I'd like to know if there will actually be a discernable difference between the SQ produced from either units.

The 645 has a "1-Bit D/A Converter with Zero-Bit Detection Mute Circuit", whereas the 745 has a "Dual 24-Bit D/A Converters with Anti-Distortion Filter (ADF)". It appears that the technical specs heavily favor the 745, but does clarion make good enough D/A converters for this to make a drastic difference?


I've considered other decks but I really do feel the need for an aux. input (RCA) and CD-RW capability. MP3 is nice but not a must. I've owned several Premier decks and love the quality from them, but it's a hassle to get an aux. input. I'm not sure if Alpine's have many models with inputs, same goes for Eclipse. As well, I don't need any of those fancy displays, it just gets lame. As for JVC, lots of features... but quality is good at best. Kenwood, Panasonic, and Sony = ewwwww.....

Don't really need a spectacular deck, or else I'd jump on the rockford 8250 in a heartbeat. I need something with useful features and provides good sound quality.


Any input and clarification would be greatly appreciated, especially since I'm new to all this. Face it, you can't simply listen to these decks on a big wall unit; it's not like sampling home audio equipment. As well, alternative suggestions would be welcomed also... but I would like to stay within reasonable price ranges, especially since I have to go back to Uni in the fall.

Thanx

Both seem to be nice decks, the 745 also has the 4 volt preouts, as opposed to the 1.8 volt ones on the 645. The AUX in is a nice feature also. Are you going to be running multiple amps, if so I would say go with the 745. As far as the D/A convertor is concerned, I would think that the 745 would sound cleaner, remember the 9255 deck they made back in the day with the Burr Brown D/A convertor, it was a very clean deck. Hope this helps a bit.