HU Alipne CDA-9815 Opinion

[geralopez]

Have somebody experience with this head unit? Are there some other options (brand) with similar features? My target is to spend arround $ 320. I can get this unit with a local dealer (in Monterrey Mx.) for this price. Thanks for your help...


Info & Spec.
http://iweb.alpine-usa.com:7777/pls/admn/item_info?p_item_name=CDA-9815&p_category=10&p_subcategory=20&p_main=10

[alon5rev3]

I recently purchased a 9805 and am 110% satisfied. I've been an Eclipse customer for the past 10 years and bought the 9805 because I wanted a cheap head unit for my truck that had XM capability. Much to my suprise this $190 unit gives my $450 Eclipse CD5442 a run for the money. This proves again that the price of a piece of gear now a days does not really reflect possible quality. I experienced the same thing when I got my Polk db650's for $100, they come darn close to my Boston Pros that were $465. The 9815 is the same base unit with a few more bells and whistles and I'm sure it would be just fine.

[sntnsupermen131]

im not a big fan of alpine, but ive many great things about the 9815
-Cody

[TrappedUnder Ice]

I run the 7894 in my car,,,and the 7809 in the wifes...wich replaced the 7893 wich died..and has since been replaced by alpine ...

I have been nothing but pleased with the Alpines...this after running clarion for last 6yrs

[Jstas]

Well, the Alpine is a nice unit. I think if that is you choice, stick with it. But if you want comparisons, here is some of it's competion in similar price points.

The Clarion ProAudio DXZ835MP is a very nice reciever too. Very clean presentation but the buttons are small and the backlighting doesn't always work well with most interiors.

The Kenwood KDC-MP822 and Kenwood KDC-MP922 are pretty much the same unit with a few different features but basically the same. These are very nice units and the only problem I have with them is the flip-down face plate that sticks out while the unit is playing. I see it breaking way too easily.

The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X969 is a spectacular reciever and IMO, is a better reciever than the Alpine and I'd go with that if it weren't for that damn flip down face again.

The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X579 is similar to the one above and has no flip down face. However, it's specs are lacking compared to the X969 from Kenwood and the Alpine you listed. It is a viable alternative but I think the Alpine is a better buy.

This Panasonic MXE CQ-DFX983U has gotten good reviews and has nice specs. It's a little too flashy for my tastes and my experience with Panasonic car audio has been lackluster. It seems manufactured. There is no soul, no life, no feeling to the sound from Panasonic stuff IMO and that would sway me away from it completely. But it is an alternative.

This Pioneer DEH-P7500MP is an extremely nice unit also. I'd put it on the level of the Kenwoods above and the Alpine you posted. It has an incredible amount of adjustability too. It's a nice unit and worth consideration.

There area few other Pioneer units that are worth looking at too but they are above your price range or too far below to be adequate comparisons.

I would go with that Alpine you listed, the Pioneer above or one of the Kenwood units. If you already have the Alpine than keep it because it certainly is a good unit.

[MacLeod]

Personally, I think that in the $320 range, anything you buy from a major name, will be good. Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine et al make very good stuff and their $300+ stuff is very good.

Me? I love Alpine and have been very satisfied with mine. I highly recommend them.

[sntnsupermen131]

id go with pioneer
at least you dont have to buy a 10 gauge wiring kit for the thing....
-Cody

[geralopez]

Thanks everbody!!
I'll try this Alpine unit in my system. I think it will work 1000's times better than the original chrysler HU. I'm working in the installation of my equipment, it is so hard but I love it. The main problem is time to do the things, but I hope to finish in the next 2 o 3 weeks.
Regarding the 10ga wire, I think it is the minor issue to be worried. If you can install 1/0 ga wires, distibution blocks, fuses, amps, RCA's cables, etc. for your amps, Why not buy and install one more simple 10ga wire for your HU? just peanuts!!

I saw the Apline CD charger also to complete the system and I will go with the CHA-S634 unit. Advantages are the Ai-NET feature it is just one cable to control the unit and it plays MP3 for $177.


Happy New Year 2004 for everybody!!

-GLopez

[TrappedUnder Ice]

where did you find that for $177?????:eek:

[geralopez]

With a local dealer in Monterrey Mexico.
I have it now in my hands, I bought it some hours ago and of course it is brand new in a sealed box and warranty.

[sntnsupermen131]

i buy most of my alcohol in mexico, i might start going there for my audio as well...
-Cody

[PoweredByDodge]

cody - u do know your parents picked u up from some roaming gypsies in mexico, right? heh heh heh

[sntnsupermen131]

yeah...the kids are cheaper in mexico too...lol
-Cody

[geralopez]

I don't know but some times I find here some items cheaper than in the USA, some times are close the same price if you add the shipping charges, trips to go to the border (meals, gas, highways fees, etc.) from Mty. to McAllen.

