ALPINE OR PIONEER PLEASE ADVISE

[bigtoepfer 0]

Ok so i'm at a crossroads. I have a bit of a problem. I want a system that consists of all the same stuff if i go with a company like pioneer or alpine. That or i'll mitch match a bunch of stuff. BUT i have a deck. CDA-9887. Its pretty cool. Originally i wanted a DEH-P880PRS, but couldn't get ahold of one for the right price. Now I have a friend who also runs a car stereo shop. He is currently sitting on 3 880PRS decks and needs to get rid of them. I think i can pick one up for myself for about 250. So do i Buy one and sell my 9887 and go all pioneer. PRS comonents, up front and a 3 way active setup with a Shallow 10" in the back, or do i stick with Alpine get the Type X pro components and put like a type S 12 or 10 in the back. Or should i just say screw em both and go with someone else?? OK thanks for the input.

Toepfer

[KU40 173]

I wouldn't build an all-one-manufacturer system. Especially Pioneer. Their speakers are not awesome. I know it sounds cool to have an all-similar system, but that's usually as far as it goes and doesn't extend into real application very well. Alpine and Pioneer do both make good head units and their upper end amps are great, though.

[johnecon2001 82]

I concur. All one manufacturer systems are pointless unless you're sponsored.

[bigtoepfer 0]

well i had been looking at the PRS like of components from pioneer. And they were AMAZING. Probably the best coaxials i've heard in awhile. And if i can get them for 225-275 dollars i think its a great deal. As opposed to buying some K2s from focal for like 1200. but thats just me. Still which deck would u think to be better for a good setup. Most probably active

[///M5 2,833]

The 720prs set is really nice...however they aren't coaxials but components.

I also would highly suggest not going with all one company.

[bigtoepfer 0]

i'm sorry, i typed coaxials but was thinking components. And those were the ones i was talking about.

However which amp woudl u recomend? I was thinking like the PDX amps. Cuz i'd like small and inconspicious.

Edited June 3, 2008 by bigtoepfer

[///M5 2,833]

Depends on how open you are to different brands, your budget, your goals, and your space.

[KU40 173]

If you can find some Pioneer Premier amps, look into those. Don't be fooled by the wattage ratings, though. If you can find one online with a birth sheet you'll find that I believe they put out at least twice rated power. But the Alpine PDX amps are pretty cool too.

[bigtoepfer 0]

Depends on how open you are to different brands, your budget, your goals, and your space.

Well i have a honda fit. I am going to do 1 set of components in the front with the tweeters either in the apillar or the door. And 1 10 or 12 in the back built into the wall with fiberglass. And the amp a 5 channel if possible or 2 amps 1 4 channel and 1 sub amp built into the opposite wall. I don't know for sure about the space as far as depth of the 6.5" driver goes tho. And i have a friend who put 2 sets of focals in the front doors of the car. It lookd pretty neat. Didn't get to hear it tho. i'm just honestly trying to do the setup for under 2k USD. If its alpine, fosgate, pioneer, sony, planet audio, kicker. I get it for cost or better because i am a dealer. Otherwise i have to go about talking to friends or using the internet for better deals on other brands.

I'm very open brand wise. Doesn't have to be those. I don't care anymore. I just care about clarity. And depth, and a little about volume. Thanks for the input.

I know u have an 880PRS M5 what would u suggest versus keeping the 9887 or getting one...

[///M5 2,833]

Personally I prefer the L/R eq of the 880, but if you won't use it then it wouldn't be a decision factor for you.

I would personally with either of those decks, elect to run an active setup...considering you are a dealer I understand that this may place you in a strange spot with clients; however, you could have fun and use the OEM's for some of your manufacturers (ie Scan Speak mids (builds high end Alpine) etc).

I do like the 5 chn solution; however, I don't quite understand what space you have and what you want to run. Since you did use the term clarity though I would really highly suggest completely scrapping all of the rears and putting all your dough into the front stage. It will sound SUPERIOR guaranteed.

Of course if you choose the active route the next step is to really understand your space. I don't just mean dimensions, but aiming and of course how much effort you are willing to put in the install.

$2k is plenty of dough for one hell of a system, but in order to get the most out of it you will have to choose really wisely. We'd be glad to help with that portion though

[bigtoepfer 0]

Personally I prefer the L/R eq of the 880, but if you won't use it then it wouldn't be a decision factor for you.

