9887..the right choice?

[UCF52 10+ year member]

I'm really not familiar with a panametric EQ. Maybe I should stick with a graphic EQ. What exactly is "Q"? It's on my JL amp too, but what does it do?
The perfect equalizer for me would be something the one on winamp.

btw UCF and others, I really appreciate the help. I know I'm a huge noob, but hopefully I'll turn into one of the guys GIVING advice someday. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

The Q adjusts how much above and below the center frequency is affected. Either real tight around 80hz or real broad around 80hz effecting all the way down to 20hz up to 160 hz. Almost like a slope of an eq, 36db is real sharp, 6db is not.

(from "89grand" on DIYMA)

This is a cool tutorial to learn what "Q" is. Also the middle adjustment (Center frequency adjustment) is the advantage of the parametric.

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/support_pages.php?page_id=144

 

[xdeadpixel 10+ year member]

Excellent. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

So, what would be a more budget unit with the 24 bit DAC, high SQ, good for CD's with high enough voltage preouts, and a nice EQ?

 

[Selkies 10+ year member]

I briefly looked, but I don't think there are many (if any) budget headunits with 24 bit DACs.

I have an older Alpine CDA-9825 that sounds fine. Look for something that has a high S/N ratio (95+) and 4v+ RCA Preouts, and any other features you'd like. Most budget type headunits are only going to have a 2 or 3 band EQ. The one in my headunit is only 2 way. However, I can choose 1 of 6 different frequencies to accent for the bass and treble. I would highly suggest getting a four channel amp of similar quality to the JL 300/4 that was mentioned earlier and a nice set of speakers for your front stage. That will greatly help the quality of your ride's sound.

If you're really stuck on the idea of a larger band Equalizer, you can always look into dash and truck mount solutions and defeat (turn off) the settings on your headunit. I'm in the middle of doing an indash EQ install for my truck. Take it from me, it's not as easy as I thought it would be, but I'm sure it will be worth it in the end.

 

[UCF52 10+ year member]

9886

CD3200

nothing from pioneer (budget)

 

[Selkies 10+ year member]

Alpine 9886Eclipse CD3200

nothing from pioneer (budget)

Man and I was just looking at the 9886 //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif

Add one to the list

Kenwood KDC-X791 and X792

 

[xdeadpixel 10+ year member]

Awesome. I'll look into all of those.

The only reason I'm set on a nice EQ is to adjust sound. I want to spend the money for the quality, and the mixed results here is confusing me.

I've got some people telling me that for all the SQ I need, I wouldn't need to spend that much.

Then I have people telling me to spend more money and get one with 24 bit DAC. Is it really worth the increase in price to get the heavier price tags, such as what has been named in the few posts above, or would it be better to save some money and go budget?

Also, for the recommendations above...which one would YOU guys recommend in my setup? Specifically? I've had great experience with alpine, and havn't used Eclipse or Kenwood before.

Thanks //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[Justintoxicated 10+ year member]

Awesome. I'll look into all of those.
The only reason I'm set on a nice EQ is to adjust sound. I want to spend the money for the quality, and the mixed results here is confusing me.

I've got some people telling me that for all the SQ I need, I wouldn't need to spend that much.

Then I have people telling me to spend more money and get one with 24 bit DAC. Is it really worth the increase in price to get the heavier price tags, such as what has been named in the few posts above, or would it be better to save some money and go budget?

Also, for the recommendations above...which one would YOU guys recommend in my setup? Specifically? I've had great experience with alpine, and havn't used Eclipse or Kenwood before.

Thanks //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

I think my old Eclipse CD5444 had most of the stuff your looking for. 24 bit DAC 5v low impedence preouts, I belive its 5 or 7 bad parametric EQ (I dunno because I always leave music on defeat so as to enjoy the way it is supposed to sound (the way it is recorded)). I find playing with EQ settings for every song I listen too is far too time consuming and the settings that sound good for one song don't sound as good on the next one. It also has TA and does play MP3's and has an AUX jack.

They go on ebay for about $100 and it is a very solid HU. You could also look into the 8454 as well it has a nicer display and I think for once eclipse even provided a pause button (not positive though), just don't expect HD radio or bluetooth. I would not be upgrading from mine if it had not been stolen. I can't believe how much it costs to get a 24 bit DAC these days, at least in any HU where it is properly implemented.

 

[UCF52 10+ year member]

You could definitely go used. Older Eclipse and the Pioneer 880's go for less than $250 - one just sold over on DIYMA for 200 shipped.

I'm an Eclispe fanboy so I say the CD3200, but everything listed so far is good.

 

[xdeadpixel 10+ year member]

You could definitely go used. Older Eclipse and the Pioneer 880's go for less than $250 - one just sold over on DIYMA for 200 shipped.
I'm an Eclispe fanboy so I say the CD3200, but everything listed so far is good.

Just for kicks, mind elaborating on why you prefer Eclipse? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

To be honest, I didn't really hear much about them until I came here.

 

[MikeATL 10+ year member]

Just go w/the Alpine 9886 and be done w/it, you won't regret it :stuck:

If you wanna save a few bucks, go w/the pioneer premier or eclipse..you really couldn't go wrong w/the models mentioned either.

 

[UCF52 10+ year member]

Just for kicks, mind elaborating on why you prefer Eclipse? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif
To be honest, I didn't really hear much about them until I came here.

I have only owned Eclipse. I probably would have purchased the Pioneer 800 this go around, but I was able to get a deal on the Eclipse that I couldn't pass up.

Just go w/the Alpine 9886 and be done w/it, you won't regret it :stuck:
If you wanna save a few bucks, go w/the pioneer premier or eclipse..you really couldn't go wrong w/the models mentioned either.

The Pioneer doesn't offer a 24-bit DAC on any of their deck under $400.

The 9886 and the 3200 go for the same on eBay.

 

[xdeadpixel 10+ year member]

Now that you guys got me set on a more budget HU, I'm trying to save money.

I lost the ebay bid on the 5444 (sniped at the last minute...) so I'm looking for something else with similar features.

 

[UCF52 10+ year member]

Now that you guys got me set on a more budget HU, I'm trying to save money.
I lost the ebay bid on the 5444 (sniped at the last minute...) so I'm looking for something else with similar features.

You can find a used Pioneer 880 for ~200-250. This leaves you the option to go active in the future.

 

[pilyin 10+ year member]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ECLIPSE-CD5000-INDASH-CAR-CD-MP3-PLAYER-CD-5000-NEW_W0QQitemZ140239387515QQihZ004QQcategoryZ18798QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Check out this unit. I've got one of these in my car and it sounds amazing. Extremely good sound. Also has a 7 band Parametric EQ that is easy to learn and lets you do a ton of stuff with your sound. Plus 8V pre-outs. You wouldn't be disappointed.

 

[xdeadpixel 10+ year member]

Okay I'm looking budget now guys.

Like, $150 shipped online.