Eclipse CD8051 or Eclipse CD8454

[dsw1204]

To anyone who knows the older, higher-end Eclipse head units. I really did it this time. I, now, am the proud but rather embarrassed owner of two recently purchased high-quality, upper-echelon head units (I only need one...not quite sure why I purchased a second one). Both are NOS and unused. One is the Eclipse CD8051 and the other is the Eclipse CD8454. I think the 8051 will be a little more simple to operate but I don't think it has the multi 24 bit DAC's that is incorporated in the 8454. I know the 8454 is a newer model and is loaded with a bunch of features that the 8051 lacks. The one I keep will be replacing an Eclipse 55040 which I will miss sorely . It's been an absolutely fabulous head unit. So, I am throwing this out here to you enthusiasts: Which one would you keep? And why?

I do appreciate any and all input.

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[dsw1204]

Wow, I really thought somebody would have had some opinions here.

 

[Jroo 10+ year member]

This is going by memory on the 8051 but I still run a 8454. The 8051 was a deadhead unit with no internal amp. The 8454 has an internal amp and better x over, TA, and other features. Both are good sounding decks and some say the older ones like the 8051 were slightly better sounding. I think my 8454 is pain to use and I think the 8051 is much easier. Part of your decision will based on the rest of your system. What other equipment are you going to run?

 

[dsw1204]

This is going by memory on the 8051 but I still run a 8454. The 8051 was a deadhead unit with no internal amp. The 8454 has an internal amp and better x over, TA, and other features. Both are good sounding decks and some say the older ones like the 8051 were slightly better sounding. I think my 8454 is pain to use and I think the 8051 is much easier. Part of your decision will based on the rest of your system. What other equipment are you going to run?

Hi, I appreciate the input. My system is a simple one. I have Infinity Kappas in the front doors, Eclipse 6x9's in back, and have an Alpine 4-channel amp running everytning. I am thinking of getting a sub, but not sure if I want a powered sub or not. I don't have a lot of space in my trunk for a sub as I have lots of "stuff" in my trunk, so I am thinking of one of those small 8" powered subs that fit under the front seat. I may switch out the Kappas and put in some components, but that will be down the road a bit...if at all. My 55040 is an absolutely phenomenal sounding unit, as I now have my system set up. But, it is getting old and does not play some audio books, which is weird because it plays all of my music CD's.

Exactly what is it about the 8454 that makes it a pain to use?

 

[Inferno333 10+ year member]

I would use the 8454 over the 8051.

I use an 8053 myself.

 

[dsw1204]

I would use the 8454 over the 8051.
I use an 8053 myself.

Why would you use the 8454 over the 8051? If I could get my hands on the 8053, I would probably use that one.

 

[Inferno333 10+ year member]

It has more options. Standard and pro mode. TA, EQ, crossovers. Better playback of different source material and formats.

 

[dsw1204]

It has more options. Standard and pro mode. TA, EQ, crossovers. Better playback of different source material and formats.

Are you telling me that playback from the 8454 will be better than the 8051 when I am playing music from my iPhone thru the headunits?

 

[Inferno333 10+ year member]

It does have better DACs.

 

[What was that? 10+ year member]

8454 is the better all in one unit. The 8051 was designed to be used with the 39011 or 2301 DSP's. If you don't have either dsp then the 8454 is definitely the better choice. I own all three. iPod playback depends on how. It could be crap if it's just poorly compressed mp3. If it's wav files then you could be missing out by having a lesser quality hu. And DAC's always matter unless your are running a digital input amp.

 

[michaellane 5,000+ posts]

Wow, I really thought somebody would have had some opinions here.

I love the 8454...

 

[dsw1204]

8454 is the better all in one unit. The 8051 was designed to be used with the 39011 or 2301 DSP's. If you don't have either dsp then the 8454 is definitely the better choice. I own all three. iPod playback depends on how. It could be crap if it's just poorly compressed mp3. If it's wav files then you could be missing out by having a lesser quality hu. And DAC's always matter unless your are running a digital input amp.

I don't know anything about digital input amps. What are they?

 

[What was that? 10+ year member]

Some amps can accept a digital signal like toslink. So no rca's. Conversion is done in the amp.

 

[Jroo 10+ year member]

The going in and out of pro mode and standard mode is a pain to me. For a simple system you can't just turn down the bass or adjust the treble. You have to go and adjust eq to do simple things. For me it is a set and forget it type head unit. It is a the newer unit out he two, and would be closest to offerings today. Even with the upgraded DACs, there are people that swear the older Eclipse like the 8051 or my old 5303R sound better. If I had a nice outboard processor with eq and T/A, I would run the older Eclipse. If I was going straight to amps like I amnow, I would go with the 8454.

 

[dsw1204]

The going in and out of pro mode and standard mode is a pain to me. For a simple system you can't just turn down the bass or adjust the treble. You have to go and adjust eq to do simple things. For me it is a set and forget it type head unit. It is a the newer unit out he two, and would be closest to offerings today. Even with the upgraded DACs, there are people that swear the older Eclipse like the 8051 or my old 5303R sound better. If I had a nice outboard processor with eq and T/A, I would run the older Eclipse. If I was going straight to amps like I amnow, I would go with the 8454.

Are you telling me that to adjust the bass or treble on the 8454 is not a simple process? I don't know if my current 55040 is older than your 5303r, but music from my simple little system is absolutely amazing. And I am a little concerned that the 8051 or 8454 (one of these will replace my 55040) may not stand up to the SQ of the 55040. I, also, did not know that some people think the 8051 has better SQ than the 8454. Oh my, what am I to do? Replace my beloved 55040 with the 8051 or 8454? I know, not a bad problem to have!