I'm trying to figure out what head unit to replace my SE 6 disc changer with. I already have a pair of JL amps, some component speakers, and a pair of 10W3's. I had to leave my CD player in the last truck when I traded it in. I have used Clarion and Alpine with success in the past, but the clarion stuff really went downhill in 2001. I bought a new clarion deck in 2001 and it sucked big time. I have an Alpine 9813 in my Bronco, and a 7873 before that. I seems that Alpine is going downhill now as well, cutting the preamps to 2 volt from 4 on the mid priced decks and that silly slide control that everyone seems to hate. I already have the Alpine XM box, so I'm leaning towards them. I don't like the pioneer or kenwood stuff, mainly due to aesthetics. I looked at an Eclipse deck today, a CD5435 for $350. It looked ok, and apparently has a good reputation. I really like the way the eclipse stuff from 5 years ago looked, and miss the days of my old clarion 7770.

Here are my potential choices:
(Prices from local shops, I know I can them cheaper)
Alpine 9851 ($279)
Alpine 9853 ($350)
Eclipse CD5425 ($279)
Eclipse CD5435 ($350)
Alpine DVA-9860 ($360 on ebay) plays DVD-MP3's but lacks advanced features

None of the current decks have a clean look to them, or if they do they are lacking features. All of the decks listed are capable of being made to work (adapter required) with the steering wheel controls in the SE/LE.

Anybody have one of the listed decks installed? and comments or complaints, and pics? I already ordered the XE bezel from Courtesy.

Thanks,

Mitch

I have the Alpine 9851 and I have been pretty happy with it. Easy to use, the tilt of the face works awesome so you can better the face, the exterior colors match very well with the Titan colors. I have been very satisfied with it. I am an Alpine guy though, That's all I have bought for a decade.

I've been an Alpine guy since 2001, was strictly Clarion Proaudio before that (9575 flagship, 7770 flagship, etc.) I'm really irritated that they cut the preamp voltage from 4v to 2v. Their 9855 and 9965 models have it, but they are $500 and $900 respectively. I might seek out a 9833 from last year, or an eclipse 5444 on the ebay.

Mitch

Try the Pionner DEH-P 90HDD, 10gb harddrive, I use it and it is great.

I ended up with an Alpine 9835 that I found locally new in the box. This was the most cost effective option for me, since I already had the Alpine XM box.

Thanks,

Mitch

While I don't have any of the specific decks listed, I do have an Alpine 9830 along with their iPod interface. I have been very pleased with it. I am saving to upgrade to the IVA-D310 though.
I just compared the two Alpine units you mentioned at Crutchfield and it appears the only difference is the EQ. However they do state that the 9851 won't fit in the Titan? I guess SimplyTitan should have a word with them about that. . .

It only fits if you have the aftermarket dash kit. It will not work with the OEM XE dash bezel. That really pissed me off but the aftermarket one from crutchfield is not that bad.

With fiberglass and a grinder I can fit anything. I don't see that the differences are in those decks that would not allow them to fit in the Titan when mounted ISO style. I'm going to use the Metra kit to start, or possibly look into the other lower pocket that was mentioned here the other day.

Mitch