hey guyz and gals,

I have been pondering replacing my current Alpine 9827 headunit with the 9853 model. I have done a search on this site and nobody really addresses this issue. I have done a search on the web for reviews and some people are saying that the motorized face is crap - meaning it freezes or gets stuck.

I have found a good deal on the 9853 - 225 with 15 bucks shipping. I'm just a little worried about the motorized face failing - any thoughts?


Cheers mates!

 

i have that headunit... its really new so i havent had a problem yet. i wouldnt let that stop you from getting it and thats a really good deal too

 

kool. i was going to get the 9851 but found the 9853 for that price i might as well spend the extra on it. If you find anything out that you want to pass on, please don't hesitate to fill me in.

 

I to have the 9853 got it from Best Buy and love it no prob's as of yet that i can tell you of but i would say get it you'll love it.

 

hmmm wow! every one is talking about best buy selling alpine now,,i went to a local BB 3 times this past week and i couldnt find any alpine item there

 

They sell them here don't know what is going on there, make them sell you one one way or the other.

 

Yeah Circuit City stopped selling Alpine, so Best Buy took them up. I wouldn't suggest any of the new Alpine stuff(unless it's the REALLY high end stuff)....it's not the same quality as the older models were. In all honesty, the 2003-2004 parts were the best they ever created. For 2005, you'll find HU's costing much less because of cheaper internal parts and more and more cheap labor. I have had plenty of friends try out new stuff only to have subs blow under recommended power levels, HU's just crapping out for no reason, and speakers not performing like the old ones....quite strange eh?

 

yeah, there has been a problem with the alpine faces going out. actually it was more with the 9851 that i saw most of the problems with the face. i actually have the 9855, very similar to the 9853 and have had no problems with it. i actually work with car electronics, and we have alpine, so i hear of the radios and their problems. havent seen any problems with the decks lately. good luck

 

I need a little advice with something. I'm gonna go look - and probably end up buying - the 9853. Couple things I've noticed is that my current HU has 4v outputs and the 9853 has 2v outputs - does this only affect the power if I wasn't running an amp or am I wrong? The other thing is that I need a good resource on EQ set up, amp setup, crossover explaination - so if anyone knows please pass it on.

Thanks.

 

well actually the 9853 has 4v preouts as well. and yes, you only use the preouts if you are doing an amp. that headunit has features for its eq that i guarentee you will never figure out how to use. for example: time correction. haha. i like the head unit. from there its your call...

 

I have a couple of friends who work at Alpine and they aren't too thrilled with the current line up. For 2006, they are goin to switch over the non-motorized face plates (does that say something?) with a small open button like Pioneer uses.

 

Would you suggest Kenwood's x589 unit? I've never had kenwood, but I hear that they are very good as well. BTW looking at Alpine's website they list the 9853 with only 3 (2v) preouts.

I'm looking for something that will help me figure out my amp - like setting crossover and gain. I also wonder if there is any "test cds" that help you get the best sound out of your system that anyone would recommend or is it just better to make your own with some songs - and what songs would they be?

As far as the 9853 I guess its a mixed result. The only thing I'm worried about is the motor failing, other than that I like the features.

 

I have 9820XM in my car and have had past Alpine head units and biggest reason they are the best is MX option since it makes the sound alot clearer than any other radio.

 

I will probally get the 9847, check that one out

 

I have the 9855 (very similar) for my Sti and the motorized face works fine. Sound good too. The slide bar or whatever it's called sucks however.