Alpine IVA-D300 vs IVA-D900
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Alpine IVA-D300 vs IVA-D900
When I graduate from High School this coming June im getting alot of money for a new PC but i dont game anymore so i dont need much. So im setting aside about $1500 - $1600 for a DVD player Head Unit with a built in screen.
SO this brings me to my question...
If you had the choice would you buy the Alpine IVA-D300 or IVA-D900?
The IVA-D300 is cheaper. It had a force feedback type system that lets you feel the buttons on the touch screen and has a nice LCD.
The IVA-D900 had a screen with 400% more pixels thus MUCH MUCh better picture.
The other features of these 2 are just extras that i wont ever use, except for 1 A/V input.
So should i save a few hundrew dollars and get the newer cheaper one, or spend big for an awesome screen?
Also let me add this, Im a big fan of alpine, eclipse and clarion. Would I be better off with a Clarion VRX945VD, or even an Eclipse AV 8022?
SO this brings me to my question...
If you had the choice would you buy the Alpine IVA-D300 or IVA-D900?
The IVA-D300 is cheaper. It had a force feedback type system that lets you feel the buttons on the touch screen and has a nice LCD.
The IVA-D900 had a screen with 400% more pixels thus MUCH MUCh better picture.
The other features of these 2 are just extras that i wont ever use, except for 1 A/V input.
So should i save a few hundrew dollars and get the newer cheaper one, or spend big for an awesome screen?
Also let me add this, Im a big fan of alpine, eclipse and clarion. Would I be better off with a Clarion VRX945VD, or even an Eclipse AV 8022?
Last edited by diskreet; May 2, 2004 at 10:07 AM.
The IVA-D300 is a sweet deck.... The IVA-D900 is ALSO a very sweet deck.. I'm in a similar situation.
I've looked at, and played with, numerous decks; I've finally narrowed my selection down to the IVA-D900 (MSRP:$2,300.00), the IVA-D300 (MSRP: $1,500.00), or the Pioneer AVIC-N1 (MSRP: $2,200.00). (I'm leaning more towards the Alpine headunit right now... I'm still not 100% sure though.)
What you'll have to do is figure out what you want out of your new deck.
Do you want navigation? Do you want navigation to be built into the deck (AVIC-N1)? Do you want to watch a lot of movies on it? Do you want it to be touch screen? Do you want it to be expandable to control muliple monitors and accessories? Do you want it to be your new speedometer? Do you prefer XM or SERIUS?
Personally, I want a nice touch screen display with the ability to control multiple accessories and feed video independently to 2+ screens. The IVA-D900 & IVA-D300 decks have great picture quality, and since I won't be sitting in a parking lot with my emergency break on just to watch movies, I don't need the extra pixels that the IVA-D900 boasts. Also, I need a deck with a detatchable face (or semi-detatchable), and I KNOW the IVA-D300 has one..... I don't think the IVA-D900 has one..... plus the D300 is a touch screen monitor, so that's another plus.
The "PulseTouch™ Display" is pretty cool, but I can see it becoming quite annoying after a while... It also doesn't come with the remote, you need to buy that separately.. but for $1000.00 less I think I can deal with all of that.
Once you figure out what you want from the deck, you NEED to go play with it... and ask questions.... and play with it some more.... Don't stop asking questions or playing with the deck until you're 100% sure THAT is the deck for you! After all, over $600.00 for a headunit is a butt-load of cash.... especially since car audio is designed to last only 4-6 years.
- Jay
I've looked at, and played with, numerous decks; I've finally narrowed my selection down to the IVA-D900 (MSRP:$2,300.00), the IVA-D300 (MSRP: $1,500.00), or the Pioneer AVIC-N1 (MSRP: $2,200.00). (I'm leaning more towards the Alpine headunit right now... I'm still not 100% sure though.)
What you'll have to do is figure out what you want out of your new deck.
