Alpine DVA 7996 vs. CDA 7998

[Baby M3]

Thank you very much for your thorough explanation!

I actually had my eyes set on the DVA 7996 but have since thought a lot about the CDA 7939 you mentioned in your post.

You stated that the need for sub output is moot with the ERA-G320, could you elaborate? My TDA 7558 (I am sure the 7998 and 7996 have the same function as well) actually allows me to control the sub volume from 1-15, which is a very convenient feature. With the 7939, which does not have a subwoofer output, how do I adjust the subwoofer volume?

Also, could you explain if adjusting the sub volume setting in the 7558/7998/7996 head unit is the same as turning up or down the gain control on the amplifier? How about Alpine's remote bass knob for the amplifier? Is it more like a subwoofer volume control remote? Or is it more like a gain control device?

Many thanks!

Jon

 

[whitemax 10+ year member]

I still have a TDA-7558, & two CDA-7939's (actually selling them now). I've owned several ERA-G320's, & had those paired with a TDA-7558, and also a CDA-7949. While I've never used my CDA-7939's with an ERA-G320, I have used them with a PXA-H600. Eventhough the 7939 did not have a subwoofer preout, I was able to control the subwoofer preout coming out of the processor via the HU. The same would be true for the ERA-G320 if my memory serves me right.

Of the Alpine amps I used that had the remote knob, it acted as a volume control for the amp, similar to you adjusting the subwoofer volume from your HU.

Those old HU's were some of my favorites. Reason I had several of them. I gave my son my last CDA-7949, PXA-H600, & CHA-S624 combo, along with the rest of the gear in my old car. I offered to give him either my CDA-117 or the CDA-9887, but he preferred the old school gear.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

My recollection was the ability to control sub level when connected through Ai-Net to an external processor. I wouldn't have ran it otherwise.

And the 7940 does have an Amber illumination setting, was just reading the manual for it. I have PDF's of manuals for most of the head units mentioned in this thread.

 

[whitemax 10+ year member]

You're right about being able to control the sub when connecting the unit to an Ai-Net processor. I would not have used it either if that were not the case.

I too have PDF's of those old HU's. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Alpine HU's have always been my favorite, easy to use in a vehicle and sounded great.

 

[Baby M3]

This is great information! Thank you guys again for the clarification.

I like the 7930 but since it's essentially the CD counter part of my TDA 7558 (circa 1996), I suspect the look and functionality of both head units are substantially alike. And if I am correct, I think most of Alpine's higher end head units made in 1996 and after should have a sub output.

For now, I am a little bit torn between the DVA 7996 and the CDA 7939. Both seem to offer great SQ and since I really have no need for DVDs, I guess it's a matter of style if the 7939 allows subwoofer adjustments.

Please bear with my ignorance. If I am reading the information correctly, are you saying that once I have a 7939 hooked up to the ERA-G320, the 7939 will then have the subwoofer volume function (0-15) for adjustment even though it doesn't have this function by itself?

What confuses me is that for the 7939, it has 2 outputs for the front and 2 for the rear. And since I would like to keep my rear speakers and all balance/fade adjustments, do I run the sub output from the ERA-G320 instead?

Jon

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

when using the G320, all of the RCA's come from the G320. The AiNet output when set to Proc mode will result in a constant volume signal being sent out of the RCA outputs (the AiNet signal is analog). The volume control is happening back at the G320 brain via Data Bus signal in the AiNet cable.

so yes, you have full control over all of the G320 outputs just the same as any other head unit. Mode toggles between Sub Level, Balance, and Fader. While the 7939 doesn't have time correction internal, it can control time correction of the G320.

Alpine did a good job making those head units nearly universal with their processors. I even had good results with the 7930 on the newer H701 processor.

 

[Baby M3]

Thanks once again for your help!

Now that I've got the TDA 7558 waiting to be pulled and replaced by a DVA 7996 I just picked up on eBay.

But after reading all the information I am a little tempted by getting a CDA 7939 installed.

Choices choices... I may just have to let it sink in my head for a little bit longer before I decide.

Jon