I bought all my speakers in USA because here were so expensive. I bought all the rest of my stuff here in Mty., Mx.

[geralopez]

By the way!! I have 3 kids in stock at good price, they are in good shape. A little bit hyperactive but you can control them.
cheap, cheap, cheap...

Warranty?? No way, no refunds, no claims...

[TonyPTX]

You should love the Alpine. I'm running the 9805 and have had it for about 3 weeks now. It's a solid unit. I wasn't too big in the flip down face which is why I went with the 9805 over the other models. I wanted MP3 capability pretty badly but I chose reliability over that feature. I do plan on getting a 6 disc changer in the very near future and that will have the MP3 capability for sure.

Tony

[Digital]

I have this HU in my car and it's fantastic. For the price, you'll be hard pressed to find something better.

[sntnsupermen131]

Originally posted by Digital
I have this HU in my car and it's fantastic. For the price, you'll be hard pressed to find something better.
unless you go with pioneer:)
sorry...couldnt help it
theres 3 main companies id buy a head unit from...and alpine isnt one of them
-Cody

[MacLeod]

Originally posted by sntnsupermen131
unless you go with pioneer:)
sorry...couldnt help it
theres 3 main companies id buy a head unit from...and alpine isnt one of them
-Cody

Why?

[sntnsupermen131]

they seem to skip more than other brands when going over bumps
ive heard their preamp outputs arent very good and let noise in
most of the ppl i know that have em have had problems with them
certain buttons not working...certain part of the screens blacking out
i think its ridiculous that u have to have a 10 gauge wiring kit for the 9815
but i do like the 9827
its an awesome hu for the price range its in
other than that...
lets compare
the pioneer 8500MP to the alpine 7897
on crutchfield...the pioneer goes for $500...the 7897 for 550
i know you can get them both cheaper else where...but there will always be the $50 price difference
pioneer puts out 22 watts rms compared to the alpines 20
to me...irrelevant...pioneer could just measure their rms power differently
both have 3 4 volt pre outs
pioneer has an organic EL display compared to the alpines regular display theyve had for 15 years
the pioneer you can change the button colors b/t blue and green...alpine only green
who cares?...i dont
pioneer has 3 EQ bands compared to the alpines 5
BUT u can customize much more with the pioneer than you can with the alpine
both have wireless remotes and cd changer controls
security: alpine has realized most ppl are too lazy to detach the face plate off of their HU's so they made theirs camoflauged....correct me if im wrong but i think it flips over and its all black
pioneer has the standard removable face plate
what alpine didnt realize is that its very easy to tell if its "camoflauged" b/c face plates that you can remove have a port you can visibly see...
any half way smart thief knows this...
so i give the pioneer a heads up on this one
sound processor
alpine has the bass engine pro....pioneer has the easy eq...i prefer the easy eq having dealt with both...buts its debateable
both have 1 yr warranties
pioneer has the supertuner3, alpine has the maxtunesq
most ppl agree that the st3 is better...it gets better reception and its clearer
pioneer has better FM sensitivity...meaning itll get better reception
pioneer as more fm presets...i dont use all of mine...im sure you dont use all of yours...but if ya do...the pioneer has more...both have 6 am presets
alpine blows pioneer away in the cd-singal to noise category
both play mp3s
pioneer plays wma's as well...alpine doesnt
all in all: pioneers specs edge out the alpines
mind you the alpine is $50 more expensive
but specs do not tell it all
from personal experience...alpines just dont hold up as well as pioneers do
pioneers have more options and more ways to customize your sound
generally, theyre easier to use too
-Cody

[MacLeod]

Im on my first Alpine. Ive mostly used Kenwoods in the past but have always wanted to try an Alpine.

The only problem Ive had so far is under certain circumstances, when you adjust the volume there is a little pop for each number you go up. Not very loud but still there. This concerns me a bit. Other than that, Ive not had any problems. I havent heard this thing skip once and all the functions work fine.

I dont know if Im gonna stay with them forever tho. I had problems with all my Kenwoods starting to skip a lot after a year or two so I doubt Ill go back to them. I also had a Sony which wasnt that great either. I may try a Pioneer or a Clarion once this thing kicks the bucket.

