I've never been much of an audio person, I have always be content with my stock radio/cd player, but know that I've got some extra cash to spen I was think of upgrading to something better.

So I was wondering what you guys would suggest in the $400 range. I still want something that looks somewhat from the factory (I have a 98 civic which is kinda tough to do since its kinda in an odd position) and something that won't skip over ever bump I hit ( my suspension is on the stiff side)

Thanks guys

 

///Alpine CDA-7894
///Alpine CDA-7995
or Nakamichi 45Z (or is it Z45?)

Pioneer also has some good head units but I haven't been shopping around lately so not sure about the current model numbers... not sure if any Eclipse falls w/in your price range...


[Modified by GSRaCeRbOI, 1:49 PM 9/3/2002]

 

Hows the quality on the Nakamichi. I love how plain and simple it looks...almost looks "old".

as I said I don't know much about audio equipment and I never really heard anything about Nakamichi.

 

I own an ///Alpine unit myself.. so I can't say first hand on the Nakamichi.. but everything I've heard about it is that its

 

I'd say get the Alpine CDA-7894 myself (retails at Circuit City for $399) But you can find it online for cheaper.

But if your the kind of guy that likes stock, and stock works, why upgrade? What are you trying to accomplish? Do you want better sound? how about new speakers?

I used to work at Circuit City and I qualify my customers to see WHAT they need.

 

I like the stock looks basically. but most stock radios I see don't put out too much power and (from what i've seen) distort at higher volumns.

i.e. my civic with upgraded speakers. If I turn the volumn up anywhere near half way (when my windows are down ) so sound quality is terrible. starts sounding distorted

plus , my stock unit doesn't play burnt CDs.

 

stock radios are garbage IMO whether it be the GSR or the Civic EX (I have 1st hand experience w/ both).. they distort at high volumes.. don't even sound good at low volumes (when you've had it good.. stock sucks.. if you haven't had good before.. stock seems OK)... paper woofers... weak as hell tweeters... basic features on the head unit, etc.... If i had a choice I would have bought my car w/o speakers, head unit, etc.. because I dumped all that stuff out almost right away....

I guess you can say I'm into car audio..I've spent a few G's on car audio for all my cars on quality audio components.... but lets put it this way.. I bought my car on a wednesday evening/night and had school/work the next days..and on saturday I was installing a new head unit, speakers, amps, etc.... nuff said...

the Civic stereo is an even bigger joke.. on my 97 EX either tape or CD was an option.. and if you got it (unless you got the changer) the player would be down below by the shifter/cup holders... that thing is a piece of garbage sitting in my garage waiting for the day I decide to sell my car also....

I almost laughed so hard that I almost fell off the chair w/ a stomach ache at the STealership when they said they wanted $900 for the CD player "upgrade" I was like if you'd sell it to me w/o the stereo components that'd be better since I'm taking it all out... after I said that he didn't try to push the cd changer option anymore....

 

thanks GSRaCeRbOI

I'm leaning towards the Nakamichi now..

but does anyone else have any more suggestions?

I'm just looking for as manay pinions as I can get.

thanks

 

it doesn't look stock at all, but the pioneer deh-840 is an amazing head unit. the thing is, if you're going to drop 4-500 on a head unit, you're not really going to get full use of it if you're using it with stock speakers. you might be better off spending a bit more and getting a mid-range head unit and upgrading your highs as well.

just my $0.02

 

here check out these threads.. you might want to IM the guys that have the unit.. to see if they have opinions or input on how the unit is/if they like it..

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=230654

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=153185

http://www.nakamichi.com/

 

Go with either Alpine, Eclipse, or Nakamichi. All three are great sound quality decks. I am a fan of Alpine myself, but have done a stereo in my friends Civic w/ Eclipse deck, components and subs and it sounds great. If you go with Alpine, go with the CDA-7894, the 7995 is preamp only and will require external amps and does not sound like it would be great for your situation. The Alpine decks also have a very powerful amp in them as far as decks go.

 

 

eclipse!!!!!!!!

 

can the Alpine 7894 display be turned to amber?

 

Anyone have a picture of an eclipse in their car (not from the website)?

 

Yes it can be and the alpine 7894 unit is great for the money.. if your gonna spend 400 on a unit i would recommend this just for a few things.. first it plays mp3 cds as well as cdr/cdrw so you can fit over 10 hours on 1 cd.. 60x4 watts, plenty enough power for stock speakers, its easy to use, easy to install, and easy to upgrade with, and its the best unit ive ever owned.. ill let you know i work at circuit city and anyone that is looking for something nice in this price range we recommend cause it has so many features..