[jwoutdoors]

So I am trying to get everything started rolling on the interior mods for a while... mainly upgrading the whole stereo system. I am past the blaring loud music stage now, but enjoy music enough that this factory non jbl system just isn't doin it for me. I want something clean and crisp at low to moderate volumes. I want to be able to roll the windows down while driving and be able to hear the music without having to turn the volume up so high it's distorted. I think i will be going with Alpine type S or type R 6.5 components up front, 5.25 coaxial in the rear, and a shallow mount sub. I would really like to do everything Alpine, but thats just my OCD kicking in. The head unit is a very important piece of the puzzle so i don't want to get this one wrong. I'm not sure if i'm going to put an amp on the door speakers, or just the sub. I'm an android user and want it to work well with my phone through bluetooth for listening to music stored on my phone, pandora, and hands free calling, etc.

I thought I had my HU picked out.... this Alpine
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.

But I have heard really good reviews on this Pioneer, and it's $100 cheaper.
AVH-X5500BHS - <b>NEW!</b> - 2-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver with 7" WVGA Touchscreen Display, MIXTRAX, Bluetooth®, HD Radio™ Tuner, SiriusXM Ready, and AppRadio Mode for iPhone® | Pioneer Electronics USA

What are your experiences, and what would you recommend? Thanks.

 

[jwoutdoors]

I do really like the idea of the mirror link. For my setup, which I described above, would the 2V pre outs be that big of a deal? My previous HU's have all been 2v pre outs so I haven't heard the difference between the two.

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[jwoutdoors]

That's interesting. I've always heard alpine put out the best head units. I have been out of the car audio market for 4 or 5 years now, so things have obviously changed. I figured I would get nailed for choosing alpine speakers over some other brands, not the head unit. Any particular reasons you have done away with alpine products? I'm still a few weeks out from buying anything, so I've got time for input from you guys, plus doing my own research

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[jwoutdoors]

Good to hear that before I purchase. Thanks, and I will check out the options you mentioned.

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[jwoutdoors]

This is all disappointing news. I was always a huge alpine fan back in the day when I was cruising town on the weekends and doing the typical teenager stuff. I never could afford the higher end alpine stuff, and now that I can, it sounds like they aren't there with their quality. Thanks guys for all the input. Now back to the drawing board

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