OK. I'm in the process of building my system and am trying to decide between a new Alpine Status setup (PXI H990, TMI 990, and DVI 9990) or old Status (PXA H900 + D310). Provided are the pros and cons I'm considering as well as system information. Any of those that have owned both, I'd love your input (displays, soundq, flexibility???)
New Status Pro's and Con's
Pro's
Road EQ - helps equalize system and reduce noise while driving
16 channel capable - allows you to run full active with 2 processors
better surround processing system - NEO 6, Pro Logic II, Prologic Music II support
high resolution display on TMI- same as d901
IONBUS - no need for optical or other cables
USB computer interface - more user friendly and attractive computer interface
better output section/volume control - updated from H900
smaller footprint - H990 is less than half the size of the H900
Con's
Not directly AI net compatible - can not use an AI monitor such as the d310 which has a much better menus and displays (remember the d310 vs the D901/D90, the TMI is even more industrial looking)
no touch screen- makes nav a PITA to use
can not run 3 way front with surround unless 2 processors are purchased
displays are industrial looking on-screen displays on the TMI are antiquated - if you're an on-screen display guy; the new status fades in comparison to the d310 graphic displays
Old Status Pros and Cons
Pro's
AInet controller compatible - allows you to run any ai devices including AI miltimedia units providing more flexibility
3 way and surround compatible in one chassis
Con's
Difficult/Impossible to find in immaculate condition
Inferior surround processing capabilities compared to the new Status not Prologic II, Neo 6 or Pro Logic music compatible
The rest of the system:
2 - Mcintosh MCC406M 6 channel amps (100x2 for front woofers active, 100x1 bridged for center tweeter passive, 100x1 bridged for center mid passive ); (100x2 front tweeters active, 100x1 bridged for rear fill, 100x1 bridged for rear fill)
2 - Mcintosh MCC301M (600 watts + mono for subs)
1 - Alpine Status SPX Z18t 3 ways (front) (will only use in 2 way active mode, ommiting the mids)
1 - Alpine Status SPX Z15m (center)
1- pair of Polk SR5250 (rear fill; can not justify the cost of 2 Status spsakers for rear fill)
1 - Alpine Nav 872
1 - TUE 151 TV tuner
1 - PKG 1000 - rear monitor
SUBS? (any suggestions?)
More than likely, if I went with the new Status, I would only purchase 1 processor and run the front speakers in 2 way config., bypassing the mid.
Any advice; what would you guys do? Cost for a new h900 and d310 are estimated at $3500 and the new status at $4800. Price is a concern but not limiting factor.
Thanks in advance.
