My Sony HU bit the dust...

I'm looking at replacing my HU.

Requirements:

1. iPod controls or Aux-in
2. (3) Pre-amp outputs (Front/Rear/Sub)
3. Amber or Red Illumination
4. Not too flashy (I know, but I prefer my stereo to be not blingy!)
5. Rotary knob controls

I am swaying towards the Alpine 9885.

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/pro...9885-f_dg.jpeg

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Those of you with Alpine HUs controlling an iPod, how do you feel about the interface? I prefer to just shuffle all my songs most of the time and just skip past ones I don't want to hear.

How's the speed, song title info, navagation, etc...?

I really like mine (Alpine 9885, that is)!

I looked at several units with iPod controllers and, IMO, Alpine has their interface worked out the best. It's pretty intuitive (not quite as friendly as the iPod itself, but close), and it's the fastest of all the ones I looked at (Pioneer, Kenwood were the other two brands I considered). I like to go to shuffle mode as well, but the interface also allows me to find songs/artists/playlists quite easily.

Also, their display gives you the most info/options (although it can be a bitch to read in the sun). As for display color, the info screen has sort of bluish-green letters/numbers on a black background - and you can't change that. However, you CAN change the color of the buttons from blue to red (they actually look blue during the day and glow read at night - easy on the eyes). One other neat feature is the "blackout" mode - you set the unit to go black (lights, display, the whole thing) unit until you touch it (although, for some stupid reason, this doesn't work with the radio - just the iPod and the CD).

...and, of course, you can add Satellite and HD Radio to it.

Holler at me sometime if you want to take a closer look at mine. I'll make a point of being at the next WNGTG for it.

How is it $50 better than the 9884? Only differences I can see are button layout and display...

Hmm... I don't remember the 9884 from when I was looking, but I saw one with a similar display. The display on the 9885 sold me compared to the other one.

My Nak meets all those requirements, but they don't make them any more. I picked mine up on Ebay for about $100.

http://forums.dfwmiata.com/attachmen...1&d=1168876508

The major differences between the 9884 and 9885 are the displays, DAC's, and preout voltage.

My son and I just installed an Alpine 9884 in his Honda Civic. This is a really good sounding HU. The ONLY thing that is a nuisance is that it takes awhile for it return to normal display after you have made sound adjustments. This has been mentioned in some of the on-line reviews. The 9884 was on sale at Bestbuy a couple of weeks ago for $180, but I believe you can find it for less on-line. The 9884 comes with the iPod cable, but it does not come with a remote.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nexus Flux

The major differences between the 9884 and 9885 are the displays, DAC's, and preout voltage.

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Also, the 9885 comes with the wireless remote ($20 value). The higher preout voltage (4 vs 2) of the 9885 could be the deciding factor if you are going to amp your door and headrest speakers.

After looking at the manuals for the 9885 and 9884, I'd almost be inclined to take the 9884. It has much better crossover and time delay settings despite it's 2V preouts.

Personally I'd take the 9886 or ideally I'd spring for the 9887. This is also dependent on the fact that my car has an enclosed listening space so the sound diffenences like time correction would be more precivable.

I've got an Eclipse 8053 deadhead sitting around that's never been installed. Three sets of 8V outs (16V if you have the ability to run balanced outs). Don't have a picture at the moment, but I can dig one up if you want to see.
Not sure if you'd like the price tag, though...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by black roadster

I'm looking at replacing my HU.

Requirements:

1. iPod controls or Aux-in
2. (3) Pre-amp outputs (Front/Rear/Sub)
3. Amber or Red Illumination
4. Not too flashy (I know, but I prefer my stereo to be not blingy!)
5. Rotary knob controls

I am swaying towards the Alpine 9885.
Thoughts? Recommendations?

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I picked up a cheap Sony about a year ago - just over $100. Doesn't have the red illumination, but it matches the stock NA illumination quite well. Aux-in on the front AND dedicated iPod control, if you want. Also plays MP3 and WMA from cd. Not blingy at all, IMO Mine only has a single set of pre-amp outs (all I need) but I think the next step up has 3.

