Which HU has these features?
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Which HU has these features?
I'm looking for a new head unit.
I had settled on the Alpine 9835, until I read about it's 2 second delay between MP3s.... Yuck.
So, here are my requirements:
1) Must be Sirius ready (no XM only units) - I think this removes pioneer from the process
2) Must have a removable face - I think this removes eclipse from the process
3) Must play MP3s off of CD-R/CD-RW well. (I think the 9835 gets nixed here)
4) Must have the largest possible amount of information displayed about the mp3 it is playing (I hate that my wifes display only has about 12 characters, and scrolls all of the information.)
5) 3 line outs.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
-Kevin
I had settled on the Alpine 9835, until I read about it's 2 second delay between MP3s.... Yuck.
So, here are my requirements:
1) Must be Sirius ready (no XM only units) - I think this removes pioneer from the process
2) Must have a removable face - I think this removes eclipse from the process
3) Must play MP3s off of CD-R/CD-RW well. (I think the 9835 gets nixed here)
4) Must have the largest possible amount of information displayed about the mp3 it is playing (I hate that my wifes display only has about 12 characters, and scrolls all of the information.)
5) 3 line outs.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
-Kevin
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Seattle, WA
Re: Which HU has these features? (kgoroway)
Well, this year that is just about every single deck supporting sirius satellite. Off my head Kenwood is the only decks I know that do sirius.
I would deffinatly look into eclipse and pioneer decks, and just get a sirius adapter.
I would deffinatly look into eclipse and pioneer decks, and just get a sirius adapter.
Thread Starter
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Re: Which HU has these features? (AO)
I know that Alpine now has a Sirius module.
Eclipse is out because of the non-removable face.
I do like the Pioneers for their "better than Alpine" handling of MP3s, but what do you give-up by using a Sirius adapter on a HU that doesn't know about Sirius? I'm guessing that it just gets treated as an aux in, and you have to do tuning/etc. on the adapter? That would sort of suck.
Eclipse is out because of the non-removable face.
I do like the Pioneers for their "better than Alpine" handling of MP3s, but what do you give-up by using a Sirius adapter on a HU that doesn't know about Sirius? I'm guessing that it just gets treated as an aux in, and you have to do tuning/etc. on the adapter? That would sort of suck.
Thread Starter
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Re: (Alphax)
Alphax,
Yes, I had come to the same conclusion, but as I understand it, the 9835 pauses a full 2 seconds between every track to read the mp3 info. And this can not be turned off... Imagine listening to "Dark Side of the Moon", or any other album where the "songs" are meant to blend together (no pause). That seems like it kills the 9835 as a choice.
Can anyone confirm that this actually is the case?
Thanks.
-Kevin
Yes, I had come to the same conclusion, but as I understand it, the 9835 pauses a full 2 seconds between every track to read the mp3 info. And this can not be turned off... Imagine listening to "Dark Side of the Moon", or any other album where the "songs" are meant to blend together (no pause). That seems like it kills the 9835 as a choice.
Can anyone confirm that this actually is the case?
Thanks.
-Kevin
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shame on you for wanting to listen to Dark Side of the Moon - an increadible album - using MP3's...BLECHHH
How could you destroy such nice music with a format that sounds like ***.....
shame I tell you - SHAME!!!!
How could you destroy such nice music with a format that sounds like ***.....
shame I tell you - SHAME!!!!
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From: Toronto, On, Canada
Re: (rcurley55)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rcurley55 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">shame on you for wanting to listen to Dark Side of the Moon - an increadible album - using MP3's...BLECHHH
How could you destroy such nice music with a format that sounds like ***.....
shame I tell you - SHAME!!!!</TD></TR></TABLE>
that CD was not only a fantastic CD music wise but also recording wise. i still listen to it all the time. Its a great cd for imaging.
How could you destroy such nice music with a format that sounds like ***.....
shame I tell you - SHAME!!!!</TD></TR></TABLE>
that CD was not only a fantastic CD music wise but also recording wise. i still listen to it all the time. Its a great cd for imaging.
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From: San Francisco, CA, USA
Re: (EBP_SI)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EBP_SI »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">that CD was not only a fantastic CD music wise but also recording wise. i still listen to it all the time. Its a great cd for imaging.</TD></TR></TABLE>
not to mention ripping a bowl to
not to mention ripping a bowl to
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Toronto, On, Canada
Re: (rcurley55)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rcurley55 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
not to mention ripping a bowl to </TD></TR></TABLE>
not to mention ripping a bowl to
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thread Starter
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Yeah, so shoot me...It was the best example I could come up with that everyone would understand.
