Hi there...

Just went to CV audio and they told me about this new player from alpine, 117E, supposedly to replace the 9887... Anyone has experience on this new unit? Does anyone knows any replacement for the 9886 unit?

By the way, is it that Alpine really produces a class higher sound compared to JVC or Pioneer? Am having headache dont know which to buy...

Thanks

nah.... preference is the key here.. cosmetic and appearance wise, pioneer hands down

Apologise for bringing up old post...but better than creating a new thread rite?? And by the way its CDA-117E (not 177)

Anyway, I am looking at this HU for my coming upgrade. Like to hear from any current or past user of this HU...any comment? review? good? bad?

I read a lot of complaints on the mp3 file banking which apparently takes a lot of time for the unit b4 it can be ready or something like that...so I wonder if I should buy this?

If this HU is not recommended, what is the alternative HU of similar class?

This post has been edited by yupio: Jun 14 2011, 04:30 PM

You buy this player just to listen to MP3?

Ofcoz not ler...but like everyone else, I had a fair share of high quality MP3s which I would be plugging into d HU (16Gb thumbdrive).

Edit : And yea.....i should expect my mp3s sound better with its 24-bit burr-brown DAC....so it's fairly important.

This post has been edited by yupio: Jun 14 2011, 05:45 PM

although it has a 7 at the back
but this unit is more like replacement unit of 9886
rather than 9887... cannot support active without imprint
sound wise... so so...
Alpine even stops the production of 9887 before its successor come out
to boost sales of 117E...
(some supplier friend told me couldnt get 9887 new stock anymore)
Ofcos, this is my 2 cents only, do your own judgement before spending.

Back to your question, mp3 is not really a good source for cd due to its signal reading nature... if you just want a better sound, use middle range usb hu will do... can save more budget for future upgrade.

This post has been edited by zacisme: Jun 14 2011, 05:53 PM

we cant expect they give u everything with the same price.....they add in usb but take the crossover out...so it's fairly gain and loss. All depend on what you need.

btw, i dun think 24bit have advantage over mp3 file..but it might be wrong

Thanks for replying bro...urm...I thought this 117E is only a mid range HU..no? This HU is gonna be part of the start of my journey into entry level SQ car audio....

I already have SS LW3 4.620 amp and also JL Audio's 12W3v2 sub. So now looking for a decent HU as well as speakers...focal? I m open to suggestions n guidance.......I listen mostly to vocals. Jacinta, Rebecca, Stacey Kent n the likes.

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Added on June 14, 2011, 6:17 pmBro Howie, I'd like your opinion too...if I m in central MY, I would've brought my ride to your place...too bad Penang does not have many good installers....end up I have to DIY which is something I am not strong in....so needs all d inputs I can get here.

ICE in Penang is unlike home systems where u can audition before deciding to buy....over here, its hard enough to even find a shop with the HU I want....and even with it, does not have a proper setup to audition the sound...I trust my own ears...but for car systems, I just do not have the means to audition....so its like doing online research...recommendations from sifus.....n then just buy n pray that it sounds the way u like.

So guys, pls don't mind if we are a little off topic here (originally about CDA-117)

This post has been edited by yupio: Jun 14 2011, 06:23 PM

Erm... except for 9990f1, i think currently 117 is the higher rank of its single din hu...
Don't care about brand, just listen to accs demo car with your favourite comp inside
bring your own favourite album, you will know the answer by then.

Yes. The banking takes time. And when it banks, you loose much of your remote control except the hu, where you still can control volume and play next. If you can live with the banking issue, you get the same iPod search functionality in USB. More function to navigate but limited to 1k of files per bank and maximum 20 banks only

Personally, if you have more cash to spend, get mywifeCars pioneer deck. Much better. Overall I would say cda-117e is good. But you still beat CDs in terms of sound quality. Tested with 320kbps mp3 with cd songs.

