Which head unit and why?

[Lucas 10+ year member]

What makes these 3 Head Units so different which such a different price tag? I am looking for quality here and thinking which one is worth it.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_9008_Pioneer+Premier+DEH-P690UB.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_9767_Alpine+CDA-9887.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_7216_Pioneer+Premier+DEH-P980BT.html

Click to read more...

 

[BringDaBoom 10+ year member]

What makes these 3 Head Units so different which such a different price tag? I am looking for quality here and thinking which one is worth it.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_9008_Pioneer+Premier+DEH-P690UB.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_9767_Alpine+CDA-9887.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_7216_Pioneer+Premier+DEH-P980BT.html

Right off the bat the big thing I noticed between the first one and the the others was it was a 1-bit DAC, while ther other two have a 24 bit DAC. This is huge because the DAC is the "brain" of the unit. It' converts the files or music on an iPod, CD, USB into an audible sound. The better the DAC, the better its going to sound.

Then the difference between the 2nd one and last one was mainly the color OEL display.

Mostly, they have all have the same features, save for the DAC's and displays. Also, the Alpine listed three sets of 4V pre-outs. Didn't see preouts listed for the others. I'm sure they got them but they may just be 2V and not 4V.

 

[Lucas 10+ year member]

Right off the bat the big thing I noticed between the first one and the the others was it was a 1-bit DAC, while ther other two have a 24 bit DAC. This is huge because the DAC is the "brain" of the unit. It' converts the files or music on an iPod, CD, USB into an audible sound. The better the DAC, the better its going to sound.
Then the difference between the 2nd one and last one was mainly the color OEL display.

Mostly, they have all have the same features, save for the DAC's and displays. Also, the Alpine listed three sets of 4V pre-outs. Didn't see preouts listed for the others. I'm sure they got them but they may just be 2V and not 4V.

So the $400 unit is much worth it for high sound quality?

 

[ekincam 10+ year member]

I think that's kind of wrong. The 1-bit DAC is a misnomer of sorts. The 690 has a 16 bit DAC while the 980 has a 24 bit DAC from Burr Brown which I think is better. I don't know how audible the difference will be though.

The 980 has Bluetooth built in while the 690 needs an adapter but includes adapter for iPod that's not included with the 980. The 980 has a screen with more colors and higher resolution and customizable backgrounds. The 690 only displays blue on the screen. The 980 has time alignment and more EQ controls than the 690 and the 980 has a 3-way crossover while the 690 only does 2.

I didn't compare the Alpine unit. If you go here, you can check the boxes and hit compare the bottom and it will show you the differences.

 

[93EXT 10+ year member]

I like my alpine deck, I heard today the imprint software hit the store so I gotta get my truck there, but they did another truck today with it and the owner said it sounds very nice.

I didnt look for a deck with bluetooth or ipod, I just wanted Time alignment, 24 bit DAC, X over and 4 volt pre outs.

 

[BringDaBoom 10+ year member]

I think that's kind of wrong. The 1-bit DAC is a misnomer of sorts. The 690 has a 16 bit DAC while the 980 has a 24 bit DAC from Burr Brown which I think is better. I don't know how audible the difference will be though.
The 980 has Bluetooth built in while the 690 needs an adapter but includes adapter for iPod that's not included with the 980. The 980 has a screen with more colors and higher resolution and customizable backgrounds. The 690 only displays blue on the screen. The 980 has time alignment and more EQ controls than the 690 and the 980 has a 3-way crossover while the 690 only does 2.

I didn't compare the Alpine unit. If you go here, you can check the boxes and hit compare the bottom and it will show you the differences.

I figured that even though it listed 1-bit. That's what most decent decks pack in terms of DAC's.

Yes, you can hear a different, provided you got some good speakers to maximize it.

It's like the first time I heard and Alpine F-1 Status. Holy Shyt that thing is incredible.

I liken it to the first time I saw HDTV. When I heard about it, I was like "Ok, how clearer and sharper can it REALLY look compared to a non HD picture?" It's unbelievable. You may think "I've heard some pretty crisp, and clear sounding stuff. How much better can it honestly sound? It can.

I can tell the difference listening to the alpines with the 24 bit DAC compared to 16. Some can't.

Best thing to do is get a CD you know real well. I mean you KNOW what it's supposed to sound like, right down to the little notes in the background that you only know form hearing the song a bazzilion times. Listen to it through the different decks and see for yourself.

 

[grampi 10+ year member]

I'd go with the 9887 (in fact I did). It's got everything just about anyone will ever need in a HU, and with the use of imprint, it should be the best SQ HU out there.