Help wanted choosing new HU

[bozzchem 10+ year member]

This is my first post to the forum so be gentle with me. I don't mean to step on toes or come off as someone who seems like a lazy *** who doesn't know about the search feature.

Please read and respond if you're knowledgeable and can help me out.

Here is the quick rundown of my current system:

HU: Alpine CDA-9833 (I've got the 6 disc mp3 changer and the Sirius unit as well)

Front speakers: JBL C608GTi

Front amp: JBL PX 600.2

Subs: (2) JBL W10GTi in a sealed enclosure

Sub amp: JBL BPX 1100.1

OK, my question is about a new HU. I want something with a USB port since I'd prefer using a thumbdrive rather than burning things to a disc.

Based on my quick research, I'm looking at the Pioneer Premeir DEH-P710BT

My wife's sons will love getting the Alpine gear but I'm looking for a HU that provides the ability to tailor the sound to my taste as well as popping an external USB drive on so I don't have to deal with discs any longer. I do want the option to use a disc but personally don't plan to use them again.

Much thanks goes to all who can help me decide.

Pete

Click to read more...

 

[thormxkid 10+ year member]

kenwood 693>710 anyday

and it's cheaper

or 993 if you are going to use the BT

 

[ejschultz 10+ year member]

Most newer HUs are going to be a step down from your 9833. Think about it before you switch just to get a USB input.

 

[bozzchem 10+ year member]

Most newer HUs are going to be a step down from your 9833. Think about it before you switch just to get a USB input.

Funny you should say that. I've noticed that the new Alpine gear doesn't have anywhere near the features of the 9833 when comparing based on cost.

What's the deal with the new HUs?

Yes, I want USB badly enough to do the upgrade. I wish there was a way to just add a USB adapter of some type to my current system.

 

[nineball 10+ year member]

i have a kenwood x993 and love it. very good sq, tons of tuning options, usb, aux-in, parrot bt system and supports streaming bt audio. it's also compatible with every version of ipod/iphone/itouch.

 

[cf2004 10+ year member]

mayber you could bet something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/Alpine-KCA-620M-USB-ADAPTER-FOR-IPOD-AND-MP3-PLAYERS_W0QQitemZ320425093983QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9ad2eb5f&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

it would allow you to keep your current hu and have usb

 

[ejschultz 10+ year member]

mayber you could bet something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/Alpine-KCA-620M-USB-ADAPTER-FOR-IPOD-AND-MP3-PLAYERS_W0QQitemZ320425093983QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9ad2eb5f&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
it would allow you to keep your current hu and have usb

****, I was going to look for one of those. I wasn't sure if they made it. That's definitely what I would do.

 

[nineball 10+ year member]

just be certain it works with your particular model hu. nothing worse than buying something only to find out it won't work for you...

 

[ejschultz 10+ year member]

just be certain it works with your particular model hu. nothing worse than buying something only to find out it won't work for you...

That supposedly works with all 2004 and up Alpines with the Ai-Net connection. The 9833 is a 2004 model. It should work.

 

[bozzchem 10+ year member]

mayber you could bet something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/Alpine-KCA-620M-USB-ADAPTER-FOR-IPOD-AND-MP3-PLAYERS_W0QQitemZ320425093983QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9ad2eb5f&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
it would allow you to keep your current hu and have usb

Then you read the opinions of those that own it and realize it's a POS that doesn't seem to work as advertised. Go figure. I'm not looking to traverse new territory and patch up a system. As far as I'm concerned, Alpine left it's base when they decided we needed to purchase a separate unit just to set the acoustics in the vehicle. If you're for that, great. I'm not so will no longer support them. My current Alpine HU will be my last Alpine HU. I will never buy another Alpine since they have decided to require additional purchases just to get the HU sounding as it should. Great for them, shitty for us. If you want to go that route, more power to you. I sure as hell won't.

I'm simply looking for a new HU that allows me to use a CD on the off chance I want to use one but the main focus of my system will be USB.

I have an HU and changer that will play mp3s out the wazoo if I want to go that route. I don't. I just want a HU that allows me to plug in a jump drive and still have all of the tweaking capabilities for making it sound good.

