Alpine CDA-9831 or Nakamichi CD 400
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Re: Alpine CDA-9831 or Nakamichi CD 400 (pydc2r)
I don't know how the 400 sounds, but i have the 300 and it sounds perfectly fine. It was in my ITR when i bought it, and i swapped radio's with my alpine in my beater. I have type s speakers all around the interior and it sounds great. In my opinion alpine is the best for decks, if not everything, some people wouldn't agree due to the fact of price to performance.
I'd stick in the alpine if i were you, the 400 is probably better than my 300 for sound, but alpine
I'd stick in the alpine if i were you, the 400 is probably better than my 300 for sound, but alpine
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Re: Alpine CDA-9831 or Nakamichi CD 400 (pydc2r)
with extensive experience with both units, thats pretty much a no brainer...
Alpine's 1 bit regulated DAC, or Nakamichi's 24 bit DAC... the Nak's sound quality is far superior.
a lot of people are into cosmetics... i dont know why. i guess they bought their stereos to look at them instead of listening to them. but some dont like the all business look of the Nak, and would choose the bling of the Alpine.
i'll tell you right now, a lot of people are disillusioned into thinking Alpine is the best... they just have not owned anything better, and are too brand loyal to try anything else, so they will never know.
however, not to say that the 9831 is all that bad of a unit, just that you really cant compare it to a quality multi bit DAC unit and expect it to sound better.
and besides, around $300 for a 24 bit unit is a deal !
dave
Alpine's 1 bit regulated DAC, or Nakamichi's 24 bit DAC... the Nak's sound quality is far superior.
a lot of people are into cosmetics... i dont know why. i guess they bought their stereos to look at them instead of listening to them. but some dont like the all business look of the Nak, and would choose the bling of the Alpine.
i'll tell you right now, a lot of people are disillusioned into thinking Alpine is the best... they just have not owned anything better, and are too brand loyal to try anything else, so they will never know.
however, not to say that the 9831 is all that bad of a unit, just that you really cant compare it to a quality multi bit DAC unit and expect it to sound better.
and besides, around $300 for a 24 bit unit is a deal !
dave
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Joined: Jul 2004
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Re: Alpine CDA-9831 or Nakamichi CD 400 (daveds50)
In this thread, https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=290082
rcurley55 said that, " The heads biggest selling point is it's dual 24bit DAC's....and it's easy to argue that you won't be able to hear the difference between 24, 20 or even good 1 bit dac's". Is this true?
rcurley55 said that, " The heads biggest selling point is it's dual 24bit DAC's....and it's easy to argue that you won't be able to hear the difference between 24, 20 or even good 1 bit dac's". Is this true?
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From: Las Vegas, nv, usa
Re: Alpine CDA-9831 or Nakamichi CD 400 (pydc2r)
yes and no... how is that for an answer ? 
depends on the rest of your system. for example, if you are using Sony Xplod amps and speakers, then it's most likely you will never know the difference.
however, on a well set up high end SQ system, i can definatly tell.
dave ( < who wishes he remembered his old screen name and password, so he could post more than 5 times a day... )
Hybrid ctr... trial users cannot use IM... sorry.
Modified by daveds50 at 2:46 PM 7/15/2004
depends on the rest of your system. for example, if you are using Sony Xplod amps and speakers, then it's most likely you will never know the difference.
however, on a well set up high end SQ system, i can definatly tell.
dave ( < who wishes he remembered his old screen name and password, so he could post more than 5 times a day... )
Hybrid ctr... trial users cannot use IM... sorry.
Modified by daveds50 at 2:46 PM 7/15/2004
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Re: Alpine CDA-9831 or Nakamichi CD 400 (pydc2r)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by pydc2r »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">In this thread, https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=290082
rcurley55 said that, " The heads biggest selling point is it's dual 24bit DAC's....and it's easy to argue that you won't be able to hear the difference between 24, 20 or even good 1 bit dac's". Is this true? </TD></TR></TABLE>
Yeah, it's true - there are decks out there with 1 bit DAC's that sound better then those with 24bit....
using a 24 bit DAC doesn't automatically make a headunit better....as it has been alluded to above (IMO of course)
rcurley55 said that, " The heads biggest selling point is it's dual 24bit DAC's....and it's easy to argue that you won't be able to hear the difference between 24, 20 or even good 1 bit dac's". Is this true? </TD></TR></TABLE>
Yeah, it's true - there are decks out there with 1 bit DAC's that sound better then those with 24bit....
using a 24 bit DAC doesn't automatically make a headunit better....as it has been alluded to above (IMO of course)
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Re: Alpine CDA-9831 or Nakamichi CD 400 (rcurley55)
K, thanks for the replies everyone, but my question is still unanswered. What is the best deck you can buy for 300? In the future I may or may not add speakers/amps, but I know for sure that I will not add a sub.