[TrappedUnder Ice]

amazing...I have 3 alpines. 7894...over 1.5yrs..never a problem (knock on wood)...the 7894 fried..but so did the pac os-1 onstar adapter..not sure wich fault is was...+ the idiots i let actually install the hu..did not leave the fuse on the power wire (why..hell i dont know) and have had the 9807 in the wifes for 6months now..no issues

I have heard folks having issues with alpine...but never met one

[MacLeod]

Oh dont get me wrong. I love my Alpine. The little cracklin is the only issue Ive come across and its not that big a deal. The sound quality is better than the previous head I had (Sony) and it looks cool as hell. I also have 2 of their amps (V Power). They arent very powerful but are clean as a whistle and as accurate as Ive ever heard. Im a big fan of Alpine!

[sntnsupermen131]

theyre not horrible...but ive just made a decision through personal experience
if i couldnt get an eclipse, nakamichi, or pioneer, i might look at an alpine for their higher end units...anything below the 9827 id probably lean towards kenwood excelron
a lot of ppl have the alpine screens in their car so i guess they have to be doing something right...unless its all hype like JL
-Cody

[MacLeod]

There you go with that JL bashing again! LOL ;)

Ive always wanted a Denon just cause theyre supposed to be the best things ever. They have a cool look to them. Kind of a "sleeper" vibe going.

I think Eclipse makes some awesome heads but they just down right homely. I dont know who designs those things but he should be taken out in the street and horse whipped. Then take him out and get him laid. For Gods sake man, put some color on those things! Do something to make them easier to look at!

[geralopez]

What about the special features of this head unit?
Some of them are:
6 Channels Time correction, 5 band Parametric EQ, Crossover Control, i-Personalize. I have not installed already my HU, but I think these tools can help you a lot to set-up your sound.

-GLopez

[MacLeod]

Yikes! That makes my eyes cross!

I dont care much for time correction. Its great if you are the only one in the car I guess but what about passnegers?

I do like the EQ though. I wish mine had that. Those are useful and pretty much any nitwit can operate one.....like me! :D

[sntnsupermen131]

glopez,
pioneer has similar controls
my pioneer has more options than ive had time to really play with
it has an "auto-equalizer"
not really sure of the mechanics behind it...but it sounds cool....lol
u hook up a microphone to the HU(comes with it) and put in the drivers seat
2 minutes later...voila
i need to do that
ive been waiting to get another tweeter...i have it...now im waiting to stop being lazy
-Cody

[geralopez]

Passengers? It's easy, you have 6 memories to change at any moment your settings, you can change time, EQ and X-over and make any combination as your convenience. If you drive alone, one preset can be used to satisfy yours needs.
I'm not vs. any other brand, in fact it is my 1st. serious HU. Before I used always the original car HU's. I will test all their features and, if there is a chance, I will share my experience later with this unit.
Regarding passengers, I'm confused with this comment, since I start looking to select my equipment, I reed a lot of comments in this forum about if is necessary to install the rear speaker or not. PBD wrote me a comment in some thread, that is better to leave the back deck with the holes open. You most focus focus you sound image in front of you but, here comes my question. What about rear passengers? Ok, they can listen the front speakers but not with the same quality as the front seats. I have a big ship ( a 300M) and the rear seats most be covered with similar image as the front. I have 2 MM6 components, one to the front and one for the rear. I will try to adjust the sound to have similar image in both sides in one memory and while I alone I will set the other mem. to pass the image totally to the front.
Well, I hope so... I can not see the end of the installation, it is so hard.

-GLopez

[MacLeod]

You can still have rear speakers just have them tuned down. I have a Ram Quad cab and use a 4 channel amp to power my speakers. I have my gain on the front channel set at the "noon" position and the rear set at "10 oclock". This way I dont really hear the back speakers at all. My rear seat passengers can and it still adds a bit of fill in the soundstage but it keeps everything up front.

[TrappedUnder Ice]

rear speakers? what are those...you talking about subs ?

[geralopez]

They are smalls round and conical pieces with a big magnet (MM6). I'll use in my limousine, you know the rear seats are insulated of the front.

Well I'm not talking about Sub's, it will come later. I'm talking about: the rear sound is needed anyway. In my specific case , I travel several times per year with my family (wife, sons, dog, bird, cat, @$%#^ mother in law) and some times you need to send the total audio for the passengers. That's why I'm asking about...
Yes... about REAR SPEAKERS.

[MacLeod]

Lately Ive been thinking about doing away with my rear door speakers entirely. This would make things a lot cheaper! Rather than buying a $550 Xtant 4 channel, All I need is the $350 Xtant 2 channel!! Yippee!

