Celica Forums General Discussion Exterior Need advice on premium audio components...

All right guys, I need some of you audiophiles who have experience or may own one of these to make some recommendations.


Headunit:

1) Eclipse CD8443


http://www.eclipse-web.com/

2) Alpine CDA-7998


http://iweb.alpine-usa.com:7777/pls/admn...0&p_main=10 [iweb.alpine-usa.com]




Front Components:

1) JL XR653-CS


https://www.jlaudio.com/evolution/XR653CS.html#

2) MB QUART PCE 216


http://www.mbquart.com/2003/en_US/produc...p;model=PCE+216 [mbquart.com]



I'm thinking about using the JL 300/4 amp and Alpine CHAS634 changer to round it out.

Expert advice is needed as to the sound quality, clarity, output, etc. of the components and headunits as well as opinions on the overall aesthetic. Any suggestions for replacements of the above items or possibilities for the rear speakers are welcome.

The Alpine head unit is a great way to go, but I didn't like the one I had... my new Kenwood that has 2-volt preamp outputs sounds better than the alpine (as opposed to the 4-volt my alpine had). But it all depends on your taste. If you are gonna spend that much on a head unit, I would just invest in one that has a fold out screen and play cd's and dvd's...pioneer , clairon, panasonic, and a few other companies make them. Definitely go with the JL components for sound quality, but if you can find something cheaper like Alpine, Infinity, or even Polk, I would go with that...just do your own research. But of course we are all here to help.

Actually, I looked at that exact same Alpine head recently. The sound quality of their stuff is great, but the build quality seems kind of cheezy to me. Eclipse sounds just as good and is of much better build, in my view anyway.

I would go with the Eclipse. You are at least getting your money's worth with it. Don't get me wrong tho, the Alpine is a great head unit, but you are really just paying for the oversized face and motor to move it. MediaXpander sucks too. I didn't like the sound my Alpine gave my subs either

yea the alpine is damn nice...but you are only payin for the din and a half unit...get the eclipse and the jl comps

I would say get the Alpine unit with the MB Quarts

Thanks for the responses.

I'm now considering a flip out screen... Which are the best non-DVD units available?

As far as components, I'll probable stick with the XR's. Although the new ZR's sound amazing, price and wait time mar this purchase for me.

JL W6v2 sub with a dedicated 500/1 amp will be a future upgrade.

>>Display opinions<<

bump

Eclipse all of the way. I had the watered down version of the one that's displayed and loved it so much i almosted cried when i sold my car. The key is in the voltage. Forget about the wattage and forget about the bells and whistles; a sound system is only as good as it's central nervous system (head unit) Sure, you could have the greatest amplifier in the world, but if the signal going to the amp is not strong then it becomes distorted. Go with Eclipse, Go with Eclipse, Go with Eclipse! (Can ya tell i like it! )

Eclipse is now definite as a choice for non-display head unit. Maybe a Pioneer for display?

I agree with you sultan, the eclipse is a great head unit but is not a display oriented head unit. I have the Sony CDX-M850MP and it looks great at night. but Out of the two you displayed, i would go with the eclipse.

if i was you, i wouldn't get the flip out screen, it's a waste of money unless you really plan on showing the car or doing entertaining some passengers. it's cool for an suv, not a sporty car like the celica. if you live in a decent area, go with any eclipse head unit because it has 8v preouts which is double that of almost any head out there, but the face isn't detachable. if the crook knows what he's looking for he won't touch your headunit because it has a security code, making it worthless if stolen, but if you live in a ghetto area where they'll just snatch and run, go with the detachable faced alpine or something else. if you're really looking for some good speakers, forget the jl's and get a set of rainbows or focal utopia components and the polyglass for rear fills. i wouldn't go with a jl amp, they don't really put out clean power, if you're really looking to get a nice amp, look into zapco. they're american built, class a/b, not that shit class d bullshit, and sound incredible. plus another thing is that they're hardcore underrated and are super reliable. they don't ever get hot. another amp company i would go with is phoenix gold. they make some nice amps too. seriously though, the focal utopias are some of the best speakers on the market, i have a set of the polyglass (lack of funds) and they sound incredible with only an alpine 9811. i also have an eclipse aluminum amp in the trunk run by a zapco mono block at 538 rms x 1. and an eclipse ea3422 4 channel running my polyglasses and my access 165ca's. hope i helped out.