Mr Speed

Next week I will get my MY2000. I'm now looking for a headset with a CD-changer for my new car.

The features I would like to have are 3 pre outs (4V) and a tape deck. I have selected a few units which meet my standards. They are:

Kenwood KRC-PS1077R + KDC-C712/Y £ 470
(I really like the Mask-system)

Sony XR-C8100R + CDX-600 £ 235
(the affordable option)

Alpine CTA-1505R + CHA-S624 £ 455
+ CHA-S614 £ 415

Can anyone tell me if there is a big difference between these two CD-changers. I mean soundquality wise.

PRO
Small CD-changer which fits in the glovebox
Looks smart
Gets great reviews

CON
No tapedeck
I dislike equalizers

Clarion ARX 8570Rz + CDC-655z £ 332

Pioneer KEH-P 8800 R + CDX-P2000 £ 498
Nice graphics

I would appreciate it if somebody could help me.

ChrisB

Hi Mr Speed,

I've got an Apline 7562 head unit and S614 changer in my Clio at the moment whilst I await S(cooby)-Day!.

I'm very impressed with the Alpine kit - it's worth paying extra (IMHO) for the BBE function on some of the Alpine units - makes a huge difference to the sound in my car.

I spent about three months looking around and pricing up kit. Most of the ICE dealers I spoke didn't recommend the Sony compared to an Alpine or Kenwood in terms of sound quality (you get what you pay for!). The 7562 has been dropped from the 99 range (boo!), as well as the 7560 which was the same as 7562 but with no BBE. The new range has a 7561 which is the same front plate design but no BBE. To get BBE on a tape unit the only choice seems to be the 7572 which is the top of the range. The Alpine tape head units don't have all the flashing equalizer bars like other brans of units do (though I think the 1505R does).

I wanted something with a tape deck, but I've had mine a year now and I've listened to the tape about twice. Next time I'm tempted by the MD/Tuner combo + CD changer.

The S614 changer is quite small but I'm not sure if it will fit in a glove box (mine's in the boot). My 99 Alpine catalogue says the S624 (= S614+CD Text+Optical Out - 1Bit DAC)is 255mm wide x 63mm high x 161.5mm deep.

Alpine are at

Nick

I have the Alpine 1505. IMHO the BBE is a waste of time as it just boosts part of the range as you can do anyhow with the EQ. My only grip is that it's a pain to turn off (hold small button for 3 secs).

Lee

I have a 1505R(+S614)..I bought this
a) cos I liked the display/eq bits
b) 3 pre-outs
c) decent internal amp.
d) CD fits in the glove box.

eventually I decided to add amps so the internal amp is redundant.

Also, after "playing" I now run the stereo with BBE turned OFF, and a flat eq (apart from a smidge extra sub-bass)

Looking at how I use the unit I should have gone for the 7944.

I can't understand why, in this day_n_age anyone would want a tape deck. CD/Minidisc/MP3 all the way to go.

My research all got the same response from retailers..you get what you pay for.

cheers
lee.

Adam M

Hi,

I agree with Lee, unless you really want one, tape decks are useless these days, I am not a fan of minidisc either. The compression technique used is so crude that it is an insult to call it car hi-fi.

On the relevant note, my pal has the 624 and uses it with optical fibre connection. He swears blind the quality is better than his old 7939 which is quite a claim.

Never go for sony. I apologise to sony fans but I have it on good authority that due to the high number of manufacturers that use sony for standard equipment, the grade of components inside and the manufacturing process has gone massively downhill. Have been told that quality is now poop and reliability even worse. One dealer told me that they couldnt get a sony radio to work. When they opened it up, it had no tuner circuit inside!

New flashy pioneer looks cool, massive discounts to be had if you look hard. Dont go for v top of range, go one down and save almost £120 just for not having some dodgy electronic equaliser that should be spat on anyway.

forgive length of message.