This thread got me thinking about it. Im driving a Ram Quad Cab so its not like Ive got a cavernous interior to fill with sound. When I have rear seat passengers theyre usually bitching about the volume anyway so why spend $300 on a set of rear speakers and an extra $250 on a 4 channel amp when its for something thats only going to be heard by people that wont appreciate it anyway?

[PoweredByDodge]

you're prolly gonna want at least mid bass drivers in the back though - even on low power (1/4 to 1/3 of the fronts). it'll "flesh out" the sound.

[MacLeod]

Yeah I was thinking about that but my sub is so close to the rear speakers that its almost pointless. They get drowned out now with a mere 140 rms on the sub. Once I bump that up to around 300 rms I figure it wont make any difference what kind of speakers Ive got back there. They will pretty much be washed out by the sub.

Ill figure it as I go I guess. Right now Im just going to concentrate on an amp for the fronts and then reconfigure my sub situation. Then Ill move on to the front stage (either Focal, MB or CDT) and then see how it sounds at that point.

[sntnsupermen131]

why not just run the rear speakers off of deck power?
-Cody

[TonyPTX]

I agree w/ Cody here...

Get yourself a nice 4 channel amp. Bridge two channels and run a sub, use the other two channesl to run your highs in the front and the HU can power the rears...

Tony

[TrappedUnder Ice]

Why bother with door /rear speakers at all...unless you have an Olds battle wagon or a full size suv...? spend that money on good fronts/amps/install and be done...

:D

[sntnsupermen131]

Originally posted by TonyPTX
I agree w/ Cody here...

Get yourself a nice 4 channel amp. Bridge two channels and run a sub, use the other two channesl to run your highs in the front and the HU can power the rears...

Tony
i was thinking the same thing
get some mm6s
find a 150x4 amp
or a 3 channel
-Cody

[MacLeod]

For an area as small as the inside of a Quad Cab Ram, I dont really think Ill need rear speakers. They are so close to the front seats and the back seat area is so small that they pull the sound stage to the back even at very low levels. I was thinking I might try my hand in some SQ competitions at the amateur/novice levels and so imaging is about as important as tonal quality. A lot of competitiors run either no rear speakers or just a plain ol midrange running at low levels. Once I get the front stage and my sub squared away, Ill see how it sounds.

My initial plans call for Focal Polyglass 6.5 (or maybe MB Quart Premium) comps in the front doors ran by an Xtant 2.2 amp. For subs I was thinking about a Diamond Audio 8" fed 300 rms by an Xtant 3.1. That may change as I change my mind daily. And since it takes time for my poor ass to save up the cabbage, Ive got plenty of mind changes yet to come.

[geralopez]

I have bought all my car sound stuff for my boat. Here is the list of everything. There is nothing missing for the installation, everything in home now, well not all, as I said before: Just TIME!!.

MY FINAL STUFF:

SIGNAL & SOUND PROCESSING:
Head Unit: Alpine CDA-9815
CD Changer: Alpine CHA-S634, 6 cd's magazine. MP3 capability

MEDIA SOURCES TO PLAY:
CD's, CD/R's, CD/RW's (MP3, WMA), Radio

SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION:
Tsunami 4 Channel male to male RCA Cable twisted-pair wire (17 feet)
Tsunami 2 Channel male to male RCA Cable twisted-pair wire (17 feet)

POWER DISTRIBUTION:
Tsunami 3 Farad Capacitor w/voltage indicator
Raptor 4000W Wiring installation kit:
* 200 Amp fuse holder, water proof w/ 1/0 terminals
* 1/0 wires for (+)&(-), running from bat. to back distribution box
* 4 ga wires for (+)&(-), running from distribution blocks to amps.
* (+) Distribution Block w/2 100 Amp fuses
* (-) Distribution Block for (2) 1/0 and (4) 4 ga terminals

AMPLIFIERS:
Autotek Stealth XS-900.4, 4Ch X 110 W RMS @ 4 ohms
Autotek Stealth XS-1600.1, 1Ch X 1600 W RMS @ 1 ohm w/remote control


SPEAKERS:
In Front Doors POLK-MOMO=
Highs: MM6 tweeter, 2-1/2", 150W RMS
Mid Bass: MM6 woofer, 6-1/2", 150W RMS
Divided by: a MM6 2 ways passive crossover
In Front Center Channel (dashboard position) INFINITY=
Mid range: (3) 3-1/2", 40W RMS
In Rear Doors POLK-MOMO=
Highs: MM6 tweeter, 2-1/2", 150W RMS
In Rear Deck POLK-MOMO=
Mid Bass: MM6 woofer, 6-1/2", 150W RMS
Divided by: a MM6 2 ways passive crossover

In Rear Center Channel (center console position) INFINITY=
For the Mid Range: (1) 3-1/2", 40W RMS

SUB'S
Polk-Audio (2) MM2104 Subwoofer, 300W RMS in a sealed box
Polk-Audio (1) MM2104 Subwoofer, 300W RMS in a bandpass box

Customized Sub-Box (according speaker manufacturer specification)


MISCELLANEOUS
Metra Car Stereo Adapter 99-6504
Customized Machined Steel Grilles for MM2104 Sub's
Customized Machined Steel Grilles for MM6 rear deck woofers

PEND.
Neon Lights: No yet selected
Tsunami PP880-BTY Yellow Top

I hope to share with you some pic's soon.

