Decline of Alpine?

[Nightskye 10+ year member]

I'm looking for a new HU and checked out the '05 Alpine models.

Most of them seem to be about 2/3 the price compared to the '04 models they're replacing.

Example:

CDA-9831 Target Retail Price US $450.00

CDA-9851 Target Retail Price US $300.00

The only important difference I see is they dropped the preouts to 2v on the 9851 from 4v on the 9831.

What do you think explains the drastic price drop? Lower quality? Compete better with other manufacturers?

I see some other people on here are wary of the '05 models, tending to recommend buying comparable '04 models when asked.

Decline of Alpine? Or do you think the '05 lineup will maintain the quality of the older HUs?

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[DanielW 10+ year member]

I bought the 9853 and I have to say that the glidetouch is a step in the wrong direction. I think I'll return it and hunt for an 9833.

 

[Decipha 10+ year member]

If you can find a decent price on the 9833 let me know im looking for one myself.

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

You're about a day too late. Crutchfield was blowing them out for $270 a piece......but they are out of stock now //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif Hell, I almost picked one up for that price.

 

[3.5Max6spd 10+ year member]

Not a decline....just not a step forward. Same ish, more gimmick... Glide touch strip is kinda wack, I like the 9835 better

 

[snebes 10+ year member]

Not a decline....just not a step forward. Same ish, more gimmick... Glide touch strip is kinda wack, I like the 9835 better

Check out Circuit Citys in your area, you might find one on clearance yet. I had about $60 in giftcards (not local for me, and i dont shop there or best buy for that matter) that I used toward a 9831 there...got it under 200 cash

 

[tgenius 10+ year member]

I've noticed ALOT of people complaining about the Glidetouch.. it may be better, but reality is I don't like the idea of that strip. I hunted down a 9835.. cost me $450, but I think It just looks easier to manage with the physical buttons (Even though I'm sure the glidetouch will help for adjusting different settings.)

 

[60_cent 10+ year member]

I'm looking for a new HU and checked out the '05 Alpine models.
Most of them seem to be about 2/3 the price compared to the '04 models they're replacing.

Example:

CDA-9831 Target Retail Price US $450.00

CDA-9851 Target Retail Price US $300.00

The only important difference I see is they dropped the preouts to 2v on the 9851 from 4v on the 9831.

What do you think explains the drastic price drop? Lower quality? Compete better with other manufacturers?

I see some other people on here are wary of the '05 models, tending to recommend buying comparable '04 models when asked.

Decline of Alpine? Or do you think the '05 lineup will maintain the quality of the older HUs?

Are you kdding or what?

 

[Harrison 10+ year member]

I've noticed ALOT of people complaining about the Glidetouch.. it may be better, but reality is I don't like the idea of that strip. I hunted down a 9835.. cost me $450, but I think It just looks easier to manage with the physical buttons (Even though I'm sure the glidetouch will help for adjusting different settings.)

You get use to it and soon the strip feels just like actual buttons, I really have no idea why people are complaining about it. Also about them stepping down from 4 volts to 2 volts, wasnt there always a complaint or rumor about Alpines never producing a full 4 volts without clipping? Maybe they just decided to show a true number or have gone through another rating system.

 

[cjjackson85 5,000+ posts]

I like the new touchstrip. I got a chance to play with it at a local shop. Took a little getting used to but once I got the hang of it, all smooth sailin'.

 

[cjj2d 10+ year member]

I have the 9855 and don't think it is a step back at all. The glide touch takes a minute to get the hang of, but once you get it its just like anything else. I like it. As far as features, I am glad to see the external DC converter back for them to produce a better pre out current. I went from a 9813 to the 9855 and am pleased. The only diff between the 9835 and 9855 is glide touch, if you like it get the 9855 if not go 9835.

 

[cjjackson85 5,000+ posts]

I thought they took out the external DC/DC converter this year? Must have been misinformed...

 

[cjj2d 10+ year member]

It was presant on my 7841(if I remember the model correctly) and was not on the 9813. but is back for the 9855.

 

[netherland24 5,000+ posts]

9815 is the shit has everything that a 9830 does

 

[ighettoboyi 10+ year member]

i like my 9830 WHAT haha