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Alright guys, so I finally broke down and bought an 80gb Ipod Classic.

Problem lies in that I'm still running my "oldie but goodie" Alpine CDA9830. I'm not even sure if it's IPod compatible, as I haven't bothered to look. Even if it is, it's a single line display. Last flaw: it's starting to poop out on me anyway.

So all-in-all, it's time for a new source unit. My problem is I'm picky about my source units, and I don't have more than $400-500ish to spend, including the necessary IPod adapter, and possibly a Sirius Tuner. Currently I'm running a Sirius Stiletto 100 through the auxiliary port on my 9830.

So, here's what I'm looking for and not looking for in a new source:

DO'S:
-It HAS to look somewhat classy, and clean. This one is important.
-It needs to have at minimum, decent IPod control, but the easier the better.
-I like a crisp, clean display. The less BS the better.
-MUST be 4v+ preouts, and MUST be 3 pair...or Front & a non-fader.

DONT'S:
-The new source does not necessarily need to have a build in power-source, as everything in my car is amplified.
-I'm not a huge fan of single knob (such as Pioneer's standard lineup) units, where one knob does everything from volume to selection.
-I don't like a lot of colors. White, amber, etc. are best.


Here's a list of headunits I've looked at extensively, and their pro's & cons:

Alpine IDAX001: **I've played with this one in person, and liked it's operation**
Pro's:
It's an Alpine. Always loved Alpine units and the way they function.
EXCELLENT IPod control, cool little screen.
Con's:
2v Preouts
No CD slot (not a big issue, only if someone else gets in the car with a CD)
Looks are only mid grade

Pioneer Premier DEHP880PRS **can't say too much about this one, as I've only looked at it online**
Pro's:
Looks PHENOMENAL
5v Preouts
Nice display

Con's:
It's a Pioneer. Installing for a living has shown me WAY too many faulty Pioneers.

Eclipse CD7200 MKII
Pro's:
5v Preouts
Always been known for nice sound quality decks
Nice display

Con's:
FUGLY
Slighly more difficult operation
Ipod control is somewhat weak
FUGLY

My Current Setup:
Diamond D661s 6.5" mid with 1" silk tweet. Mid in door, tweet in kicks (run off c400.4)
Polk/MOMO c400.4
Diamond D310d2 (being run off 2 channels of the 4ch right now, sounds pretty good)
Monster 400 series interconnects for the components
Tsunami Comp series interconnects for the sub
Monster 4awg power & ground

Mostly I'll be listening to my newly purchased IPod, with the occasional Sirius listening. Only reason I still have sirius is, I bought a display model and it was still active when I purchased it. w00t for free Sirius.

Anyone own any of these 3 source units and could provide some input?

Thanks a ton guys!
~BrandoN~

I would get the Alpine. Your amplifier(s) should be able to cope easily with a 2V signal.

That Alpine is the best Ipod control there is. Also with 80 GB storage theres no need for CDs anymore.

I know they'll cope with it, but that just means turning up the gains further. If I was really desperate I'll throw a line-driver on there.

haha I'm not worried about MY cd's, I'm more worried about someone else getting in saying "hey I got this new CD let's listen to it", and I have to reply with, "oh sorry no CD slot!"

Although, I do have an old-school Alpine 6-disc changer, but it's M-bus, do they make AI-net to Mbus adapters? It's a CHM-5601 changer, still works great.

Guess I should've mentioned that I'm a bit of an SQ nut? Obviously I can't get too dramatic, as I'm on a budget, but I love a good clean sound. I didn't get too much of a chance to "listen" to the X001. How's the SQ? Good tuning features? I don't think it has time-alignment does it?

i would personally get the pioneer piece, way too many features to pass up on. then use the ipod through the aux in. there is no better control of your ipod that the ipod itself. if you want to charge it as well, and get the best SQ out of it as you can, use one of the PAC audio pieces. either the iC-RCA, which uses the existing aux input, and connects to power & ground. or use the iC-PIOP which uses the pioneer's CD changer port as the aux input, but still has separate power & ground.

jonnyb wrote:i would personally get the pioneer piece, way too many features to pass up on. then use the ipod through the aux in. there is no better control of your ipod that the ipod itself.

I have a pioneer, (DEHP4800MP) the sound through the aux is not as good as the sound through the ipod controller, atleast thats my opinion... And I've been having problems with my radio, it's gone to the shop twice already because of "faulty welding"

I hope by welding you meant soldering...if there's bad welding in any unit I'm scared.

An aux input will never have as good of sound as the 12-pin USB connector, though. I'd like to get direct control through the deck, because the IPod will be in a flush mount in the glovebox, along with my stilletto and my APexi SAFCII and RSM

I think I'd have to say the Pioneer for what your wanting and using the PAC iC-PIOP input for your iPod... Works better than the aux. jack. The Pioneer is just a sleek and sexy unit (which as you stated is important) and will have most of the features your looking for with the addition of CD player.

I don't know how much faith you put in Car Audio and Electronics but, they reviewed the Alpine piece and if memory serves they liked it pretty well.

although Pioneer has really stepped up their game lately both in technicals and aesthitics, I like the fact that the Pioneer has a CD slot also.

But it is kinda hard to step away from a brand that you know and love and has pretty much always been faithful.

Tim

Yeah, Alpine has always been my "go-to" brand, but their old "audiophile" decks just...well don't exist anymore. The 9830 was actually the first year they started going down hill. Wish I could find a 7998....except iPod capable haha.

Anywho, the more people I talk to who are audiophiles like myself tell me to stay far away from the Pioneer.

My first choice of an SQ deck would be the Clarion 9255, but that's going a bit overboard on price. Second choice would be the Alpine DVA-9965, once again overboard on price.

I think I'm going to have to settle somewhere in the middle and end up with that X001. If I could really have my way I'd be running a Zapco 750.2 with the symbilink interconnect and not give a damn about 2v pre-outs. Once again, overboard on price, for now at least.

Anyone else have any other ideas as far as a different source unit?

As you said the real good SQ source units just don't exist anymore. I like my 9830 but it is not a sound quality deck. biting the bullet may be your only option.

Tim