-GLopez

[geralopez]

I reed the complete 9815's owner manual and I didn't find where is the gauge of power wire specified. Some posts from somebody said that it have to be 10ga. but at this time I can not find that information.
In my opinion, probably the unit needs to be wired with that gauge if it is intended to be used as power source for the speakers (27 x 4 = 108 W RMS) plus adding the power required to feed the preamp outputs (4V) for the subs and additionally if a changer unit is connected to this HU, I guess the 10ga. it's really required.

Here are some notes coming from the PDF OM about the power supply:


From the wiring diagram=
(9) Choke Coil with Fuse Holder (20A)

From page 34=
When making connections to the vehicle's electrical system, be
aware of the factory installed components (e.g. on-board
computer). Do not tap into these leads to provide power for
this unit. When connecting the CDA-9815/CDA-9813/CDA-
9811 to the fuse box, make sure the fuse for the intended
circuit of the CDA-9815/CDA-9813/CDA-9811 has the
appropriate amperage. Failure to do so may result in damage to
the unit and/or the vehicle. When in doubt, consult your
ALPINE dealer.

The manual do not specify the max current draw at the max load but the wire gauge can be calculated looking to the capacity of the fuse of the unit (20amp).

If you read the next paragraph you will see a recommended wire gauge for the: MRP-T220 2/1 Channel V-Power Series Amplifier.

Per channel into 4 ohms (0.08% THD) ... MRP-T220: 50Wx2
From pag 7=
Battery Lead (Yellow) (Sold Separately)
Be sure to add a 25 amp fuse as close as possible
to the battery's positive (+) terminal. This fuse will
protect your vehicle's electrical system in case of a
short circuit. If you need to extend this lead, the wire
gauge should be 8 AWG or larger.
MRP-T220 ... 20 amp fuse

Comparing the current required for this amp, it is similar in power consumption to the HU, but as I said before if is used as power source. I haven't the OM of pioneer, eclipse or others HU but if you have one of these units you can check if your unit has a 20 amp fuse to protect it, if fuses are equal, I believe all the units could be wired with the same ga.

-GLopez

[MacLeod]

That Alpine amp is putting out a considerably larger amount of power than that head unit is. The amp on your head unit is tiny by comparison. that Alpine is putting out 50x2 rms and max at 75 x2 with 2 ohm loads at 70x2 rms. Your head unit aint even in the same ballpark so of course its going to need a thicker power wire. As far as a power wire for your head unit I have never used anything thicker than the stock wire coming in from the dash. But then again Ive never used my head to power speakers, at least not for very long.

I know you didnt ask but heres what I would do. I would dump the center channels. Ive never been a big fan of them. Ive never heard one that really ads to the imaging and usually takes away from overall sound quality. About the only reason I would say to use one would be if youre hooking up a 5.1 surround system. But even then I wouldnt use a rear center channel. On top of that, Infinity is a completely different sounding speaker that the Polk. Trust me, Ive had both. The Infinity is very bright and can be tinny and thin sounding on some music. The Polk is very warm and smooth and almost too light in the highs. Theyre as different as night and day and I guarantee ya, having them mix would screw up your SQ. Anyways (I do have a point), dump both center channels and the plan to use the head as an amp. you have some good amps and some great speakers so take advantage of them. Run your Polk components off the 4 channel and be done with it. I guarantee ya, youll be more than happy with those Polks carrying the show.

[geralopez]

I'm not really planning to use the HU as an amp as part of my setup , at the beginning was the idea to feed the center channel with the HU, but after I read the manual I change my mind. I'm going to take all the advantages of preamp RCA outputs, I'm planning to add an extra small amp in mono to feed the center channel but it will be after I test the system. Maybe you are right about center channel. I'm just trying to keep the same setup of the original car sound (called: Spatial Imaging Sound) probably it is just a bad idea, but you know everyone is trying to find something different in this Art of car audio setup.
Thanks for your opinion Mac

-GLopez