Alpine CDE 7854 R

Advantages: Many options, attractive look, awesome sound quality, amp adjustments from head unit, mp3 player
Disadvantages: Glide touch, tricky menus, requires speaker upgrade, pricey

...This replaced a pioneer I had been using for many years. I purchased this to start my full alpine system. This along with the v12 amps has changed my veiw of car audio. The alpine is listed as having the same power output as my pioneer, but the alpine blew my stock gm non-bose speakers. Either pioneer is overrated or alpine is underrated. The v12 amps can be wired to the headunit via the a-link cables, keeps me from having to go to the back of my blazer to adjust the gains. This will be my second Mp3 player, the first was an aiwa, the mp3 play is smooth and clear even with not so good mp3's. the only flaw I have found is the glide touch, it is a great idea BUT I dont know how long it will last, it seems to be a possible failure point. Don't let that scare ya away from this unit, it is by far the best unit I have owned... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Looks Great, Easy To Use, Great Features, Simple To Install
Disadvantages: Ipod Function Can Be Difficult To Begin With

...on the screen and this can be changed to scrolling text, fade and etc.. The head unit gives out 50W x 4 which is standard these days but still gives a great clarity to the sound you would come to expect from Alpine.. The face comes off also which is a must in any head unit nowadays and this is easy to take off and attach.. All in all a great head unit that is a must buy if you own an Ipod! I would highly recommend :D... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Best sound quality in its price range
Disadvantages: Ugly as sin

...The ultimate in ICE (in car entertainment). ALPINE! A big name for many years in the automotive industry delivering some of the best amplifiers, headunits and speakers available. The CDA range definately does not dissapoint. Featuring all of the classic alpine qualities including the old alpine look with the 4 buttons to the left of the round volume control (which now functions as a whole lot more). Its an absolutely ugly headunit as all alpines are, a pig to operate and I dont think there is anyone in the world that has mastered every option on an alpine unit since they first started producing them, but from the moment you first power it up you fall in love with the depth, warmth and clarity of the sound reproduction. My favourite trick is to leave the eq exactly as it comes from factory, but to increase the subwoofer output level... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful