Looking for New Unit.. ideas?

[Digital B 10+ year member]

I'm looking for a new headunit for my new system I'm building. Something in the range of $350-500. I currently have Alpine.. not to happy with it though.. anyone have any ideas?

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[Jason Sybert 10+ year member]

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=88033&catGroupId=25028&modelNo=CQ-CB8901U&surfModel=CQ-CB8901U&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702

this is my recomendation to you. It will be my next HU.

 

[zfactor 10+ year member]

for the money so far looks like the deh-p880prs is the one to beat for sq... otherwise id step up to the eclipse cd5000 or cd7000 depending on your budget..currently in the same boat but just cant decide....

 

[bri487 5,000+ posts]

i think that the cd5000 from eclipse is like 600, but you might find a deal from a shop somewhere. good deck though, it seems as though the build quality of eclipse decks is on its way back up.

 

[thai_creeper 10+ year member]

which alpine do u have and what about it isnt making u happy?

 

[aadadams 10+ year member]

I picked up a P880PRS a couple days ago and I absolutely love it. I moved from an Alpine as well. I would have bought another Alpine, but their 2006 stuff is not up to par, and this Pioneer beats it hands down. If an OEL is important to you as well as ipod functionality this unit is hard to beat. It has 5 volt preouts and can operate in Network/Pro mode for a three way setup. It has two knobs rather than the single knob like the other 2006 Pioneers setting it apart. The OEL is not color but who needs that anyway. You can turn the internal amp off if you run your system completely off amps to eliminate noise from the internal fans and etc. This HU is the best thing since sliced bread. They can be had on ebay for around 325. My authorized dealer gave it to me for 425 and the MSRP is 475. I wanted a validated warranty so I felt an extra hundred bucks was not too significant a premium to pay. I'm running on a bit, but I really am impressed with this deck. Before you buy do yourself a big favor and check this HU out. Having assessed the CD5000 and CD7000 in person they were not appealing. the layout of both units including the screen was totally hideous IMO.

 

[zfactor 10+ year member]

id like more info on the eq on the 880 aadadams.... is it like the rest of the pioneers where yes it has say 10 bands but you canonly adjust one in each group if you know what i mean.. or are each of the 16 bands fully adjustable...and on left and right???each side can be individually changed.... also is the face fully motorized..?? no pushing it back up...how are the pre-outs on it... are they def 5volts... or are they 5 volts at max volume like most (bogus rating) and can you tell me what it says for 5volt @ what impedance (ohm) in the manual??? i know its a lot to ask but i cant find one anywhere around here... and so little info not even on pioneers web site yet. thanks

 

[denalilvr 10+ year member]

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4041_64496605,00.html

can be had on ebay for $325-$350 brand new

 

[zfactor 10+ year member]

a buddy at another shop had way to many of those come back defective.. i would stay away from that one myself...

 

[denalilvr 10+ year member]

a buddy at another shop had way to many of those come back defective.. i would stay away from that one myself...

the one i just listed the link to? **** i was about to order one for myself..

 

[zfactor 10+ year member]

yep they were well known for problems.

 

[aadadams 10+ year member]

In standard mode there are 5 presets and 2 custom EQ settings. The presets can be adjusted +/- 6 db in unison (Note: I am not sure but I think you can fine tune the presets by adjusting each of the 16 frequencies as well) and each frequency of the customs can be adjusted independently and saved. In network mode (synonymous with pro) or standard mode the left and right channels are adjustable independently. The auto timing and EQ supposedly make excellent use of this when used. I have not done it yet. I have older neighbors and the manual says the feature gets pretty loud. The manual says that the preouts are 5v at 100 ohms. BTW: The S/N is 105. I was under the impression that it was lower than that. Pleasant surprise. If you have any other questions fire away.