I know i am a newb, but I am not new to the audio game. After looking long and hard at everything that is out there I went a little less expensive. Pick up the jvc arsenal line kd-adv6160. It has the video out for a monitor at the sound is incredible. I had an older jvc before this and I would stick with them. All the other companies charge way to much for a product that isn't so amazing. Sometimes you get what you pay for but i think alpine hasn't changed anything in the past few years as well as other companies. Jvc on the other hand did a complete revamp of their line and it will blow away most other "high" end decks. Thats my 2 cents though and don't hate me for it. Alpine, Clarion, Eclipse, And all those other companies still rock, but for the amount of money that they cost you can definetly get something better.
Good luck with your hunt though, and remeber that no matter what people here say it's all about what sounds good to you, and what goodies you want. Something you need may not be something I need, and vice versa.