iixerOii

Anyone snag on of these bad boys yet? Any reviews particularly about the iPod interface?

8520

Yes. My store has them in stock now.

I like it better than the interface on the 9856, but if the ipod interface is the only reason you're buying the deck, it's not worth the $150 price jump.That being said, it's always good to give your sound system headroom/expandability.

iixerOii

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by got_no_sol &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yes. My store has them in stock now.

I like it better than the interface on the 9856, but if the ipod interface is the only reason you're buying the deck, it's not worth the $150 price jump.That being said, it's always good to give your sound system headroom/expandability.</TD></TR></TABLE>
What do you mean about headroom and expandability? Also I was going to purchase this off crutchfield and it tells me "ecause of the configuration of the factory dash, flip out monitors may not work in this vehicle." I have 95 integra what does that mean to me excatly?

8520

Haven't had a chance to compare specs yet, but as you go up in models, you go up in features, and those features may be important later as you add amps, component speakers, subs, etc.

That deck will work fine in your teg, should just need a pocket and harness.

Also, why bother with crutchfield? Most reputable shops will price match and install it for free

JDM_Ej

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by iixerOii &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
What do you mean about headroom and expandability? Also I was going to purchase this off crutchfield and it tells me "ecause of the configuration of the factory dash, flip out monitors may not work in this vehicle." I have 95 integra what does that mean to me excatly?</TD></TR></TABLE>

They are talking about flip-out monitors. (Example: Alpine IVA-D310) Because the radio is recessed in the dash below the climate control and heater vents, the screen won't be able to open up all of the way.

iixerOii

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDM_Ej &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

They are talking about flip-out monitors. (Example: Alpine IVA-D310) Because the radio is recessed in the dash below the climate control and heater vents, the screen won't be able to open up all of the way.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Ah well I don't plan on getting a monitor for my car anytime soon so this shouldn't be a problem right?

8520

no

BoostLE

What's all included for bluetooth phone use? Bt box, mic, and call answer button?

8520

Bt box & mic should be it. Call answering should all be done through the deck itself.

PKRWUD

How does the 9857 compare with the 9855, in your opinion? I have the 9855, but I can't stand that Glidetouch bar, and I'd like a better iPod interface. What are your opinions?

Thanks!

fcm

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PKRWUD &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How does the 9857 compare with the 9855, in your opinion? I have the 9855, but I can't stand that Glidetouch bar, and I'd like a better iPod interface. What are your opinions?

Thanks!</TD></TR></TABLE> Other then not having the Glide Touch, [Alpine has dropped that on all but the DVA-9965, and you probably will not see it next year] the CDA-9857 is as good a HU as the CDA-9855 but is missing a lot of features, [no time delay, parametric EQ or x-over] the Full Speed iPod connection does not make up for the lack of the others, IMO, although the lack of the Glide Touch bar goes a long way. 94

PKRWUD

Thanks for replying!

I noticed the absence of the eq's and the crossover, which really bug me, but I can't find them on any of the 2006 models (at least the ones under $600). My amps each have an adjustable crossover, but I was always taught it will sound better if the crossover happens before the amp. How do the bass/treble controls on the 9857 stack up? Am I going to need to get an add-on eq if I get the 9857? Also, the pre outs are 2v vs. 4v on the 9855. That means nothing to me, but my buddy says it's a big deal. Is it?

I really like the sound quality of the 9855, but I just can't stand that Glide Touch bar anymore. Everyone says I'll develop a feel for it, but after 3 months, I haven't, and in traffic, it's even worse. I guess I'm hoping to find someone in the know that's going to tell me the 9857 will sound just as good as the 9855, but only if it's true. lol.

Thanks again.

8520

It would take a learned ear to hear the difference between most cd players, and an even more precise one to hear the difference on the same brand.

I doubt you would hear it between the two.

The preout voltage does matter, but the real thing that bothers me is the lack of crossovers. Most amps don't have good ones, at least until you starting getting to the mid/high end stuff. I personally would find it hard to buy a deck for 350$ that doesn't have any, especially when kenwoods decks (which sound better imo) have them starting @ about $200.

The ipod control is certainly very cool, but there are a lot better (read: audio features, sq, etc) decks for the same price if not less.

PKRWUD

Thank you for your input!

I've never been much good with sound systems. I'm a mechanic, and I work on race engines. Those I can do in my sleep, but when it comes to setting up sound, I might as well be 6 years old.

