I am looking into getting myself a new deck soon, and am looking for something that should last.

My two ideas are either the Clarion DRZ9255 or the Alpine DVA-9860 with the Alpine PXA-H701.

The two setups are priced similarily it seems, with the notable extra features of the Alpine being the 31 band eq and DVD. My main desire for this deck is for CD's and I don't plan to do any competing, but I do like to tinker, and my shop does have a AudioControl rta, so I might actually be able to use those 31 bands, if only once.

I have the Alpine SPX-177R up front and nothing in the rear. I was thinking with the Clarion that I might use it's 3 way crossover connected to a 4 channel amp and power the fronts with that. Eliminate the passive crossovers and run the tweeters and woofers back to the amp. I think the 31 band eq may help more in correcting any problems the speakers have that was corrected by the passive crossovers.

I don't hear many people here talking about that Clarion unit, but elsewhere I have found that it is definatley not like any other Clarion, and is supposed to be worth the look.

Just would like to know peoples experience, and which would sound better,
Thanks

very hard to compare the 2 as the alpine does so kuch more. but having said that the clarion peice is very good but is think in the end you could get overall better sq with the alpine due strictly to its flexibility

Take a look at this mini review of the H700/701...
http://forum.elitecaraudio.com/showt...hreadid=119938
might shed some light on things,

Mark

__________________
For Sale : Viper 160xv R/S - make me an offer!
..............Apple I-Sight - make me an offer!
msn: relecom@telusplanet.net

I suggest the Alpine, due to control/flexability.

I recently got the rux/pxa-h701 combo and I'm amazed at the flexibility and quality of the units. You really could be tuning for a lifetime with all the variables it allows you to control. Anyway, I love it and it looks killer in the dash with the deck.

__________________
2004 300M SPECIAL
Alpine CDA 9833
Alpine Pxa-h701
Alpine Rux-c701
Rockford fosgate p400-4
Rockford fosgate p4004
Hifonics BX 1205D
JBL c608 GTi
JBL p693
Infinity 2.5" center channel
Alpine type R 12"(2)
all active SQL set up with 1900 watts rms

Thank you for your suggestions, but I do still have a few questions.

First off, what all can you control with the Alpine 701 piece? I know it can do time correction and the 31 band eq, but does it also have the 3 way crossover (high, mid, sub)? What other features do you get to play with if your only doing two channel?

Secondly, how is the detail compared to other Alpine units? I have heard that it is not too different from other Alpine units as it is similarily constructed, but with DVD capability and the features mentioned above.

I am really wondering this because I have been talking with others locally about the two units and they lean towards the Clarion. It has the 3 way crossovers and time correction in 7mm steps. The big selling feature of it is supposed to be the output stage and DAC, being Burr Brown and all (if it really even makes a difference).

It seems many of you have been using the Alpine combo and loving it, but what are your experiences with the Clarion?

Good question. What amplifiers will you be using? If Alpine, go with the Alpine combo because I have found that Alpine works best with Alpine; however, if you are using a different brand of amps the preamplifier section on the Clarion could match your amplifier better.

__________________
12 Inches is useless..until you put it in the right sized box

Obcon..... the best slot you will ever have....

For a amplifier I am currently using a Earthquake PH2200W.4 and run my components off the front and a pair of Eclipse 12" subs bridged off the rear.

When I get the new deck I plan to eventually run the components off the Earthquake 4 channel, and at first use one of my other amps for the subs. I hope to get another of the earthquake amps of the same series for the subs (so I can build a amp bridge for a sweet looking setup), and then upgrade to some RE 12" SE's or SX's. I am also planning on using either Alpine type X interconnects, or maybe build my own.

I really feel like by going with the Clarion I will lose the 31 band eq, but will gain some sq, although those who tell me so personally haven't had experience with either.

little known fact, the alpine pxah701 uses 20bit burr brown d/a converters which are very good. the alpine has the capability of doing a 4 way system if you want, you take the rear output and use it for midbass, front 2 for midrange, front 1 for tweeter and sub for sub. on each of these channels you get your own d/a converter as well as a 31 band graphic or 4 band parametric eq. you also get dolby digital decoding, dolby prologic 2 and a nice 4 volt line driver

Now that is a fact that I did not know, awesome.

Thanks Defro.