Best CD receiver??

MikeLS · 06-26-02, 06:26

Hey guys,

Well, looks like my currect Kenwood eXcelon deck has died, after a relatively short life in my car, so I'm hunting for the best reciever under $200. I've been out of the loop, so to speak, from new car audio gear for a few years, so I'm having to do my homework, as usual, before purchasing and hoping for some advice from you guys and gals. That "expensive" Kenwood cost me close to $500 new, so I now see that spending excessive money on a deck is just a waste, thus the reason I want to keep the price tag under 2 bills. So far I've narrowed my search down to an Alpine 7874 or Pioneer DEH-4400. I'm not limited to these two models and I'm open for suggestions, but if anyone has either of the mentioned units I'd really appreciate advice and input. My main goal is sound quality and high power, not gee wizz marketing features that you'll never use. I do have to connect my PPI sub amp to the receiver, which will affect my decision somewhat. I'm just looking for a good quality CD player without spending a load. Also, since I may not keep my car much longer I wouldn't want an ultra expensive unit anyway.

Thanks for any help!

tomciob · 06-26-02, 06:44

i own a deh-3300 $200retail when i got it, last summer), and am happy with everything except the volume control, a rotary volume was a must, and this model is, but it doesn't respond fast enough, it lags, and sometimes doesn't even start going down (up is usually fine) until i turn the knob about 1/2 turn, this is really anoying when driving, and you need to concentrate for a minute or so.

other than that it plays all kinds of CD-r's (haven't tried RW's), i have yet to hear a skip due to vibration,

nice deck , but the volume will prevent me from getting another pioneer.

looked into eclipses??, couple my frineds had them (fairly high end models ~$500), and i was just amazed at the super sleek look, design, beautiful decks but lower ends tend to be plain looking.

i was also looking at nakamichi, and you can get the z35 i think for $300 or so (when i was looking), i really like them for that factory look (if you're into that).

dang, that was way longer than i planed, hope it helps

Shiny Lil Detlr · 06-26-02, 07:00

actually, I've seen a couple 3rd-gen camaros like yours with the DEH-P77 (I think its called that) Din-and-a-half pioneer CD deck. They look really slick because it fits flush in the hole, just like a stock delco deck.

PrinzII · 06-27-02, 07:26

Out of the two you have chosen, I would suggest the Alpine based on sound quality and reliability (Some Pioneer products have had a history of being terrible in terms of reliability). Outside of that, I would suggest Clarion or Eclipse.

MikeLS · 06-27-02, 08:14

Thank you all for your help! I've been reading the latest Crutchfield catalog like it's the Bible, reading and comparing features and specs. Actually, I've experienced reliablity problems with Pioneer in the past, not so much with car audio however, so I don't know that much on how they rate compared to the big guns, like Alpine, Eclipse, Nak, etc... I know Eclipse is probably one of the very best as far as SQ, but their units are a bit pricy, and the lower end models usually skimp on specs for the money at least. I've also heard Clarion units are pretty good on the upper end, but I don't know much about their lower priced models. I do know their specs aren't as good as the Alpine or Pioneer in some areas, but they seem like decent overall receivers for the money. So many choices!!! Every time I compare another brand though, I always end up drawing direct comparisons with the Alpine and they always fall short, so maybe the Alpine is the best for the money, who knows.... I just wish there was a way to demo each unit in the car and see which sounds the best without just ordering blindly, or a lame demo at the local electronics store running on crappy speakers. Well, thanks for your help so far and I'm keeping all the sugestions in mind. I think I tend to over-analyze things a little (hey, I am an analyst by trade!), and I'm a value shopper, so I like the most bang for the buck, thus the reason I make a big deal about any purchase over $100. Heh, along those lines, it's taken me 3 years to pick out a new car, but I can say that after that much research, I'm more knowledgeable than most any dealer on cars I'll probably never own! Such is life....

YoSteve · 06-27-02, 08:44

If I had to do it all over again, I'd get something with an MP3 player on it, only because you can fit like 800MB on a disk at 1-3MB per song. For my personal use, it'd be worth it.

I have a sony xplod and i'm a big fan of the motorized face plate at night (plus it matches my car)

here's a link to some sonys http://shop.store.yahoo.com/advantag...ncdheadun.html

here's a pic of mine at night

laynlow · 06-27-02, 09:26

Forget about the pioneer. I have always liked Alpine's, and they have finally come around with a decient looking faceplate again. I absolutely cannot stand the mickey mouse crap looking units manufactures are putting out now a days. Its like a contest to see how many colors will fit on a display.

If security is a concern, Eclipse cannot be beat. No fake black out, or PIA detach. You choose a key CD and if power is lost, you must insert your chosen key CD. You get ten tries to make it work, and if you fail the deck displays an 800 number. It must be sent in for unlock and they trace the SN to the proper owner.

Good luck in choosing! I am close to switching my Eclipse for an Alpine 7874 or 7995

<img src=http://image1.villagephotos.com/pubimage.asp?id_=377303>
<img src=http://image1.villagephotos.com/pubimage.asp?id_=377304>

fat biker · 06-28-02, 08:16

Not sure if this will help or not.

If you are looking for reasonable cost...
Blaupunkt Model BPV-655 from Costco $141

Me, I'm cheap, so it's going into my Rabbit Convertible.

fat biker

PrinzII · 06-28-02, 08:50

Quote:

Originally posted by YoSteve
If I had to do it all over again, I'd get something with an MP3 player on it, only because you can fit like 800MB on a disk at 1-3MB per song. For my personal use, it'd be worth it.

I have a sony xplod and i'm a big fan of the motorized face plate at night (plus it matches my car)

here's a link to some sonys http://shop.store.yahoo.com/advantag...ncdheadun.html

here's a pic of mine at night

My current Eclipse (Not a CD, but I am getting the 6 disc In Dash changer for my '02)

PrinzII · 06-28-02, 08:50

PrinzII · 06-28-02, 08:54

Quote:

Originally posted by laynlow
If security is a concern, Eclipse cannot be beat. No fake black out, or PIA detach. You choose a key CD and if power is lost, you must insert your chosen key CD. You get ten tries to make it work, and if you fail the deck displays an 800 number. It must be sent in for unlock and they trace the SN to the proper owner.

Most Eclipse HUs have the ability to daisy chain CD changers.

brokerbh · 06-28-02, 09:14

Dollar for dollar sound quality and features I don't think you can beat the Eclipse brand. The looks are top notch, excellent security and just tremedous sound quality. I had one installed in a Towncar I owned a few years ago, and liked is so much i moved it when I traded cars and had it installed in the Caddy i bought.