Alpine or Pioneer HU?

i want to get a new head unit for my regular cab 2nd gen. i have researched a little and i want a new head unit that i can plug my ipod into the front. I dont want a pa-15 toy usa spec cuz for like 50 bucks more i could get a new nicer looking head unit. I dont know much about stereos so i need your guy's help.

i found this one. and think this is perfect because it seems like you can plug an ipod right into the front and it would work. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pGp2x1Mq3jd/p_130P310UB/Pioneer-Premier-DEH-P310UB.html?tab=review

i also found this one. http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=CDA-105

i like the pioneer better because of price and also the alpine i read you need an extra cable that is 30 bucks more. and it doenst plug into the front. i also would like to know what you guys think of this mount thingy. any other suggestions? http://shop.*********.com/product.sc?productId=51&categoryId=4

 

idk what double din and single din mean. i want a simple dash kit. im not an audiophile or mechanic so something managable

 

I vote for Alpine. I've had a couple Alpines and have been very happy with them. Only reason i've had more than one is simply because I wanted a newer one, never had any quality issues. I love my current deck(CDA-9886) and I installed a CDA-9885 in my ex-girlfriends car and I liked that one too. That CDA-105 looks identical to the 9885 and it has seemed like for the price it would be a good unit. The Alpine iPod control system is great. Very simple and quick straight off the HU without having to pick up the iPod.

 

i want one preferably under 200. i dont need any extra features like ipod control thru the radio. i just want front plug in ipod connection. i think im leaning towards the pioneer. thanks for your input relentless. from what i can see they are both really nice quality

 

My preferences in order: Eclipse, Alpine, Pioneer, and then everything else.

I would get something with 3 preamp outputs, though.

 

I'd vote Alpine over pioneer as well. I've ran a few of both... both pioneer's I had failed after about a year. Both Alpines, and my buddies.. have yet to die.

 

If you're buying from Crutchfield, check out their Outlet part of the site. Heres a quick way to save a little on that Pioneer you like:
http://outlet.crutchfield.com/p_130P310UB/Pioneer-Premier-DEH-P310UB.html?cc=02&showAll=Y&tp=13566
I bought the Alpine 9885 through the outlet as 'open box' and everything was packaged as new and was in perfect condition. I couldnt tell any difference from a 'new' retail packaged unit.

 

I have the alpine IDA-X300 in my truck. It does the iPod control but through the back, I have the cord and ipod in my glovebox. It's the full control high-speed cord too, and it comes with it. On crutchfield it's discontinued unfortunately, LINK, but when I did buy it from them it was $119 and came with the wiring harness and the dash kit (The one with the little bumps like the factory stereo). If you can find this model anywhere online I highly recommend it.

 

How one writer put it -
My list: Eclipse, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, and then everything else.

Pretty much agree, though I put Kenwood in there.

Kind of a toss Kenwood/Alpine. Alpine is slipping as for built-in features, eg Bluetooth.
Quality, sound, and looks are there, but they need a model with everything on-board.

 

My pioneer really makes the stock speakers sound better then the factory radio. I am having some trouble with it though after 4 months, basically I'm having the same symptoms the 09 guys are having with the stocker radio (volume won't work, turning itself off and on etc.). I'm not at all saying the two relate in any way but I can now sympathize with the 09 crowd and it sucks

 

I've ran both Alpine and Pioneer in the past and never had a problem with either. For under $200 you should still be able to get full ipod control nowadays. This is much better than just having it plugged into an aux. input in the front. You may think you don't want it, but trust me, once you have it you'll be glad. Personally I hate having my ipod laying around and having to pick it up and browse through songs on there which is distracting while driving not to mention you have a cord just laying around. With ipod control you can keep it away in the glove box or wherever and it will keep your ipod charged.

 

If you HAD to pick between the 2, go for the Alpine.

 

I installed that same Pioneer in my moms car(08 avalon), new component speakers , amp and sub. sounds great! the only problem is my mom can't read the face on the stereo easily. If you are getting on in years or have bad eyesight you might not like it.

 

Alpine. Any of their iPod head units are fantastic. The Pioneer iPod control interface is the most frustrating piece of electronics I have every used.

 

I do have to mention I have a Pioneer in my truck. AVIC-F900BT
it's a bit more than your budget, but the touch screen, iphone/ipod controls and interface are real nice. I went with the pioneer because at the time the Alpine units UI seemed really difficult to use, and also the touch screen was one of them sticky click ones(very annoying).

 

I vote Alpine. I have an Alpine deck and I really love it!


But, just another suggestion, check out the Alpine iDA-X303. It is an iPod controller and it looks like sex. But it doesn't play CDs. But if you have an iPod, you don't really need CDs.

 

http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=iDA-X303

 

ive always had good luck with my pioneers! never had one fail on me. they are easy to use with tons of EQ settings

 

i've been an alpine guy for years...but over the last couple years I have scene alpine deck prices increase while their quality has decreased...I always believe in pay for what you get...but recently it seems that alpine has been slacking in this area...

I am running the Pioneer Premier DEH-P9800BT...its an awesome single din unit...built in bluetooth with mic that I have mounted in the a-pillar...call can be heard through the sound system...another thing that's awesome is the built in EQ...the other great + i have for this head unit is the customizable OLED screen...that's awesome...

 

T0LLPHR33 : that's a sweet setup you have there.What are you running, TRD, URD, turbo?