I would personally with either of those decks, elect to run an active setup...considering you are a dealer I understand that this may place you in a strange spot with clients; however, you could have fun and use the OEM's for some of your manufacturers (ie Scan Speak mids (builds high end Alpine) etc).

I do like the 5 chn solution; however, I don't quite understand what space you have and what you want to run. Since you did use the term clarity though I would really highly suggest completely scrapping all of the rears and putting all your dough into the front stage. It will sound SUPERIOR guaranteed.

Of course if you choose the active route the next step is to really understand your space. I don't just mean dimensions, but aiming and of course how much effort you are willing to put in the install.

$2k is plenty of dough for one hell of a system, but in order to get the most out of it you will have to choose really wisely. We'd be glad to help with that portion though

I was just thinking 5 channel because one amp takes care of all the business. and most 5 channels put like 75-100 watts per channel which is plenty for most speakers. And about 300 for the subwoofer. Um i don't guess a picture of the car would help would it? as far as the space you speak of. And i wasn't planning on putting any speakers in the back doors. I don't find it neccesary. And just throws off timing. I thought of puttin midbasses in teh back doors, but i think i'd rather just have two midbass drivers in the front doors.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...1G1GGLQ_ENUS277

http://automobiles.honda.com/fit/interior-photos.aspx

That was probably the best pictures i found

http://automobiles.honda.com/fit/exterior-...?Mode=Viewpoint

thats a little 3d look around. kinda give you an idea, if u need me to measure something or whatever just um let me know.

I always wanted an 880PRS thats the only real reason i was thinking of switching to it. I just thought it looked better than the 9887. The new 800PRS has a copper chassis so i thought that was pretty neat too.

Also i didn't quite get what u mean by "considering you are a dealer I understand that this may place you in a strange spot with clients; however, you could have fun and use the OEM's for some of your manufacturers (ie Scan Speak mids (builds high end Alpine) etc)."

Also if spending 1k would be possible so much the better. 2k is the ceiling tho. But thats alot of stuff at cost price lol. I really do think 1k is doable. But i'm not fretin. Thats what the credit card is for right? lol.

And i totally agree on the pure front stage part. One of the reasons i want to do it. Is to show customers that less can be more. Just because you have more speakers doesn't make it better lol

Edited June 4, 2008 by bigtoepfer

[Tirefryr 1,742]

I'll have to disagree with some here. If you run an 880 and all the PRS line, you will have one fine system on your hands.

Do as M5 suggested and find a set of the 720s to run along with the PRS amps, and a PRS sub. The PRS line, driver-wise, offers some of Pioneer's best drivers to date. Hell, you can even get by with one of their lower line subs, as that single driver is covering so little of the spectrum.

Their are a few manufacturers who can provide you with a great setup by using strictly their products, and you have two of them on your list. Remember though, it's not about what we think, it's about what sounds good to you. If you like the Pioneers and want to go all PIO, then by all means do that.

[bigtoepfer 0]

I'll have to disagree with some here. If you run an 880 and all the PRS line, you will have one fine system on your hands.

Do as M5 suggested and find a set of the 720s to run along with the PRS amps, and a PRS sub. The PRS line, driver-wise, offers some of Pioneer's best drivers to date. Hell, you can even get by with one of their lower line subs, as that single driver is covering so little of the spectrum.

Their are a few manufacturers who can provide you with a great setup by using strictly their products, and you have two of them on your list. Remember though, it's not about what we think, it's about what sounds good to you. If you like the Pioneers and want to go all PIO, then by all means do that.

Yeah i agree with what you say about the PRS stuff. I've been thinking for awhile about what i want to put in the car. And i finally got to hear the 720PRS speakers in person today. And WoW was all i had to say when i got out. For a relatively speaking compared to some brands i look at. Its so cheap. And sounds soo good. I also forgot to mention that i carry infinity. Don't know your take on those. Anyway. I figured this would be the best place to come for advice, like M5 said i can get plenty of help here. I'm just trying to go ahead with it. And instead of buying something just cuz i want to get some advice so i dont' have to switching things out later on. play it smart for now. Save more money in the end. This is already my second headunit lol.

[///M5 2,833]

My only comment to warn you on anything is that if you have either the 9887 or the 880/800 you can run active and not buy a component set. To me this is superior, but if it is over your head to have that much tuning flexibility I understand as well.

