Different HU

[Blackhawk]

Sending my HU in for warranty work, and it doesn't look like they carry Alpine anymore. So I was looking at what they had, and referencing the brand list on this site, and found that they have some Clarion models, the DXZ785USB and the DXZ585USB. The first is about $25-30 more than I paid for my HU, and the second is about the same price, but considering what they did when I was trying to get my warranty information I think that an upgrade would be nice. Anybody have experience/opinions on these models? The first looks better but the second would be easier for using a stick drive to play music.
http://stores.ebay.com/NATIONAL-AUDIO-CENTER_CD-MP3-Receiver_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZQ2d1QQfsubZ5QQftidZ2QQtZkm

[cranch]

this has changed my mind on buyin from ebay... just gonna buy everything as apackage from one company.

[sunrunner_pei]

I can't speak for those models in particular, but I purchased a Clarion to replace my stolen Kenwood eXcelon back in 2004. That HU lasted about a week in my car, then was promptly returned to the store. It was awful. Here's my thread about it from back then: http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34093

I think you'd be disappointed going from an Alpine to a Clarion.

[Blackhawk]

Mike, just watch feedback and don't go for anything lower than 99%.
Shawn, you used to run a Kenwood Excelon, what do you think about the KDC-X792 or the KDC-X791, looks like the 792 is the newer model and looks better, though it's cheaper.

[sunrunner_pei]

Mike, just watch feedback and don't go for anything lower than 99%.
Shawn, you used to run a Kenwood Excelon, what do you think about the KDC-X792 or the KDC-X791, looks like the 792 is the newer model and looks better, though it's cheaper.

I'm not overly familiar with the newer Kenwoods, I lost interest in them when they switched the the 'joystick' multifunction button. Not my cup-o-tea. I completely ruled out Kenwood when I had to replace mine since I didn't like any of their new models. :(

I loved my KDC-X659, and there were things about it I liked better than my current Alpine.

[Blackhawk]

Doesn't look like this Kenwood has a joystick. Not sure though, and we have no audio stores around here that has 2007/8 stuff.

[sunrunner_pei]

The button/knob on the left side of the model you listed... It acts like a d-pad/joystick. Just a personal pet-peeve of mine. I'd much prefer directional buttons.

[cranch]

i dunno ive always had pioneer and kenwood.. one guy was trying to sell me on kenwood but alpine is such a great product its hard to think otherwise.

[ChaunB3400]

i dunno ive always had pioneer and kenwood.. one guy was trying to sell me on kenwood but alpine is such a great product its hard to think otherwise.

Since they made the 9835 like in 03-04 they have really went down hill...IMO thats Alpines best unit ever...The 9887 is a nice unit as well..

anyway...it has to be off that list you posted??? how much are you willing to spend??

[sudden_impulse]

It has to be off that list because I doubt they're going to give me a refund and those models are probably the ones they can get me. Not alot of choice unless I wanna dish out an extra $600 for that Mcintosh.
I'm willing to make up some or all of the price difference between those models and mine, though it'd be nice not to give this company too much money.

P.S. This is Cody (Blackhawk), used to not having to log in or out at home

[Blackhawk]

Yeah, Shawn, I can see the joystick now, the school computers don't have as good of graphics or something because I missed more at school than here at home, oddly because they're the new Mac all-in-ones there.

[ChaunB3400]

Off that list in your price range the Kenwood KDC X791 would be your best bet

[Blackhawk]

The x791 is better than the x792?

[Blackhawk]

Anybody on the model difference? I know it's only been a day but I REALLY want to get my subs back and be done with this stupid company.

[sunrunner_pei]

I prefer the look of the x791 over the x792, but the feature set is very similar.

x791 specs: http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/2007_Car_Entertainment/KDC-X791

x792 specs: http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/eXcelon/1-Din_CD_Receivers/KDC-X792

[Matt95GT]

x2 for staying away from Clarion. They were the OEM for the factory "premium" system in my Sentra... and it sucked pretty bad.

[Blackhawk]

In the letter I enclosed I asked to get either model of Kenwood, which means they'd send me the x792 because it's cheaper. I told them I may be able to pay some or all of the difference between that model and what I had. If they have any problems I gave them my eBay ID and my email address (not the address listed with the account) so that they can contact me.