And give me a break with the mp3 quality crap. If I'm doing critical listening, I'm doing it at home, on a much much more expensive system. My pre-amp/processor alone cost more than what I plan on spending on the entire car system. On the road, in traffic, with road noise and all sorts of stuff going on is not the best place to do critical listening...It's background music, and nothing more. IMHO, anyway.
So, back on topic...
I'm learning that the Kenwood's are problem prone... I still love the Alpine 9835. Does anyone have any experience with it while playing mp3s? Is it as bad as they say? I'm going to bring a CD over to Tweeter this weekend and see if they'll let me try it out.
Thanks again.
-Kevin
And give me a break with the mp3 quality crap. If I'm doing critical listening, I'm doing it at home, on a much much more expensive system. My pre-amp/processor alone cost more than what I plan on spending on the entire car system. On the road, in traffic, with road noise and all sorts of stuff going on is not the best place to do critical listening...It's background music, and nothing more. IMHO, anyway.
So, back on topic...
I'm learning that the Kenwood's are problem prone... I still love the Alpine 9835. Does anyone have any experience with it while playing mp3s? Is it as bad as they say? I'm going to bring a CD over to Tweeter this weekend and see if they'll let me try it out.
Thanks again.
-Kevin
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Toronto, On, Canada
Re: (kgoroway)
ok but the point is why willingly limit the quality of the recording just because your'e in a car? i know theres road noise but that doesnt mean you cant listen to the original cds.
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Re: (EBP_SI)
I guess I'm just a lazy SOB. :-)
Seriously, it's mostly about the convenience. I use a high enough bit rate that I don't miss much, but I certainly never play mp3s at home. At home, I'm more likely to pick a CD, put it on, and sit down for the duration in the sweet spot. I have a fully treated listening room/theater, and the quality of the recording becomes obvious.
In the car, I'm completely distracted by concentrating on the road anyway. Getting the absolute best sound quality is not my highest concern. Having *NOT* to futz around trying to unload one CD and load another while not rear ending the guy in front of me who just slammed on his brakes for no reason whatsoever is a pretty high priority. I'm willing to trade off some sound quality in my car for convenience and safety.
To each his own, I suppose, but, in the meantime, I'm still looking for a HU that will make the process enjoyable, and not annoying.
-Kevin
Seriously, it's mostly about the convenience. I use a high enough bit rate that I don't miss much, but I certainly never play mp3s at home. At home, I'm more likely to pick a CD, put it on, and sit down for the duration in the sweet spot. I have a fully treated listening room/theater, and the quality of the recording becomes obvious.
In the car, I'm completely distracted by concentrating on the road anyway. Getting the absolute best sound quality is not my highest concern. Having *NOT* to futz around trying to unload one CD and load another while not rear ending the guy in front of me who just slammed on his brakes for no reason whatsoever is a pretty high priority. I'm willing to trade off some sound quality in my car for convenience and safety.
To each his own, I suppose, but, in the meantime, I'm still looking for a HU that will make the process enjoyable, and not annoying.
-Kevin
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,652
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From: Toronto, On, Canada
Re: (kgoroway)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kgoroway »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I guess I'm just a lazy SOB. :-)
Seriously, it's mostly about the convenience. I use a high enough bit rate that I don't miss much, but I certainly never play mp3s at home. At home, I'm more likely to pick a CD, put it on, and sit down for the duration in the sweet spot. I have a fully treated listening room/theater, and the quality of the recording becomes obvious.
In the car, I'm completely distracted by concentrating on the road anyway. Getting the absolute best sound quality is not my highest concern. Having *NOT* to futz around trying to unload one CD and load another while not rear ending the guy in front of me who just slammed on his brakes for no reason whatsoever is a pretty high priority. I'm willing to trade off some sound quality in my car for convenience and safety.
To each his own, I suppose, but, in the meantime, I'm still looking for a HU that will make the process enjoyable, and not annoying.
-Kevin</TD></TR></TABLE>
well i think the alpine is probably the best choice to go with. I've got the older 7995 and to be honest i really dont notice any lag between tracks back when i used to have an MP3 cd in the car.
got any pics of this listening room?
Seriously, it's mostly about the convenience. I use a high enough bit rate that I don't miss much, but I certainly never play mp3s at home. At home, I'm more likely to pick a CD, put it on, and sit down for the duration in the sweet spot. I have a fully treated listening room/theater, and the quality of the recording becomes obvious.