Based on paper specs, I still haven't seen anything that tops the Pioneer I had previously mentioned. I looked at the Kenwood suggested which didn't even come close.

I'll put a CD in the new HU only when that is all I have to listen to based on something given to me. The main focus of the HU will most certainly be USB. I want something I plug in a USB drive and get my tunes from there.

I don't have an Iphone and don't plan to get one since there is no coverage in my area.

The Pioneer Premier I had previously mentioned still looks like the best option.

I certainly appreciate all responses and hope you realize that I'm not knocking any suggestions but rather just stating what I see based on my research. Much thanks to all.

 

[nineball 10+ year member]

Based on paper specs, I still haven't seen anything that tops the Pioneer I had previously mentioned. I looked at the Kenwood suggested which didn't even come close.

Ok, you peaked my curiosity. Exactly what specs are you talking about that make the Pioneer blow away the Kenwood? You did look at the x993 right?

 

[Wasatch 10+ year member]

I just switched out my Alpine CDM-9803 for the Pioneer Premier DEH-510UB. The Pioneer smokes it, don't get me wrong the Alpine was a great player, but the Pioneer is in a different class.

 

[bozzchem 10+ year member]

The deal/research is done. The Pioneer DEH-710BT is on it's way. I was tempted to opt for the DEH-P800PRS but couldn't justify the cost for how I'll be using it.

The Alpine HU and changer will go to a college kid who will most certainly appreciate their capabilities...since they will be free to him...other than my time helping him install them properly. Geezus some kids will slap that $hit in with whatever wire they pick up from a grocery store! I assured him it would take a few hours but would be installed properly. One would think getting an Alpine HU and changer for free (cost me easily $650+ initially) would motivate one to cough up the coin for $50 worth of wire and interconnects?? Grabbing the $hit leftover from a DVD player made me cringe. That's not going to happen.

I appreciate all of your help and will most certainly provide an honest review of the unit once it is installed and operating...as if my opinion really matters? Either way, It's good to hear feedback from users rather than feedback from media outlets who may be "swayed".

 

[bozzchem 10+ year member]

Ok, you peaked my curiosity. Exactly what specs are you talking about that make the Pioneer blow away the Kenwood? You did look at the x993 right?

To be fair, I didn't say the Pioneer "blew away" the Kenwood. I merely stated that the specs on paper for the two units indicated the Pioneer would be a better fit for MY situation. If you would like to quote me, please do so. Please don't put words in my mouth.

I have owned two previous Kenwood decks. One I was happy with whereas the other $hit the bed in a short period of time. I have installed two other Kenwood units for folks who loved them and are probably lifelong Kenwood fans. The units worked for them in their desired capacity. I helped them choose them and steered them to the Kenwood decks based on what they wanted from their system and what they expected from their system.

Keep in mind this is only MY opinion and should most certainly be researched and vetted, as I am attempting to do. I have owned/installed decks from the following manufacturers: Alpine, Clarion, Jensen, JVC and Kenwood...soon to be added to the list is Pioneer. Most notably for my personal use for the past 10 years are Alpine decks. I am very disappointed with what Alpine currently offers and quite frankly had issues with the two Alpine decks I owned. Again, that was all based on MY opinion.

My speakers and amplifiers aren't top of the line nor are they by any means substandard considering some could be considered competition level back when I purchased them. I like my music to sound like I like it.

The Pioneer I chose offers a better option for tweaking sound to my tastes. The Kenwood offers a 5 band EQ whereas the Pioneer offers a 7 band EQ. The Pioneer offers two USB inputs whereas the Kenwood offers one.

I'm not knocking the Kenwood. I'm just saying that I didn't think it was the best choice for how I listen to music nor how I plan to use the HU. The cost difference was minimal so I opted for the Pioneer. If anything, I think the Kenwood unit looks more user friendly and have no doubt the Pioneer unit is going to piss me off until I've adjusted from the Alpine to it.

 

[nineball 10+ year member]

who put any words in your mouth? i did quote you . if you are that sensitive you are never gonna make it on this board.

if 2 bands of eq and a second usb port make specs that "do not even come close" what is close? (see i quoted you again!)