How does the "auto time correction" feature work on the Pioneer HU's?

[grampi 10+ year member]

I was checking the out the Pioneer HU's and I noticed some of their models have a feature called "auto time correction." I know what time correction is, but what makes it automatic and how does it work? Also, is there any difference in SQ between the Premier and non-Premier units? How does the SQ of the Pioneers compare to that of the Eclipse HU's? I was also considering Alpine HU's, but they've completely done away with time correction on all of their units, so they're no longer in the running.

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[Qbenjamin 10+ year member]

Which model were you looking at?

 

[grampi 10+ year member]

DEH-P980BT and the DEH-P880PRS

 

[99StangGt 10+ year member]

They have a microphone that you stick on your headrest. Then the deck will play pink noise through each speaker and the deck changes the alignment and I think levels for each speaker including sub. If I can remember right the 880 also does the EQ settings also. It works ok but I always had to tweak the settings for my taste. SQ should be the same between the premier and pioneer lines, 880 is only premier. Between pioneer and eclipse i would say its up to the individuals taste. Alpine is coming out with a cda-9887 that does have processing in it again, should be out sometime soon. Heres a link to crutchfield website for details.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-AiSTIY25o9t/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&tab=features_and_specs&i=500CDA9887

 

[grampi 10+ year member]

99StangGT

I wasn't able to find any specs for the 9887 that showed it as having time correction. It must not be close enough to being released yet to have all its specs posted.

Do you have a 980 or 880? Just from you description it sounds like you either have one, or you've at least done some playing around with one.

Of course I would have to go listen to some of the units I'm interested in, but it sounds like the 980 would have an edge in SQ simply by virtue of the flexibility it offers in terms of the EQ and the auto time correction functions of the unit. I've done some messing around with spectrum anylizers in the past, but none of my previous systems have had the features that allow the kind of flexibility of the new units. You are right about setting a flat freq response though. Even if it's perfect, everyone's taste is a little different and you still end up having to make some minor tweeks. For example, I prefer more sub output than what's available with a flat freq response. At any rate, I couldn't see spending an extra $200+ on an Eclipse HU that doesn't have as many features as the 980, unless there's a marked difference in SQ.

For what it's worth, the 980 is also listed as a Premier model on Pioneer's web site.

 

[99StangGt 10+ year member]

I have had the 880. It has a little more tuning then the 980. It has independent eq, right and left can be adjusted different. It also has a 3way crossover if you want to run active crossover, separate amps for tweeters, mids and sub. The 980 is the premier and the 9800 is the pioneer. I am not a huge fan of the newer eclipse line, always loved the old 8503. The 980 has the bluetooth so thats why it cost so much. The new Alpine does have t/a it is out in Australia I think( some on ebay for sale). here is a link to their website and it shows the specs. It also does 3way active crossover. I liked my 880 but ran into money issues and sold it. Now running my 9835 that I like alot also.

http://www.alpine.com.au/products/product.asp?modelID=291

 

[grampi 10+ year member]

Is the 9835 an Alpine? Does it have time correction?

 

[99StangGt 10+ year member]

9835 is the last Alpine with time alignment, active crossovers and 5 band parametric eq, that didnt have the glide touch. last ones were built in 04.