[bigtoepfer 0]

My only comment to warn you on anything is that if you have either the 9887 or the 880/800 you can run active and not buy a component set. To me this is superior, but if it is over your head to have that much tuning flexibility I understand as well.

Well let me just make sure i understand one thing tho. I understand that i would be using two channels for mids, and two channels for tweeters. However for a tweeter don't you still need something like a crossover to take the heat off of the tweeter. So as basically not to boil it LOL. For lack of a better term. How do you acheive that without a cross over? These are the areas of science that i don't know much about. I'm well versed in subs and amps but this is new territory for me. Aside from just buying coaxials and components. So you info is much appreciated.

[ANeonRider 3]

Crossover is built into the headunit.

[bigtoepfer 0]

so because the headunit is doin the xover thers no need for the external xover at all period? The Tweeters wouldn't die? cuz i'm not lookin to be replacing tweeters all the time. LOL Another problem is. I don't know if i'll ever figure out all the crazy chit this deck does. And i don't have the Tuner for it that time aligns and what not. That was one of my other reasons for wanting a 880PRS

[KU40 173]

I believe that deck has a crossover on it for the tweeters. and the mids. hence the run active suggestion. and no, you don't need external crossovers because the deck has them. Do we need to point you to some sites that explain active vs. passive crossovers for you?

Edited June 4, 2008 by KU40

[bigtoepfer 0]

I believe that deck has a crossover on it for the tweeters. and the mids. hence the run active suggestion. and no, you don't need external crossovers because the deck has them. Do we need to point you to some sites that explain active vs. passive crossovers for you?

LOL i think maybe i'm just thinking too hard. If u say that a xover isn't need, awesome. my question then is. Where do we go from here. For if i don't need to buy a component set just purchase the components of the set from Pioneer/Alpine/etc parts? Or we goin with something else? J/W

[///M5 2,833]

Your next step should be to read up on active processing versus passive and make sure you are comfortable with it.

Basically the h/u acts as a crossover and has 2 rca outputs for your tweeters, 2 for your mids, and 1(or2) for your subs. Of course this means you need an amplifier channel for every driver. IE with 2 tweeters & 2 mids & 1 sub you'd need 5 channels.

[Dr Durden 0]

So do i Buy one and sell my 9887 and go all pioneer.

Yes.

[bigtoepfer 0]

So do i Buy one and sell my 9887 and go all pioneer.

Yes.

So now they are saying that i can get a 880PRS for $305 not 250. =( Still a damn good price.

[bigtoepfer 0]

Ok, so here goes. I'm going to stick with the headunit for now. When the system is done, if i'm not satisfied with it. I'll change it out. Now shooting for a 2k max preferable 1.2k spending limit on a set of separates for the front doors. 6.5" a 4 or 5 channel amp. And small sub. Sub isn't as important atm. Lets focus on the frontstage and amplification. I do have moderate space requirements. I'm currently looking at the PDX lineup from alpine. Just to give you and idea. Because i'm looking to build the amp into one wall of my hatch and the sub into the other. If we go 5 channel route that just makes thing simpler for wiring. But its whatever. So any and all suggestions are welcome. please advise

:edit: I was looking at the Mach5 mid 6.5. Whats the verdict on those? Amazing price if they are performing well i might to that route. If thats the case what about tweeters? any suggestions?

Edited June 9, 2008 by bigtoepfer

[subwoofery 0]

I'd recommend Hybrid Audio Technology @ http://www.lmfaudio.com/index.php?cPath=36_49

[bigtoepfer 0]

well to be honest, the HAT tweeters are a little more than i'd like to spend. Just sayin. ALso i'm eyeing the sundown 100.4 Any other amp suggestions. I was looking at the PDX5 or the PDX 100.4. But from what i've read here many people don't care for the PDX. The main reason i was looking at them was because of space. But i'm going to sit down with my installer tomorrow and we are going to plan out my amp rack and see what i can fit. Measurements wise. As soon as i can i'm going to get some pics of the doors and rear so ya'll can see what i'm working with here.

:edit: also i was looking into active processing. I'm a noob to that. But i can't really find anything. So if u could link something M5 that i could read up on. To see if i'm actually ready to take the plunge into that. pretty sure i am

Edited June 10, 2008 by bigtoepfer