Titus, The Nak is almost too plain looking for me. Besides, the idea of an old used HU doesn't thrill me, even if it was a good one.

Nexus Flux, I like the 9887 but I don't want to spend that much. I agree that the sound staging might be important in a closed environment but SQ was never a major goal of mine as the convertible environment is not quiet enough to appreciate it, even with the top up. This is especially true of a 13 year old convertible.

motorollow, I think 4 volt pre-amp outputs and the upgraded display are worth the extra dollars for me but thanks for the suggestion.

Juxt3r, I'm pretty set on the price range of the 9885.

CraiginTX, Thanks but I have amber illumination on my car now. Besides, I keep hearing the Alpine is the bomb for iPod control.

My old Sony was pretty decent for what it was. It had more features than the 9885 and a few I may miss. It had 18 FM and 12 AM presets, full band EQ with multiple EQ programs, multiple illumination options and looked good in my car. I've checked eBay for them and the few that were there were still bringing lots of $$$.

My Sony only had XM as an option which kind of sucks and no iPod controller but it did have a standard rear Aux-in. BTW, my old HU was the Sony CDX-MP70

http://www.lightav.com/car/sony/cd/cdx_mp70.jpg

If you don't have to absolutely have to have the red/amber ilumination, the get the Pioneer. Otherwise the Alpine would be the 2nd best choice. My buddy has his own home theatre/car audio business and he just upgraded from the old Pioneer ipod interface hu to the new one...the one I was looking at. It is one awesome hu. Too lazy to look up the model info but its I'm sure you know which one I'm talking about.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by black roadster

My old Sony was pretty decent for what it was. It had more features than the 9885 and a few I may miss. It had 18 FM and 12 AM presets...

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All you need is the Eagle and the Ticket, right? One FM and one AM! ::Banana::

Quote:

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Originally Posted by trickyrix

All you need is the Eagle and the Ticket, right? One FM and one AM! ::Banana::

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Gotta have Jack FM too... if only to have an option of music in the morning when the Eagle (and most everyone else) goes in to talk mode. ;)

True... by my estimation, there are 15 possible listenable/useful radio stations here in town:

FM:
88.1 - KUNT (no, wait... KNTU... my bad)
89.3 - KNON
90.1 - KERA
92.5 - Lone Star KZPS
93.3 - The Bone(r) - Cowboy games in the fall
95.3 - The Range
97.1 - The Eagle
98.7 - who doesn't KLUV their oldies! :rolleyes:
100.3 - Jack
101.1 - WRR (calms the road rage)
103.3 - ESPN (well, now that the Mavs are done, it's pointless)
105.3 - Russ Martin FM

AM:
730 - SOUL 73! ::Afro::
1080 - KRLD - traffic & weather on the 8's
1310 - The Ticket

Which leads me to wonder why the hell they put soooo many presets on radios these days...

trickyrix,

I'll take you up on that offer to check out your 9885. I'm also curious about the IDA-X001. No CD player but an even better iPod interface. I listen to my iPod about 90% of the time.

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/pro...X001-f_mt.jpeg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by black roadster

trickyrix,

I'll take you up on that offer to check out your 9885. I'm also curious about the IDA-X001. No CD player but an even better iPod interface. I listen to my iPod about 90% of the time.

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/pro...X001-f_mt.jpeg

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No problemo... you'll be able to get a good feel for the iPod interface and the big display.

The only time I use my CD player is on the way home from the store when/if I pick up an actual CD - which always ends up on the iPod anyhow. That iDAX001 looks pretty mean! I like that big ol' knob...

::Banana::

Quote:

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Originally Posted by black roadster

trickyrix,

I'll take you up on that offer to check out your 9885. I'm also curious about the IDA-X001. No CD player but an even better iPod interface. I listen to my iPod about 90% of the time.

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/pro...X001-f_mt.jpeg

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Isn't this the head without any moving parts? Fewer bits to break = good. ;)
The specs on this one look pretty nice. Seems like something you might wanna take for a test-listen just for grins.

FWIW, the iDA-X100 shows as having red illumination as an option and looks to retail for a little less than the -001.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by juxt3r

Isn't this the head without any moving parts? Fewer bits to break = good. ;)
The specs on this one look pretty nice. Seems like something you might wanna take for a test-listen just for grins.