Do you want navigation? Do you want navigation to be built into the deck (AVIC-N1)? Do you want to watch a lot of movies on it? Do you want it to be touch screen? Do you want it to be expandable to control muliple monitors and accessories? Do you want it to be your new speedometer? Do you prefer XM or SERIUS?
Personally, I want a nice touch screen display with the ability to control multiple accessories and feed video independently to 2+ screens. The IVA-D900 & IVA-D300 decks have great picture quality, and since I won't be sitting in a parking lot with my emergency break on just to watch movies, I don't need the extra pixels that the IVA-D900 boasts. Also, I need a deck with a detatchable face (or semi-detatchable), and I KNOW the IVA-D300 has one..... I don't think the IVA-D900 has one..... plus the D300 is a touch screen monitor, so that's another plus.
The "PulseTouch™ Display" is pretty cool, but I can see it becoming quite annoying after a while... It also doesn't come with the remote, you need to buy that separately.. but for $1000.00 less I think I can deal with all of that.

Once you figure out what you want from the deck, you NEED to go play with it... and ask questions.... and play with it some more.... Don't stop asking questions or playing with the deck until you're 100% sure THAT is the deck for you! After all, over $600.00 for a headunit is a butt-load of cash.... especially since car audio is designed to last only 4-6 years.

- Jay
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i should be getting my IVA-D900 this week from repair hahaha, they said i abused it inserting a disc lol........... Anyway i LOVE it its an awesome deck. Picture quality is better then my 55" bigscreen in my house
And the brain has many features that im not sure are available on the IVA-D300
And the brain has many features that im not sure are available on the IVA-D300 Thread Starter
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I definatley dont want the D900 now, (after reading sounddomain.com forums) the reason being the IVA-900 doesnt play DVD-R's and RWs. Since I have alot of movies that a friend ... backed up ... onto DVD-Rs i need that. Other than that i want a nice screen with these features:
*7" screen
*Plays CDs, MP3 Cds, DVDs, and DVD-R/RW
*1 A/V input for Xbox
*smaller hide away unit (IVA-D300 is about as big as i want)
*doesnt suck
Im just weary about buying anything but the clarion or alpine cause ive seen both and was amazed. And no matter what anyone says about the VRX-935VD its a great unit. Ive played with one for hours in a local shop here and i love it. very responsive and all around well built unit. Plus no $50 box to fool it into playing movies for my girlfriend while moving. Now... Alpine is alpine. they wouldnt put their name on a Head Unit if it sucked. Plus alpine is just plain respectable.
So anyone with a specific recommendation? Should I just get the Alpine as I really want that the most?
*7" screen
*Plays CDs, MP3 Cds, DVDs, and DVD-R/RW
*1 A/V input for Xbox
*smaller hide away unit (IVA-D300 is about as big as i want)
*doesnt suck
Im just weary about buying anything but the clarion or alpine cause ive seen both and was amazed. And no matter what anyone says about the VRX-935VD its a great unit. Ive played with one for hours in a local shop here and i love it. very responsive and all around well built unit. Plus no $50 box to fool it into playing movies for my girlfriend while moving. Now... Alpine is alpine. they wouldnt put their name on a Head Unit if it sucked. Plus alpine is just plain respectable.
So anyone with a specific recommendation? Should I just get the Alpine as I really want that the most?
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Originally posted by diskreet
Plus no $50 box to fool it into playing movies for my girlfriend while moving. Now... Alpine is alpine.
Plus no $50 box to fool it into playing movies for my girlfriend while moving. Now... Alpine is alpine.
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I've had my IVA-D900 for a year this month. I love it. Resolution is better than the d300, and YES it does have a detachable face. Anyone can order the PAC TR-7 low voltage relay that bypasses the "video off for your safety" screen. The pulse technology of the d300 is neat but just you wait. You think keeping dust off of your screen is bad enough? Now try to keep all the oil and crap from your fingers off too. I bought my D900 for $1700 cash right when it came out, and it was worth every penny. In my opinion it's been out a year and is still the best 7" in dash on the market.
