Does anyone have experience with either of the Alpine CDM-7874 or CDM-7894 head units? I'm finally replacing the stock tape deck in my FD and am looking for a head unit with a more subtle appearance and (preferably) amber lighting. The features of most of the current head units look about the same and I'm not sure that small differences in sound quality are really going to be noticeable in the FD environment.

Thanks.

 

Well the 74 doesn't have dual illumination buttons, so you are stuck with the green buttons unless you open it up to change them.

It is also M bus if you ever decide to add a changer, which is not as flexible as the A bus found on the 94.

The 94 also adds 4 channel digital time correction and 4 volt outputs in case you decide you ever want to go with a decent multi-amp performance system.

and the 94 comes with a remote control... which the first time you use a deck on a long trip you'll be hooked on having a remote control.

 

Icemark: well, my thoughts are for the 94, however, "she who must be obeyed" might decide the 74 is adequate

how do the alpine's stack up as far as skip resistance, durability, etc.

Also, at this point, I'm just looking for a solid performing CD player to replace the tape deck. I'll probably never spend the money on amps, subs, etc. I spend my audio money on my home setup. And the vast majority of FD money is for maintenance and upgrades, not audio quality.

Thanks for your help, I think I've seen some of your other posts, you work for a car audio place, right?

 

Well, Either way you can't go wrong as for reliability, skip resistance, power, etc. I guess its gonna come down to which one you can afford (or what "she" thinks you can afford). I don't think there will be any reliabilty difference between the two, but IMO the 94 will sound slightly better in your car.

Although I haven't worked directly in car audio for about a year and a half; I have owned or managed and installed at a dozen car audio places, as well as other auto performance shops and spent 6 years at Directed Electronics, who makes the DEI audio, Viper/python/sidewinder/automate/clifford/GM alarms and the Valet brand of accessories and remote starts, doing tech support, product design, and training of installers and sales people on the world of car electronics. I had also helped write the MECP first class and Masters tests.

 

Damn, are we dating the same woman? ;-)

 

I hope not, I'm married to her.


Icemark: BTW, do you happen to know any good install places in the Bay Area? I don't necessarily need the "Ferrari/Porsche" level of service (and price) but all I find around here are shady looking places and Best Buy. Ugghh.

 

I really don't know on the bay area, I have only been up here a couple of years, and the shop that I ran, the owner sold to get out of the biz.

You might try posting in the the West coast forum and see what they say.

Also if you don't have the Bozo (whoops I mean Bose) system, you could probably do it yourself. The standard FDs are very easy to install a deck in.

 

thanks for your help, Icemark

I think I'll just order the 7894 from crutchfield and install it myself. Even if I went to a good place, I would still be nervous of strangers mucking about in my interior.

 

If you don't have the stock deck removal tools you can pick up a set from the local kragen or PM me I might have a spare set around, I can send you.

 

cda-7894 the cost is worth the benifit over the cdm-7874

use metra universal pocket 88-00-9000 if you don't have a stock one.

don't buy from slutfield or anyother whoresite

find a trust worthy dealer that will give you the support you will need and take care of you if you have a problem.

those other places just hang you out to dry.

 

I have the CDA-7894. Lots of features and controlls. Big display and matches nicely with the amber lighting. Easy to install. Here is a pic.

 

icemark: thanks for the offer, I probably won't be getting it for another month or two

gohorns: thanks for the pic and comments

roger collins: well, I'd like to be able to trust a dealer but none of the authorized Alpine dealers around here appear "trustworthy". The second I walk in and see a bunch of teenagers slacking around and generally not looking like they give a damn is when I turn around...

I have heard a lot of good things about the customer service at Crutchfield and they include the wiring harness adaptors with the stereo for free. Works for me.

 

they also say it won't fit

i do understand the lack of capable stores these days all of my competitors are the kind you described. go into those stores and ask to talk to the sales manager and tell him what you told me. he should appreciate the input and give you a better deal since the 7894 is a high doller headunit and their is a little margin on it ask for $350

as with any fd owner you should be capable of doing alot of the work on your car yourself. headunits are simple just follow the rules.