phandango

I plan to pick up a new HU in the next few weeks and have it narrowed down to either the Alpine CDA-9856 or the Pioneer DEH-6800. Along with the head unit, I'm going to get some Polk 6500's and a powered bazooka sub.

They both seem like good HU's but I've never used/seen either one in person. I was hoping someone could give me some insight in this desicion.

Here are a few of the important factors in my decision:
1) Sound quality
2) Ipod interface
3) Subwoofer controls
4) Being able to hook up the Steering wheel controls (I heard the 9856 can't do it?)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

.dan.

daxII

Personally I'd go with the Alpine. I've used Alpine in all my installs and I think they're a reliable and consistent HU. If it's in your budget, you might want to consider upgrading to the Alpine CDA-9857. It's got a bio-lite display, has great interface controls with an iPod (simply hook up an Alpine full-speed iPod controller adapter to the back of the HU and you're set. It also has an input for plugging in an aftermarket steering wheel controller. I don' t think the 9856 is steering control ready.

Yanki01

go with the 9857!

Hyghgynx

Definitely the Alpine! I had the same decision as you about 6 months ago. I'm glad I went with the Alpine. Sound is incredible! Even with factory speakers. I also needed a HU that could play my iPod and hook up my SIRIUS Satellite Radio. This HU does both AND does it cheap! The iPod cable is only $30 while the Aux. Adapter cables were $15.99. Sub controls are great as well. Each 'mode' you play (ex. Tuner, Disc, iPod, etc.) can have different settings. Very cool! I didn't really care about steering wheel controls. My right arm can reach the volume dial just fine. You should go to Crutchfield.com and read the reviews of both HUs and see which one sounds like the better buy.

The speakers you chose are the ones I want to get. You might want to look into a better Sub though. I went with Audiobahn's ATB8AT (8" Powered Sub). It comes with everything you need to install and it takes up very little space in the cargo area. I too was looking at Bazooka Subs but found the Audiobahs to be a better value. Again check out the reviews at Crutchfield.com.

Alpine's 9857? Save yourself the $$. All you're really getting is a fancy BioLite screen for a $150 more.

Greo

The 9857 is a ripoff. All your getting for that extra 150 is a better screen. Other than the screen it looks exactly like and performs the same way as the 9856. And I believe it doesn't include the wheel controls harness so you'd have to spend more money.

phandango

I was thinking of picking up the amp'd 10" Bazooka but I was at Circuit City this morning and found the Infinity Basslink II for $225. Apparently they don't sell Infinity any more but still had one lying around. I think it will be just enough bass for my TC.

Can't wait to get the head unit so I can put it all together =)

Yanki01

9857 you get 2 lines of text copared to the 1 on the 9856. So if you use your iPod like i do all the time. Its great! Alpine doesnt make a ripoff!

Hyghgynx

If that's the case, then tell them to offer you a deal since you will be taking it off their hands. I'm sure they will cut you a decent deal because they don't want a 'one-of-a-kind' item lying around. About the 9857; I don't need 2 lines of text when the 9856 has the auto scroll feature. With $150 savings I can essentially buy the Polk Componets set-up. If you have the $$$, then I say go for it. But if you're short on ca$h, get the lesser model.

Hey Yanki01; what size are the stock speakers in the front and rear? I'm debating on buying the Polks from Crutchfield.com because they have a deal where you buy a set and you can get the 2nd set for 1/2 off. Much appreciated!

Yanki01

you can fit 6.5" in both with some 3/4" MDF baffels. But stock is 6.5" front and 5.25" rear!

Yanki01

CDA-9857 on eBay for around $280 shipped! Not a bad price at all!!!

dism

I have the 6800mp in mine and it sounds great. I ordered mine from crutchfield with the ipod adaptor and it came out to 269.00 with shipping. Instead of soldering the harnesses I went to my local circuit city and picked up both adaptors for 40 bucks. I had the head unit in less than a half hour and the next day I installed the ipod adaptor which took about 1 hour since i had to drill a whole in the bottom of the adaptor kit and splice into the wire harness. It is like day and night from the stock radio. It has a 7 band eq with 2 customizable presets. It really easy to operate and fits perfectly with the lid closed. The only draw back is that the lcd is in blue and kinda throws off the orange glow inside the car. Either way it goes Alpine and Pioneer are both top of the line companies so either one would be a good pick

phandango

After visiting CC and playing with the 6800 in person, I found that the head unit seemed rather cheap. I didnt like the 7 way **** which constantly navigated to items I didnt select. And the graphics on the HU were very distracting. I actually found myself more attracted to the simplicity of the of less expensive 4800 =/

So I'm going with the Alpine. I haven't installed a new HU since my 91' Civic hatchback... hope the TC is as easy!

Thanks for all the feed back guys!

MountScion1

good choice I got the CDA-9853 with the glidestrip and I couldn't be happier with it.... I've always had a great experience with Alpine and would certainly recommend them to anyone.......

Yanki01

the install is cake! just have the supplies!

Hyghgynx

Thanks for the info! Why do you think Scion put the bigger speaker in the front? Oh well. Time to order some Polks!

Keeshwah

9856 does steering wheel controls, I have it.

phandango

AWSOME! Does if function as well as when its connected to the stock HU?

How are the iPod controls?

Keeshwah

iPod controls are awesome. Does artist, playlist, album etc like the iPod and you can search the same way you do w/ an Mp3 cd. I have the SWI-X connector for the steering wheel controls and it works but not as good as stock. There is an SWI-ALP connector made specifically for Alpine HUs and I've heard good things about it. I plan on exchanging my SWI-X for an SWI-ALP eventually.