If you wish to watch videos from your iPod/iPhone/iPad there's a work around to send the audio signal through the hu. I mostly let the gps audio run through the iPhone cable to get a much clearer vocal. After all the iPhones speaker is too puny.

you mean 320kbps mp3 beat CDs in term of sound quality??

After DVI9990, 9965 and 9887, Alpine's quality are not up to par....

to be honest, im not so into alpine newer generation...
The old 7990 still impress me more

Not that 1..... H900 will be better.....

H900 itself is good, but with 7990, perfect match...

Nope, with DVA-9965 is the "perfect" match....

oops...
i tried 9965, so so leh...
7990, although sensitive a bit...
but really better sound...
for my ear lah

I want 9965 because of DVD and support more formats.... When you are driving(I usually won't stop and listen), you won't hear much difference....

while driving, tend to lose some details especially the airy feel and subbass...
i do a lot of stop and listen, while waiting for my gf... hehehe

they actually do lol, though it all depends on the file/source itself.

theres actually discussions on our lyn audiophile forums too

Thanks everyone for sharing all the valuable insights, views, opinions.

Lol the 9965 and 7990 is wayy out of my league d....I m just a beginner SQ listener..pocket also beginner only hehe.

@Vervain
When it comes to Pioneer player I don't quite like the vol knob. The turning part is ok but the pressing part (up, down, left, right) annoys me, it's hard to press especially when car is moving....u tend to press twice or not press at all...if u know what I am saying, hence for this time around, I am going to Alpine.

On the banking part for CDA-117, after understanding your explanation, I think I can live with it...I can still go next track or prev track...that's the most used function for me. So that's fine....I won't be using much of the remote control anyway...I never used my HU's remote in all my life....not that my car is big anyway...it's just a 2-door car....hands can reach HU pretty easy rather than look for the remove which is usually stashed away in one of the compartments.

And yes, the 24-bit burr-brown DAC does affect MP3s like bro Quazacolt mentioned above. I really like the burr-brown DAC. My home system's Denon unit has a burr-brown dac, its very warm n produces more analogue feel for me which I like..

If not for Alpine CDA-117, any other HU anyone can recommend which is as good and is below a budget of RM2k? My car can only fit single DIN. Is there any single DIN DVD (with slot out screen) that is worth buying and in the price range?

I don't have a budget of RM4k or more, otherwise I would've gone for Pioneer P99 or the Alpine 7990 F1 (still can fine meh?).

Denon are using Alpha proccesing besides using high perfomance BurrBrown DACs..... They are using PCM1704 if not mistaken(which cost ~rm1++)
Decent grade HUs do use BurrBrown DACs, but they only cost rm8-20..
DACs play a little part only, the build in DSP plays a bigger part....

>2k can get you really decent brand new hu...
if you dont mind using a pure deck... go for used hxd1/9255
sound way better than current trend and not that expensive...
just that only support cd
if you are thinking about p99, you can consider hxd2 as well, used unit should be 2k+/-
7990 very hard to find lah...

@zacisme

I would prefer to go for new units, coz for used ones, not sure how extensive it's used...laser diode does have lifespan n they weaken over time....and i don't really fancy changing / upgrading HU every now n then.....so it's still preferred to get new ones..but I can't go beyond RM2k...hafta budget...always money no enough story fer me

sadly alpine discontinued their f1 series. not sure if its permanent or just temporary. but the f1 site is already shut down lol.

simplest choices are always pioneer or alpine when it comes to HU, then it further comes down to their respective models.

brand new laser diode for clarion hxd1 around rm350
good condition used hxd1 around rm1k if laser diode is weak still bargain
and its quite bulletproof, no fancy auto faceplate, no dead pixels issue...
nothing below 4k can beat it in terms of quality n built... except functionality.
Well, thats how i play ice...
Ofcos there are risk for taking in used unit, give and take babe~

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Added on June 15, 2011, 5:48 pmIs it just the f1 site closed down or they are not manufacturing 9990 anymore??

