Headunits decision. Help needed!

[HHawk 10+ year member]

Hi guys (and girls),

I am looking for a new headunit, cause I'm totally fed up with my current Pioneer DEH-8400MP! Why you ask?

Biggest flaw: every time at the end of a MP3 track there is a 3-4 second delay before it starts the next track. I tried everything; lower kbs, WMA, different burning techniques, etc.

No use!

Then I started to remember that I had a Kenwood in my previous car (before I had that one, I had also a Pioneer, same problems. Stupid for me to think the problems would be solved by now by Pioneer). In any case, back then I had a Kenwood (I believe it was the previous version of the PSW9521 or somthing), which didn't have those **** pauses between MP3 tracks at all!

So therefore I am looking now for a new headunit and hopefully you guys can help me making my decision.

A few things beforehand:

- I don't need an internal amplifier neccesarely.

- I want, sorry, I demand a headunit which doesn't have the lame pauses in between MP3 tracks!

- I prefer sound quality instead of gimmicks.

I'm currently having difficulties in choosing between the following 3 headunits:

1. Rockford Fosgate RFX-9420 ®

2. Alpine CDA-7998 ®

3. Alpine CDA-9815 (RB)

® & (RB) stands for European versions.

What would you recommend and give a reason please. Thanks.

Michel

The Netherlands

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[ss3079 5,000+ posts]

If you have the money, I'd go with the 7998. I have one, and love it to death. You should be able to play with each deck at a local shop, so that's what I'd do first of all. Bring in an mp3 disk and see which one you like best. After all, you're the one that is going to be using the unit //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

- Steve

 

[cjj2d 10+ year member]

I personally would go with Alpine, especially since you said Sound Quality is a must for you. I have had many Alpines and loved them all. I currently have a 9813, it has many features that cater to SQ. Crossovers, EQs, etc. I just installed mine in my new car the other day and it is the first time I am running it without a seperate Alpine processor so I am still messing around with all the features. But it is turning out quite nicely. I do not run MP3 files so I couldn't tell you about the pause situation. But I do highly recommend this headunit.

 

[Rutedog 10+ year member]

I am loving my new Alpine 7998. Wanted to try something other than a Pioneer Premier and boy am I happy I made this purchase. I am always finding something new to tweak.

 

[Alpine CDA-9815 10+ year member]

Alpine 7998 or 9815. If you want great SQ and a fast loading MP3 player, then you need to get either one of those. I have an Alpine 9815 and I wouldn't trade it for any other HU, well maybe a new Alpine.

 

[Bavarian3 10+ year member]

Alpine 7998 or 9815. If you want great SQ and a fast loading MP3 player, then you need to get either one of those. I have an Alpine 9815 and I wouldn't trade it for any other HU, well maybe a new Alpine.

yup.......