The 8454 is missing things that it shouldn't....for a high end anyways....
No independent crossover adjustment....fixed db roll off......
no bass/treble adjustment.....
no search funtion when looking for a certain song on the MP3 CD....
Don't know anything about this particular eclipse model but I chose against getting an eclipse because for the price I got a panasonic that had more features 3 preamp outs, more equilization adjustment and comparable sound specs. I would have had to buy their top unit which was like $500 I believe. Instead I got a panasonic CQ-C9900U. I'm not sure what the difference is between the CQ-C9901U vs CQ-9900U. I just wish my deck didn't come with the motorized face. I don't need this feature and just think of it as something that will eventually break.
By the way you can pick your panasonic up from
http://www.etronics.com if you trust them. I don't know how good the warranty back up is through them though.