Alpine CDE 121 - Good or Bad?

[big_a 10+ year member]

Is this a good HU for around $100?? Ive been reading mixed reviews but dont have much to spend on one. I just want the best unit that plays cds & will let me connect a mp3 player

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.

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[wErd 5,000+ posts]

I've got one. It's a pretty basic cd player. I love the alpine quality of the deck. But don't expect a ton of features. The iPod controls are incredible. Of course it also has aux input. For a simple setup it worked perfect for me. But one set of preouts is a bummer. I'd buy again especially for the price. If you have any specific questions, don't be shy

 

[DoesDad 10+ year member]

I used to have one in an older car I sold. I didn't have an amp or anything so it was just driving the stock 6 X 9's and the 5.25's but I liked it a lot. I now have a more expensive Kenwood and the Alpine would've blown it away. Not a bad head unit for 120 bucks.

 

[husker77 10+ year member]

That is what my son has in his truck, I really don't like it, but I'm used to higher end decks. I don't care for the interface or the tuning features.

 

[JoshC 10+ year member]

get a JVC arsenal, there around 100-120

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

Kenwood eXcelon has the best

KDC-X395

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X395 CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Audio features:

System Q Sound Control (6 EQ curves and a 3-band parametric equalizer)

Supreme Setting function restores high frequencies in music files

high- and low-pass filters for speaker and preamp outputs

subwoofer level controls

Expandability:

iPod direct control via USB input — no adapter necessary, but adding Kenwood's optional cable lets you leave your iPod cable at home

compatible with Kenwood Bluetooth adapter, satellite radio, HD Radio tuner

inputs: front panel auxiliary and USB inputs

outputs: 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, subwoofer)

Other features and specs:

compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)

warranty: 2 years

 

[SplAffair 10+ year member]

Kenwood eXcelon has the best
KDC-X395

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X395 CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Audio features:

System Q Sound Control (6 EQ curves and a 3-band parametric equalizer)

Supreme Setting function restores high frequencies in music files

high- and low-pass filters for speaker and preamp outputs

subwoofer level controls

Expandability:

iPod direct control via USB input — no adapter necessary, but adding Kenwood's optional cable lets you leave your iPod cable at home

compatible with Kenwood Bluetooth adapter, satellite radio, HD Radio tuner

inputs: front panel auxiliary and USB inputs

outputs: 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, subwoofer)

Other features and specs:

compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)

warranty: 2 years

Yep I absolutely love mine

 

[big_a 10+ year member]

The Kenwood KDC 396 is $10 more than the 395. Are there any differences between the 2