This post has been edited by zacisme: Jun 15 2011, 05:48 PM

http://www.alpinef1status.com/

site closed down. however alpine f1 products are not available elsewhere other than from the site. unless you can get a confirmation from the distro, one can safely assume that they shut down the lineup for good until further notice.

http://www.alpine-asia.com/malaysia/index....=306&Itemid=150
LTM Seremban still selling DVI-9990E and CAI-C990, but already been there for 3-4 years.....

was looking forward to their new lineups, not old ones. alas, too bad that its closed down

Well, sales volume are low... So they have to stop waste time and effort on it.....

sales volume low??
i saw many here
singapore still have stock, but i'm not sure they able replenish after this batch or not

Singapore is different story.... Even Pioneer ODR setup are common..... Over here, not even DEX-P9 combo are common....

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Added on June 15, 2011, 11:17 pmHere are more on paper wrap chicken stuffs.....

This post has been edited by kyheng: Jun 15 2011, 11:17 PM

No lah, the other way round. The only way CD's will feel inferior is when the player can play flac, ape or any lossless audio. i think apple have lossless codec correct me if i'm wrong.

Yes, banking happens when you start your car and when you switch banks. When you start your car, you still gain slight control as mentioned earlier, however, when you switch bank, you lose control total. Music will still play but it will randomly pick one song and you will get stuck to it till it completely banks. you still can switch to other source lah while waiting it to complete banking

There are however some source claim if you use alpine's software to make up the playlist, it should work fast. But some people did a real time test and found that there's no difference.

2k budget can choose alot of models. if you still want a burr-drown DAC player, might want to look at mechless units. E.g JVC line ups, or X100 or X305s. Ofcourse you will loose the ability to play CDs, unless you buy those external players with cd magazine.

@Vervain,

That's very detailed explanation on the 117s part. Now I am clear on the banking delay. In short, it is annoyingly slow. But then it is still bearable anyhow I am not gonna be primarily playing mp3 via USB.

My primary is still CD Audio followed by IPOD. And by saying IPOD my next question is I have lots of MP3s in there as well as Apple Lossless AACs that I will be playing via the IPOD cable to the 117. Now on to the question....can the AACs be played? Which DAC is in use when playing music from IPOD? IPODs DAC? Alpine's burr-brown? And lastly, does the 117 do banking as well when I connect my IPOD to it?

For now, I am still skeptical on the mechless HU, so I am gonna stay away from them for now....I still love my CDs...till some more superior format which is better than mp3 is supported.

Songs from ipod will be controlled by the HU. You cannot control ipod player from your ipod once it's hooked up. So it's safe to say it will be DAC from burr-brown. The only time you will get DAC from the ipod is when you use other software which does not run pass ipod to play. E.g VLC, openstreamer etc. it's very obvious as the sound is.. somewhat mono?

MX tube and Ipod runs from HU's DAC. tested it. others not yet test, but most online radios will work on HU's DAC.

As for AAC lossless, never test. but the manual does say it supports AAC, so i think even DRM ones also can play.

No, on ipod it does not bank. Banking only happens in usb. In ipod, it just pulls the data from your ipod. so no delay. All your playlist save in your ipod will appear on the HU too.

last not least, like howie said, the HU lacks in active cross over. It will shine or unlock all the features if you install an imprint. Supposedly the manufacturer says it makes MP3 media sounds even better, but I have still yet tested any.

still not mainstream. not everyone can afford one in the least.

That's very good, from your sharing, I can go right ahead to hook up my Ipod almost permanently on it and no need to use USB drives. I have an ipod video 80gb sitting idly at home....might as well utilise it to complement d 117.

Alright, I m pretty much decided on this unit then....now I m just gonna wait for d arrival of my new ride, settle the more important stuffs first...then acquire this unit

Thanks all for the sharing

Got direct control does not mean it will bypass Ipod's DAC..... Most the signal chain will be Ipod(DAC) > HU(ADC) >HU(DAC) then only to amp or speaker out.....

