Torn between two different HUs

[ClovaGz]

Hello I'm new here and am looking for some advice on which head unit to go with. From what I can tell these are pretty similar in features and what not. I've found the Kenwood one for $302 and that's what is making is so difficult the prices are close and I know both brands are good. Any tips or advice would be appreciated.

Kenwood KIV-BT900 (kivbt900) - Car Stereo In-Dash Receiver at Sonic Electronix - Sonic Electronix

or

Alpine iDA-X305S In-Dash MP3/WMA/AAC/USB/iPod Car Stereo Receiver

Click to read more...

 

[maritoze 10+ year member]

Kenwood.

 

[kr15 5,000+ posts]

Well, the Alpine has 105 s/db rating which is pretty good. The Kenwood does not specify. They both have 3 RCA outs at 2v each...I honestly think these decks are nearly identical. I suppose it comes down to whether you prefer Kenwood or Alpine....if it was my, I would likely go Alpine

 

[ClovaGz]

I went on Kenwood's site but couldn't find the s/db rating. So far 1 for alpine 1 for kenwood that figures.

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

i'd go Kenwood...the DVD is a simple 1 wire video bypass...the Alpine you have to use a PAC TR7 which sometimes doesn't work right...The Kenwood has better overall SQ than the bas Alpine....plus the Kenwood is easier to use.....

 

[Rich B 5,000+ posts]

Kenwood only because if you ever decide to add a CD changer in the future Alpine changers are too d@mned expensive.

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

Kenwood only because if you ever decide to add a CD changer in the future Alpine changers are too d@mned expensive.

unless you find a good deal on a used alpine changer on here //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[ClovaGz]

Yeah I'm starting to lean towards the Kenwood one more myself. Probably gonna go with that one.

 

[AllenH427 10+ year member]

Alpine CDA-117, that is all.

 

[Databyter 10+ year member]

Well, the Alpine has 105 s/db rating which is pretty good. The Kenwood does not specify. They both have 3 RCA outs at 2v each...I honestly think these decks are nearly identical. I suppose it comes down to whether you prefer Kenwood or Alpine....if it was my, I would likely go Alpine

The Kenwood has contradictory info about the Preouts, in the summary it states it has 3 sets of 4V but in specs it claims 2 sets of 2 V

At any rate I'd go with the Alpine.

For Kenwood it's troubling that the signal to noise not being advertised (not a good sign), and I wish it had a pic of the back end so I could confirm what it really has on preouts.