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Re: Alpine CDA-9831 or Nakamichi CD 400 (pydc2r)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by pydc2r »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">K, thanks for the replies everyone, but my question is still unanswered. What is the best deck you can buy for 300? In the future I may or may not add speakers/amps, but I know for sure that I will not add a sub.</TD></TR></TABLE>
step one - do you want to use MP3's - that should simplify the decision
step one - do you want to use MP3's - that should simplify the decision
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Re: Alpine CDA-9831 or Nakamichi CD 400 (rcurley55)
no, a mp3 playing deck isnt important. I am also not interested in any bling, just audio quality. I also want a head unit that will be able to play decently even without new speakers/amps, if I decide not to go with a whole system.
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From: miami, florida, trinidad
Re: Alpine CDA-9831 or Nakamichi CD 400 (daveds50)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by daveds50 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">with extensive experience with both units, thats pretty much a no brainer...
Alpine's 1 bit regulated DAC, or Nakamichi's 24 bit DAC... the Nak's sound quality is far superior.
a lot of people are into cosmetics... i dont know why. i guess they bought their stereos to look at them instead of listening to them. but some dont like the all business look of the Nak, and would choose the bling of the Alpine.
i'll tell you right now, a lot of people are disillusioned into thinking Alpine is the best... they just have not owned anything better, and are too brand loyal to try anything else, so they will never know.
however, not to say that the 9831 is all that bad of a unit, just that you really cant compare it to a quality multi bit DAC unit and expect it to sound better.
and besides, around $300 for a 24 bit unit is a deal !
dave </TD></TR></TABLE>
im //ALPINES biggest fan
but i agree withyou, it is not the best, but sure better than pioneer
Alpine's 1 bit regulated DAC, or Nakamichi's 24 bit DAC... the Nak's sound quality is far superior.
a lot of people are into cosmetics... i dont know why. i guess they bought their stereos to look at them instead of listening to them. but some dont like the all business look of the Nak, and would choose the bling of the Alpine.
i'll tell you right now, a lot of people are disillusioned into thinking Alpine is the best... they just have not owned anything better, and are too brand loyal to try anything else, so they will never know.
however, not to say that the 9831 is all that bad of a unit, just that you really cant compare it to a quality multi bit DAC unit and expect it to sound better.
and besides, around $300 for a 24 bit unit is a deal !
dave </TD></TR></TABLE>
im //ALPINES biggest fan
but i agree withyou, it is not the best, but sure better than pioneer
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Re: Alpine CDA-9831 or Nakamichi CD 400 (rcurley55)
[quote]Yeah, it's true - there are decks out there with 1 bit DAC's that sound better then those with 24bit....
using a 24 bit DAC doesn't automatically make a headunit better....as it has been alluded to above (IMO of course)[quote]
all i can say, is if you believe that, ( and since there is a lot of Alpine fans here ) go try out a CDA 7990. thats the F1 Status 24 bit unit. then tell me that a 1 bit Alpine is better sounding... i'll bet that you wont. all my test results and also my ears tell me otherwise. can post occilliscope pics of various signals from my 7990, a 7998 1 bit, and a Nak CD400. ( sorry, i dont have a 9831 here ) i think the choice will be pretty clear.
however, yes there is a few crappy multi bit units out there... the JVC KD SH55, and SH77, some of the older Eclipses, ect. in these cases, i would prefer a 1 bit Alpine.
however... this is all a moot point, as pydc2r mentions that he is going to be using the onboard amplifier speaker outputs. both units use the Signetics Thompson TDA 7560 chip, that put out about 23 watts at about 5% THD. in the case of not using an amplifier, the Alpine would probably be a better choice... however, you could also get a less expensive Alpine, and never know the difference.
Hybrid ctr: yes, i got your message, but was not able to respond... i think you would be very happy with that unit. i dont currently have a spec sheet on it, but will make one when one of those come in. im sure you can find the manufactures claimed specs somewhere on the web in the meanwhile.
dave
using a 24 bit DAC doesn't automatically make a headunit better....as it has been alluded to above (IMO of course)[quote]
all i can say, is if you believe that, ( and since there is a lot of Alpine fans here ) go try out a CDA 7990. thats the F1 Status 24 bit unit. then tell me that a 1 bit Alpine is better sounding... i'll bet that you wont. all my test results and also my ears tell me otherwise. can post occilliscope pics of various signals from my 7990, a 7998 1 bit, and a Nak CD400. ( sorry, i dont have a 9831 here ) i think the choice will be pretty clear.
however, yes there is a few crappy multi bit units out there... the JVC KD SH55, and SH77, some of the older Eclipses, ect. in these cases, i would prefer a 1 bit Alpine.
however... this is all a moot point, as pydc2r mentions that he is going to be using the onboard amplifier speaker outputs. both units use the Signetics Thompson TDA 7560 chip, that put out about 23 watts at about 5% THD. in the case of not using an amplifier, the Alpine would probably be a better choice... however, you could also get a less expensive Alpine, and never know the difference.