The 9855 replaced a Sony I had for 4 or 5 years, and the difference was like going from a black & white world to full color. I never cared for the Sony, but didn't realize how bad it really was until I got the 9855. Maybe that's why I wanted another Alpine, I dunno. My experience with Kenwood is mixed. I had a nice little amp of theirs for years, but the only Kenwood HU I had I didn't like at all. Trusted friends insist that they are excellent, though, so perhaps it was just a not-so-great HU.

well, the bottom line is when I saw the 2006 Alpine catalog, shortly after I bought my 9855, I didn't pay close enough attention, and thought the 9857 was basically the 2006 version of the 9855, and decided if things didn't get better with the 9855 & the Glide Touch bar, I would order a 9857 when they became available. That's what I ended up doing. My cost, with the iPod cable is just under $300 delivered, and it should be here Tuesday. This morning after downloading the owners manual, I discovered just how different it really is, and have been kicking myself ever since. I've been trying to find feedback from those that have had experience with both, and trying to gather as much feedback as possible.

What difference does the preout voltage make, and will it be obvious that one had 4v and the other only 2v, or is that only something a true audiophile would pick up on?

I guess the only answer will be to install it when it arrives, and see for myself. Being such a poor student of sound systems, I'm up for any advice that might make this worthwhile purchase afterall. If I end up not liking it, maybe I'll end up with two Alpine HU's for sale.

Thanks again. Didn't mean to hijack the thread.

iixerOii

Well I got the system installed today and I think its great. The way you work around the menus and stuff though is standard Alpine, non intuitive. The sound quality is great and the ipod integration is good. Its not as fast as I had hoped but when I get in my car I already have a idea about what I wanna listen too and usually just pick a play list so its not that big of a deal.

proglife

I also think it's great. Just put it in a few hours ago and it far exceeds my expectations. I've been waiting years and many iPod revisions for the right head unit to allow me to just toss the iPod in the glove and be done with it. If you're on the fence, get this thing. I've had 3 iPods and have no patience for a shitty interface. This works great.

I'm so gay and happy about it, I almost want to write Alpine an appreciation letter

nah, expletive that.

DaveSi677

why are you guys not happy with it I am about to buy one and I would really like to know why some have mixed feels about it?

Dave

fcm

Not happy with what? 94

proglife

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 93SiVtec677 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">why are you guys not happy with it I am about to buy one and I would really like to know why some have mixed feels about it?

Dave</TD></TR></TABLE>

For what it's worth, I'm SUPER picky about this stuff and I love it. Been waiting for something like this for a while. Do it, you'll thank me

8520

^ So am I, and it doesn't have enough features for me, especially for a $350 deck.

proglife

Fair enough. What features is it missing for you?

Personally, I just like good quality, a good interface, display and enough pre-outs for my setup.

Everything else is fluff to me. I'd like that Bluetooth module, but couldn't care less about filtering and electronic signal manipulation. I don't want my signal to change until it's hitting the amps output jacks....but I'm a SQ sort of guy.

DaveSi677

but does it really matter about it only has a 2V compared to a 4V.

Dave

fcm

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 93SiVtec677 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">but does it really matter about it only has a 2V compared to a 4V.

Dave</TD></TR></TABLE> Although there is a diff. between 2V and 4V outputs, it's not huge and even if it was the only diff. I don't think most people would be able to tell the diff. unless you could check them side by side running the exact same systems in the same car, however when you compare the other features that the CDA-9855 has that the CDA-9857 does not have, the lack of 4V outputs on the CDA-9855 really do not amount to much, IMO the lack of the "Glide Touch" on the CDA-9857 is a much bigger factor in why people would pick the 57 over the 55, although again to lose all that the 55 has just to not have "Glide Touch" is IMO not worth it, that said I hate the Glide Touch feature, [what the hell were you thinking Alpine] and I am glad I have my "old school" CDA-7893. 94

DaveSi677

what is this glide touch?

Sorry last question promise lol!!!

Dave

fcm

It was a feature that Alpine put on a couple HU last year the CDA-9855 being one of them, it looks like they are going to drop it, [was a POS anyway and I hope the engineer that came up with it got his *** fired] as it is only available on one HU this year... http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/p...-9965 see the white bar where the radio preset buttons normally are, "Glide Touch" did I mention what a complete piece of crapola it is?
Anyway it was some numb-nuts idea to give you easier control of the HU, [turns out he was wrong].
with this years models they have gone back to the tried a true, this is the CDA-9857... http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/p...-9857

One more thing so you know where I stand on the issue, "Glide Touch" sux the big hiny, but that alone is not worth switching from the CDA-9855 to the new CDA-9857, the 55 is a far better HU IMO. 94