know is good such as Alpine and I definetly wanted iPod integration, so this is nice. In my parents '05 RX330, the Bluetooth system is amazing, although the car was designed that way so the mic is built into the rearview mirror. Still, it will be interesting to see how the manufacturers work bluetooth into the HUs and how many features it will have (ie phonebook, speed dialing, etc.).

Well I guess at this point the 9856 is the clear choice, especially if its $230.

I have a few general audio questions, but I will start another more general thread for that. Thanks for everyone's help.