In the car, I'm completely distracted by concentrating on the road anyway. Getting the absolute best sound quality is not my highest concern. Having *NOT* to futz around trying to unload one CD and load another while not rear ending the guy in front of me who just slammed on his brakes for no reason whatsoever is a pretty high priority. I'm willing to trade off some sound quality in my car for convenience and safety.
To each his own, I suppose, but, in the meantime, I'm still looking for a HU that will make the process enjoyable, and not annoying.
-Kevin</TD></TR></TABLE>
well i think the alpine is probably the best choice to go with. I've got the older 7995 and to be honest i really dont notice any lag between tracks back when i used to have an MP3 cd in the car.
got any pics of this listening room?
Old Fart
Joined: May 2004
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From: kelowna, bc, canada
Re: (rcurley55)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rcurley55 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">shame on you for wanting to listen to Dark Side of the Moon - an increadible album - using MP3's...BLECHHH
How could you destroy such nice music with a format that sounds like ***.....
shame I tell you - SHAME!!!!</TD></TR></TABLE> Well ****, I have to fully agree
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EBP_SI »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
that CD was not only a fantastic CD music wise but also recording wise. i still listen to it all the time. Its a great cd for imaging.</TD></TR></TABLE> Oh no, again I agree fully
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rcurley55 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
not to mention ripping a bowl to </TD></TR></TABLE> Well hell, ditto that
Now I'm going to have to go out and remove the rear speakers in my teg.
94
How could you destroy such nice music with a format that sounds like ***.....
shame I tell you - SHAME!!!!</TD></TR></TABLE> Well ****, I have to fully agree
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EBP_SI »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
that CD was not only a fantastic CD music wise but also recording wise. i still listen to it all the time. Its a great cd for imaging.</TD></TR></TABLE> Oh no, again I agree fully
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rcurley55 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
not to mention ripping a bowl to </TD></TR></TABLE> Well hell, ditto that
Now I'm going to have to go out and remove the rear speakers in my teg.
94
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2004
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I do have pictures, but in general they weren't meant for public consumption. I took quick snapshots since an old friend was building a theater and wanted to see what I had done. So, here are the disclaimers.
1) The pictures are now old, and some of the equipment has changed.
2) No attempt whatsoever was made to clean the room/equipment.
3) What you can't tell from these pictures is that the walls are made of this special DuPont made material that has fantastic sound properties.
Needless to say, closing the door on this room leaves me in audio Nirvana.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/...x.htm
1) The pictures are now old, and some of the equipment has changed.
2) No attempt whatsoever was made to clean the room/equipment.
3) What you can't tell from these pictures is that the walls are made of this special DuPont made material that has fantastic sound properties.
Needless to say, closing the door on this room leaves me in audio Nirvana.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/...x.htm
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which room? The theater, or the equipment room?
I assume you mean the equipment room, since those pictures are scary. :-)
Like I said, no cleaning was done... That equipment rack doubled as my "retired electronics graveyard". In that picture it has scanners/a HAM radio/unused amps/unused processors/unused DirecTV tuners/unused Laserdisc player/unused CD changer/etc...
Nowadays, it's somewhat cleaner, but has added an HDTV tuner, and an HTPC. A new Boltz rack was added, since that one was actually full.
Those mains were NHT VT2s, but they've been moved to the upstairs theater.
Basically, the system is now an HTPC feeding the Lex via optical to the Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature to B&W 703s.
Boy, where'd this thread go? I'm bringing a CD to tweeter tomorrow...
-Kevin
I assume you mean the equipment room, since those pictures are scary. :-)
Like I said, no cleaning was done... That equipment rack doubled as my "retired electronics graveyard". In that picture it has scanners/a HAM radio/unused amps/unused processors/unused DirecTV tuners/unused Laserdisc player/unused CD changer/etc...
Nowadays, it's somewhat cleaner, but has added an HDTV tuner, and an HTPC. A new Boltz rack was added, since that one was actually full.
Those mains were NHT VT2s, but they've been moved to the upstairs theater.
Basically, the system is now an HTPC feeding the Lex via optical to the Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature to B&W 703s.
Boy, where'd this thread go? I'm bringing a CD to tweeter tomorrow...
-Kevin
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,652
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, On, Canada
Re: (kgoroway)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kgoroway »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Basically, the system is now an HTPC feeding the Lex via optical to the Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature to B&W 703s.