Hybrid ctr: yes, i got your message, but was not able to respond... i think you would be very happy with that unit. i dont currently have a spec sheet on it, but will make one when one of those come in. im sure you can find the manufactures claimed specs somewhere on the web in the meanwhile.
dave
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Re: Alpine CDA-9831 or Nakamichi CD 400 (daveds50)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by daveds50 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"><TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yeah, it's true - there are decks out there with 1 bit DAC's that sound better then those with 24bit....
using a 24 bit DAC doesn't automatically make a headunit better....as it has been alluded to above (IMO of course)</TD></TR></TABLE>
all i can say, is if you believe that, ( and since there is a lot of Alpine fans here ) go try out a CDA 7990. thats the F1 Status 24 bit unit. then tell me that a 1 bit Alpine is better sounding... i'll bet that you wont. </TD></TR></TABLE>
This is simply comparing apples to oranges - the point I was trying to make is that there is more to a headunit's overall SQ then just a DAC.
You are not holding all things equal, then changing one piece of the puzzle. Instead you are suggesting going from a $300 headunit (a 1 bit model) and then listening to a $3000 headunit.....
so of course the F#1 is a better unit - but you can't attribute it all to the DAC!!!
That's the only point I was attempting to make. Often manufacturers use features as marketing ploys - not becuase they offer the end-user a true benefit. I just don't want people falling into the trap of thinking Unit A has a 24-Bit DAC - therefore is MUST be better then Unit B.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">all my test results and also my ears tell me otherwise. can post occilliscope pics of various signals from my 7990, a 7998 1 bit, and a Nak CD400. ( sorry, i dont have a 9831 here ) i think the choice will be pretty clear. </TD></TR></TABLE>
If you want to scope them (for what I'm not 100% sure) go ahead and post them - I'm sure it would be a great learning experience for all involved, but the bottom line is that your ears (well your brain really are the final judge.
All of that said - I'm not an Alpine only person like many on this board! Alpine does make some great units. They are the only mfg who made a signal processor that was flexible enough for my needs (flexible 4-way active x-over, full EQ, phase adjustment, small size). Mating it to a DVA-7996 is a no brainer b/c you can take advantage of the optical out and the AiNet connection - that and they are cosmetic matches...
Something you should know is that I have owned some of the finest analog processors around (IMO again) and in that situation being able to have a high end outboard DAC would have been great.
So I wouldn't ever discount the importance of a DAC, but you shouldn't put all of your stock in it either.....
sorry for the rambling...
using a 24 bit DAC doesn't automatically make a headunit better....as it has been alluded to above (IMO of course)</TD></TR></TABLE>
all i can say, is if you believe that, ( and since there is a lot of Alpine fans here ) go try out a CDA 7990. thats the F1 Status 24 bit unit. then tell me that a 1 bit Alpine is better sounding... i'll bet that you wont. </TD></TR></TABLE>
This is simply comparing apples to oranges - the point I was trying to make is that there is more to a headunit's overall SQ then just a DAC.
You are not holding all things equal, then changing one piece of the puzzle. Instead you are suggesting going from a $300 headunit (a 1 bit model) and then listening to a $3000 headunit.....
so of course the F#1 is a better unit - but you can't attribute it all to the DAC!!!
That's the only point I was attempting to make. Often manufacturers use features as marketing ploys - not becuase they offer the end-user a true benefit. I just don't want people falling into the trap of thinking Unit A has a 24-Bit DAC - therefore is MUST be better then Unit B.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">all my test results and also my ears tell me otherwise. can post occilliscope pics of various signals from my 7990, a 7998 1 bit, and a Nak CD400. ( sorry, i dont have a 9831 here ) i think the choice will be pretty clear. </TD></TR></TABLE>
If you want to scope them (for what I'm not 100% sure) go ahead and post them - I'm sure it would be a great learning experience for all involved, but the bottom line is that your ears (well your brain really
are the final judge.All of that said - I'm not an Alpine only person like many on this board! Alpine does make some great units. They are the only mfg who made a signal processor that was flexible enough for my needs (flexible 4-way active x-over, full EQ, phase adjustment, small size). Mating it to a DVA-7996 is a no brainer b/c you can take advantage of the optical out and the AiNet connection - that and they are cosmetic matches...
Something you should know is that I have owned some of the finest analog processors around (IMO again) and in that situation being able to have a high end outboard DAC would have been great.
So I wouldn't ever discount the importance of a DAC, but you shouldn't put all of your stock in it either.....
sorry for the rambling...
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