Looking to replace an Alpine 9807 - need better SQ and better sub out response

[nefariouscaine 10+ year member]

I had me an older Panasonic unit - can't remember the model number but it was an older 02 or 03 job that was pre MP3 being common. It had a manual flip down face with a "touch screen" faceplate that went black when power was off.

Not sure what happened to it but it decided to start smoking on me one day...

Did a quick replace with the first "decent" MP3 playing unit I could find cheap and well I kinda got what I paid for this time around as far as sound quality goes. I'm not saying its bad but its not as warm as that Panasonic was thats for sure. Add in that regardless of settings on amp or head unit I need to crank the volume up HIGH in order to get decent output from the sub/amp. Did not have this with the Panasonic unit ever.

Did my checking before buying that Alpine 9807 and its got 4v preout on the sub. Doesn't matter if I crank that up or not. Only thing that "helps" is enabling the MX processing (kinda like frequency boost that the headunit supposedly processes and fills in missing tones etc etc, seems to be more like a bass boost with mild mid/high boosting included) and using the bass boost but again that defeats the purpose.

I'm willing to think about giving up MP3 play if I need to. I need some warmer sounds and something that doesn't have this seeming issue on low volume sub out except at higher volumes.

Thoughts & suggestions please. Keep in mind I'm a hunter for used gear and likely won't buy new unless its a great deal.

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[Rich B 5,000+ posts]

You just did.

 

[nefariouscaine 10+ year member]

You just did.

oh man - editing on teh way

you got no idea how many times i was trying to post - different browsers, computers, just didn't wanna work and kept timing out

 

[ejschultz 10+ year member]

I rave about this HU all the time. The Kenwood Excelon 693 is great. I put one in my girlfriend's PT Loser. It's easy to use, has great SQ, plays pretty much everything, and it falls within your price range brand new.

 

[ejschultz 10+ year member]

Well, I thought I knew your price range, but I was mistaken. It can be had for under 200 new.

 

[nefariouscaine 10+ year member]

Well, I thought I knew your price range, but I was mistaken. It can be had for under 200 new.

i'm gonna start hunting for one used //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

now also lookin at the Pioneer Premier DEH-P510UB