Haha Yupio, you are welcomed. Just don't be hasty, do some research 1st. The unit isn't fast in navigating long list of songs remind you. When I was like you last time, I did some research too and narrowed down a few HU units.

JVC KD-R26
Probably the fastest interface and best in navigating your USB song files. On spec, it does not fall short at all. TI/Burr-Brown 24-bit DAC built in with a 5v preout, High pass filter, bluetooth, and the list goes on. Most best bang for buck HU i think. Can even hook an external drive to it. Someone claimed to plug a 80gig external 2.5" HD to play his collection of music. Cons? not sure, reliability maybe or cheap plastic feel?

KIV-700
Reasonably priced HU. Most polished Ipod navigator. The only HU single din with alphabetical search. Colour screen but not the best. ipod video capable. Alot of bells and whistles, e.g support USB multiple with USB hub. Can plug all your USB drives and navigate among them to play your songs or video. Quite good. Cons? unstable firmware. There are claims that the unit crashes occasionally and it's a common symptom. Need to update to latest firmware when kenwood release it. No Burr brown 24-bit DAC built in?

Was contemplating on these few models till I came across these few videos and carefully listens to the sound quality.







sounds clean in a quiet cabin, even on lousy camera and youtube compression. I was pretty much sold, despite the banking issue. Didn't come across the two other HU video showing true sonic capability. Rest assure, I initially thought the video camera was doing some foul play by filtering the hissing sound. But after getting hands on with the unit, its safe to say, you can crank up the volume without any distortion. Volume 13 is already good. hitting 16, you might begin to feel your ear bleed. above that it feels like a needle piecing your drums.

Ofcourse, this unit is no where near P99RS lah.. just my 2 cent

Bro Vervain,

Thanks for hooking me up with all the youtube vids. At first I thought was it my speakers (Creative Gigaworks T20) making such gr8 sound or is the 117 so good???

Real strong poison from u bro I think I've decided d......no need to look further lol. This unit is good enough for me as a beginner in SQ car audio. i won't expect it to be comparable to my home system, it's still a car with lots of environmental noise....the 117 is above decency already to me.

From the youtube vid, I can see that powering off n on back does not need to undergo banking?

So far since you own the HU, do you find the banking duration annoying? I mean by looking thru all the vids, all the rest of functions on the HU is almost instantly quick.

There was mention about something not active (crossover?) what does it affect?

In your opinion, I plan to pair it with Soundstream Lil' Wonder III 4.620 (4 channel, 620 watts) + JL Audio 12W3v2 sub...do u think it's gonna be good combination? What component would you recommend? I m thinking focal..?

Can you share your setup?

Yupio,

I'm no pro, just a green horn started ICE a month back. My speakers are still bare stocks, but currently saving up for my next upgrades. Slow pace, My target is to move at a massive leap instead of going through beginner . Much waste in budget IMO.

No, if you off the unit and on it back with the HU switch, its fine. the moment you turn the key off or start the ignition, power stops flowing to the HU, you get the banking thingy popping up if current flows back.

The rest of the jargon & technical aspects,, i leave it up to the SIFU or pros here to explain. They are much technically competent than I am. Btw, what's your aim? SQ or SPL? Best to share your budget, at least some of the regulars can give you good advice & possibly bargains.

pros and cons on going through beginner setup. you know what you will really want in a setup, and how each equipment differs and which path to upgrade (while general speaking people prioritize in comp/hu, who knows if someone would prioritize in amp or subwoofer instead to be able to crank out more powerful and/or cleaner/accurate bass?), or setup will be ideal.

cons is of course, you need to waste budget selling used equipment when you're upgrading ^^;

Hehe.. That's what i want to avoid, selling used parts...

