Which Mp3 Cd Headunit

[hd_andy 2]

Since my CD headunit was stolen I have been putting up with tape, however I think the time has come to get a new CD Headunit.

 

I want to get the best branded, lowest priced CD MP3 headunit. I have always wanted to go for an Alpine unit but always get seduced by the lower price of the kenwood equivalent.

 

So the question is... Is there a noticeable difference between the Alpine and the Kenwood. I was looking at an Alpine CDA 9847 and a Kenwood KDCW 4034. The price difference is about £40 hence the temptation

[rich_w 0]

A quick google suggests the Alpine is a VERY good unit, but seems out of production, seems like you may have found someone selling them off.

 

What where the prices? There is someone selling a 4034 on ebay for 62 quid (+ P&P?).

 

I have a Alpine (there first mp3 h/u) and very happy with it, along with a friend who has one and is very happy with theirs.

[hd_andy 2]

The CDA 9846 was on ebay, but they tend to go for ~£100

 

The CDE 9847 is on most sites for a similar price

 

I saw the kenwood on ebay as well, that seems like a very good price, its more expensive on the usual ICE sites

[d-9 0]

IVe always been a massive alpine fan and would recommend them to anyone, I have a near top of the range kenwood that sounds almost as good, but its a lot easier to use. However the CD is very unreliable on it, so I doubt it would survive long in the 205.

[hengti 2]

it used to be the case that the sound reproduction from Kenwoods was fairly 'bass heavy' in comparison with the other big brands (noteably Alpine and Pioneer)

 

i've got a Kenwood CD player in mine which has lasted well

 

haven't been into car audio for years - was surprised at how cheap that Alpine unit is - and with a 2V pre out!

that'd easily have been over 300 quids worth not too many years ago

[mak 0]

When you say MP3 player I take it you dont mean iPOD??

 

I've just brought an apline 9850 which is designed for use with a pod, best pod head unit i've seen for the money

[hd_andy 2]

Just a CD player that is capable of playing MP3 files. The Kenwood and the Alpine look fairly similar in terms of spec, the kenwood has a 2V pre out as well.

 

I really wanted to go for the alpine but due to being a tight wad ended up ordering the kenwood and saving £30

 

I had my last Kenwood for 5 years, in 6 different cars.... Hopefully this one will last just as well.

[Dream Weaver 2]

Does it have to be branded?

 

I have a H&B headunit with CD player plus USB and SD card slots, works a treat

[hd_andy 2]

Actually I did look at something like that but the amp looked a bit poor, something like 15W per channel, whatis yours rated at?

[Dream Weaver 2]

45w

 

Its a H&B CA5555, cost me £80 from eBuyer.

 

Haven't used it whilst driving yet, only in the garage, but the quality seems pretty good for the price, and reviews of it have been good.

 

http://www.hb-direct.com/EN/

Edited May 24, 2006 by Dream Weaver

[engine killer 6]

have been using an Alpine system for a few years already, sound quality is excellent but the radio reception SUCKS! don't know whether the transmission in GB will be stronger or not. my good old Pioneer out perform JVC, Alpine and Sony all in radio reception.

[d-9 0]

My alpine has notably worse reception than the kenwood in my 309, but there was no differnence at all in a mates car, so im guessing its something to do with the arial setup in the 309

[24seven 104]

I've got an alpine 9828RB MP3/WMA unit in my Nissan ALmera, and I love it. got it off the bay for just £80! absolute bargain.