FWIW, the iDA-X100 shows as having red illumination as an option and looks to retail for a little less than the -001.

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Good point on the no moving parts. Some folks have added a USB HDD and just carry music that way too. Pretty cool!

Crutchfield has the -X001 for $269 on close out with all the hardware I need to install it and free shipping. The -X100 is just this years model but $349 ($50 cheaper than the -X001 when it first came out.)

I'm pretty sure the -X001 turns red.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/3...c3a2c16269.jpg

I ended up getting the //////Alpine IDA-X001. It was $80 cheaper than it's replacement, the IDA-X100 and the changes seemed minimal to me. I believe Magma got the new unit. Maybe he will chime in with his impressions.

Initial impressions.

Positives:

Great iPod interface and probably the easiest and fastest one currently available.

Display looks great with the top up, cloudy days or at night. Cool clock display looks like a modern version of the old flip style digital clocks.

Negatives:

Radio presets require three commands to select. [Pre-Set, Jog Wheel to select and Ent]. Poor design but not a huge issue for me since I hardly listen to the radio.

Screen washes out in the bright sunlight but most displays will have this problem.

Artist display needs work. It will scroll the song title but not the artist or the album. Again, a minor annoyance.

Menu options screens are always blue even if you switch to red illumination. Only noticeable when programing the unit.

Phone button is useless unless you have the optional $200 Bluetooth module.

I had an issue with the stereo initially sounding flat but called Crutchfield and found out if I hold down the Audio button it gives me soundfield settings. It was set on FLAT. Switching it to ROCK made a huge difference. While it isn't a customizable EQ it sounds good.

Once I get a Sirius receiver for it I think it will be all I need.



http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/pro...X001-f_mt.jpeg

I have an Alpine CDA-9856. It works fairly well and sounds good, but the controls (while responsive) aren't intuitive at all. Two different "enter" buttons, no back button, and searching through thousands of artists or songs can take forever.

It's interesting to hear that even in newer models, they haven't perfected the user interface yet.

Glad you brought this up. I played around with Magma's IDA-X100 and like it a lot better. The only drawback to me is losing the MediaXpander sound fields in favor of a fancier but $150 optional Imprint. The X100 still has a built in 3-point EQ.

I prefer the more intuitive iPod controls, full red illumination and scrolling text on Song, Album and Artist.

Fortunately, Crutchfield has a 30 day money back guarantee so I think I'm going to swap out.

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/pro...00-f_mt-1.jpeg

I am the Ken o of car audio.

The original reason I bought a new HU was because I thought my old HU had died. It turned out to be a loose wire in the vehicle wiring harness which I have since fixed. After I pulled the Alpine to exchange it, I putt my old HU back in and realized how much I like it. I'm returning the Alpine and keeping my old Sony and my $$$.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by black roadster

I am the Ken o of car audio.

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Yep... It sounds like you have a little Ken o inside of you.::eek02::

Quote:

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Originally Posted by black roadster

Glad you brought this up. I played around with Magma's IDA-X100 and like it a lot better. The only drawback to me is losing the MediaXpander sound fields in favor of a fancier but $150 optional Imprint. The X100 still has a built in 3-point EQ.

I prefer the more intuitive iPod controls, full red illumination and scrolling text on Song, Album and Artist.

Fortunately, Crutchfield has a 30 day money back guarantee so I think I'm going to swap out.

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/pro...00-f_mt-1.jpeg

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So does the knob spin all the way around on the X100 or is it a "semi-turn" like the X001? Not shopping... just curious. I think I like my 9885 better after seeing the way the X001 worked - just personal preference. :D

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Originally Posted by Titus

Yep... It sounds like you have a little Ken o inside of you.::eek02::

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::BaHump:: ???

Quote:

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Originally Posted by trickyrix

So does the knob spin all the way around on the X100 or is it a "semi-turn" like the X001? Not shopping... just curious. I think I like my 9885 better after seeing the way the X001 worked - just personal preference. :D

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Full spin. Check Magma's Alpine out next time you see him.