-Kevin</TD></TR></TABLE>
not bad, i like the 703's. i used to have the CDM 9's before i moved to the nautilus 803's
Basically, the system is now an HTPC feeding the Lex via optical to the Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature to B&W 703s.
-Kevin</TD></TR></TABLE>
not bad, i like the 703's. i used to have the CDM 9's before i moved to the nautilus 803's
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Nice. My kids use this as a playroom as well (as you can see). Until they are a bit older, I don't want to put too much money in speakers into the room. :-) I will likely upgrade to the 800 line down the line...for now, I don't worry too much about them destroying anything.
By the way, don't think I missed the fact that at one point in time you did try an mp3 cd in your car. ;-) Just teasing.
By the way, don't think I missed the fact that at one point in time you did try an mp3 cd in your car. ;-) Just teasing.
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From: San Francisco, CA, USA
Re: (fcm)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fcm »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Well ****, I have to fully agree
Oh no, again I agree fully
Well hell, ditto that
Now I'm going to have to go out and remove the rear speakers in my teg. 94 </TD></TR></TABLE>
mark this date in history - we agree on something.....
Oh no, again I agree fully
Well hell, ditto that
Now I'm going to have to go out and remove the rear speakers in my teg.
94 </TD></TR></TABLE>mark this date in history - we agree on something.....
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From: San Francisco, CA, USA
Re: (kgoroway)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kgoroway »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And give me a break with the mp3 quality crap. </TD></TR></TABLE>
not to worry kevin, I was just giving you a bit of crap....
not to worry kevin, I was just giving you a bit of crap....
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Toronto, On, Canada
Re: (kgoroway)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kgoroway »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Nice. My kids use this as a playroom as well (as you can see). Until they are a bit older, I don't want to put too much money in speakers into the room. :-) I will likely upgrade to the 800 line down the line...for now, I don't worry too much about them destroying anything.
By the way, don't think I missed the fact that at one point in time you did try an mp3 cd in your car. ;-) Just teasing.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
yeah i know..i had a cd that i made when i had a broken foot called the greatest rock cd. it was 160 songs that i had grown up listening to all from the grunge era. i made it becasue i thought it would be cool to have but then after listening to it a few times the quality started to get to me. the novelty wore off and i broke down and bought all of the original CD's that had those songs. about 75 CDs that i now carry in a cd wallet whenever i go out.
as for the 800 line, they're very nice speakers but they're very expensive and to be honest i dont like the sound of the 802s and the 800's. 803's would be the highest i would ever go from B&W. Seeing that now i've had the elctrostatics since may, I could never go back to regular driver based speakers. I'd say audition some of the martin logan stuff mainly the ascent i's since they're the same price as 803's. they are so transparent and open sounding its unbelieveable. only downfall is they like to be about 3-4 feet from the back wall and they're 4ohm load so your amp has to be able to handle that.
By the way, don't think I missed the fact that at one point in time you did try an mp3 cd in your car. ;-) Just teasing.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
yeah i know..i had a cd that i made when i had a broken foot called the greatest rock cd. it was 160 songs that i had grown up listening to all from the grunge era. i made it becasue i thought it would be cool to have but then after listening to it a few times the quality started to get to me. the novelty wore off and i broke down and bought all of the original CD's that had those songs. about 75 CDs that i now carry in a cd wallet whenever i go out.
as for the 800 line, they're very nice speakers but they're very expensive and to be honest i dont like the sound of the 802s and the 800's. 803's would be the highest i would ever go from B&W. Seeing that now i've had the elctrostatics since may, I could never go back to regular driver based speakers. I'd say audition some of the martin logan stuff mainly the ascent i's since they're the same price as 803's. they are so transparent and open sounding its unbelieveable. only downfall is they like to be about 3-4 feet from the back wall and they're 4ohm load so your amp has to be able to handle that.
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From: San Francisco, CA, USA
Re: (kgoroway)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kgoroway »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">rcurley: Nah, my tongue-in-cheek detector went off just fine. No harm done. :-) </TD></TR></TABLE>
Good to know....
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">To be honest, I'm often snobbish about sound quality as well...it just doesn't carry over to my car. :-)</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm the opposite - I like challenges ----- or more along the lines of "I like killing myself for a virtually unobtainable dream" Really depends on how you look at it
Good to know....
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">To be honest, I'm often snobbish about sound quality as well...it just doesn't carry over to my car. :-)</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm the opposite - I like challenges ----- or more along the lines of "I like killing myself for a virtually unobtainable dream" Really depends on how you look at it