All I know, I just need to save up enough, then let the specialist do the pairing . My goal is to enjoy all kalafina's music while driving.

kalafina would be really tricky for installer to tune. to my knowledge, no installer ever tune anisongs LOL! of course, you can guide them through your preference and what you "need" (like if you need more treble, or more bass, or some changes in sound staging/tonality perhaps etc) though its still pretty difficult ^^;

at the very least, a good component would be a must, and a decent woofer for some of their more upbeat songs. may want to consider 3 way setup too if you have the budget to stretch as their songs can go either way (highs/lows) pretty drastically, so you'll want that accurate tonality from the 3way setup (which helps, at the cost of additional money for the mids/amps (extra channel perhaps) or even audio processor/eq for active setups)

This unit CD-117 can't support "active" without imprint.....can anyone explain what is the meaning of active? is it active crossover? what will i miss without it? and what's imprint?

My amp SS LW3 4.620 ( http://www.audiojogja.com/power/43-soundstream-lw-4500.html ) seems like have crossover built in...can it replace d absence of active crossover in d apine cd-117?

it still got normal high pass for 4 spk and low pass for sub. just it doesn't provide bandpass to ur mid to run active mode.

there's some amp with built in crossover(not all) will settle the active prob.

This post has been edited by howiechoo: Jun 25 2011, 02:48 PM

thanks for replying bro. i m too noob when it comes to car audio...i gotta google up on what's bandpass....i guess my amp will cater to d missing active thing la....

well, i think ur amp can do active with the hu.....

When we talk about active, it means active crossover + time alignment
without imprint, cda117 doesnt provide time alignment...
You able to use amp built in crossover to replace hu function but without time alignment
you can't get accurate staging...

erk.. just setup mine this afternoon. Using measuring tape, pen and scrap paper. Time alignment I think got though. It's labeled as Time Correction Realignment. You just need to hold the audio button to enter the expert settings. Got both Parametric EQ curve and Graphic EQ curve. But you don't get fancy graphs like P99. All are just numeric figures, need your imagination or graph plotting in your heads. mine is just flat.

As for active X-over, I can't really comment. It has HPF, but I didn't see the LPF. Sorry, I'm still learning bits and pieces.

i think it doesnt have active built in when you dont activate the imprint system...

but what you could do is low pass on the amp, high pass on the HU for the mids... that way you still get a bandpass...

Noted on all the replies guys....at least I understand a lot better now. On EQ (equalizer) I never really use them. I tot SPL users use them more? SQ users more likely leave it at flat rite? We don't want any bass / treble boost....

On d time alignment thingy....wow even in home system setup I never do time alignment. This thing is new to me n I suppose its too deep for me d.....but my car being a cabriolet is kinda small (2 door) i don't think the absence of time alignment setting gonna make much difference.

I think craziechild's explanation makes sense to me for my setup. LPF on my amp and HPF on my HU for my mids......this is what I have been doing all these years for all my ride's ICE. I am not sure if this is a bandpass??

least EQ is needed if the installs is done right from the beginning.. the more you compromise your installs, the more EQ you need...

the time alignments, home setup mostly doesnt need a time allignment... in a ride... do need it especially when there is more drivers installed...

no.. time alignment is a must for HT setup in home.... almost all AV amp have it build in....


just donno how those guys can get sound staging in ICE setup.. with components speaker.. mid and hi splitted so far away.. the phasing all gone wrong with with it... =.="

Err... we are talking about hi fidelity... not home theatre actually...

i bet some are misunderstand home audio and home theatre....

home audio may refer to stereo only which doesn't need TA. while home theatre are multi channel and the spk are split to different distance to suit the room, then it need TA most of the time.

thats the challenge in car audio, thats why we love this hobby.... home hifi too easy haha

lolz yea kinda complicated to me....guess it's better to take my car to the pros to set it up.

Anyone here can recommend good / pro SQ system setup (ICE installer) in Penang?

i go pg tomorrow..but sorry no install