Originally posted by diskreet
Im just weary about buying anything but the clarion or alpine
no matter what anyone says about the VRX-935VD its a great unit.
Alpine is alpine. they wouldnt put their name on a Head Unit if it sucked.
alpine is just plain respectable.
Im just weary about buying anything but the clarion or alpine
no matter what anyone says about the VRX-935VD its a great unit.
Alpine is alpine. they wouldnt put their name on a Head Unit if it sucked.
alpine is just plain respectable.
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...and a good choice at that. Look at all you can do: multiple zoning of media (kids watch a dvd in back while you listen to the radio up front), Crosssover, time control, and my favorite (which AlpineCivic Knows about) the Nokia phone setup where you can dial from the headunit!
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Originally posted by tfnaaf
The alpine deck can be fooled by using 2 toggle switches one that acts as the brake pedal the other acts as e-brake. VERY simple fix and switches can be mounted anywhere
The alpine deck can be fooled by using 2 toggle switches one that acts as the brake pedal the other acts as e-brake. VERY simple fix and switches can be mounted anywhere

Oh yeah, thanks Rufus, i didnt know the alpines could do that. Now Im glad i still have my nokia and am working for a new one.
In conclusion, unless something bigger, better, and CHEAPER comes along, its the IVA-D300 for me. thanks for the input
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Go to audiooutfitter.com. No toggle switches required. Just pay em 20 bones and you have a relay box that you'll never touch again. I never flip any switch. You'll need it too because it's not just video that requires it. You need it to access all of your EQ setting and screen settings. It only works with one Nokia phone too, but what it can do is SWEET.
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Ok I picked up the new Alpine 04 Catalog from Ultimate Electrionics
Here the d300:
Pulsetouch Display-50W Max x4/18W RMS-DVD-r/RW Compatible-MP3 and WMA playback-MP3 Tag ID info-7" Fully Mortorized screen-XM Ready-Bass Engine Plus-DVD menu Direct Touch Control-i-Personalize(Data Download, Amplifier Link)- Visual EQ- MaxTune SQ Tuner-3 Preouts- Rear Camera Input- Nav. Input-1 A/V Input-1 independant A/V output-Navi Mix- Media Expander-PXA-701/MDA-D500 Touch Control Ready-Audio Signal Loop Ready.
Here the d300:
Pulsetouch Display-50W Max x4/18W RMS-DVD-r/RW Compatible-MP3 and WMA playback-MP3 Tag ID info-7" Fully Mortorized screen-XM Ready-Bass Engine Plus-DVD menu Direct Touch Control-i-Personalize(Data Download, Amplifier Link)- Visual EQ- MaxTune SQ Tuner-3 Preouts- Rear Camera Input- Nav. Input-1 A/V Input-1 independant A/V output-Navi Mix- Media Expander-PXA-701/MDA-D500 Touch Control Ready-Audio Signal Loop Ready.
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That Mortorized Screen must be new. lol
I think I meant motorized
The main reasons that I would think it actually sucks are.
No detachable face - Unlike the D900
Only 1 A/V input - Unlike the D900
No WVGA Low-Temperature Polysilicone Sceen (better picture) - Unlike the D900
No Multizoning - Unlike the D900
No 4 volt preouts - Unlike the D900
I think I meant motorized
The main reasons that I would think it actually sucks are.
No detachable face - Unlike the D900
Only 1 A/V input - Unlike the D900
No WVGA Low-Temperature Polysilicone Sceen (better picture) - Unlike the D900
No Multizoning - Unlike the D900
No 4 volt preouts - Unlike the D900
Last edited by Rufus; May 4, 2004 at 02:56 PM.
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According to Crutchfield, the IVA-D300 has a detachable faceplate.
"Security ... Detachable face"
"Security ... Detachable face"
detatchable face to meis a liability. its more parts ot break, more to go wrong.
ask anyone with a focus, ask them about the removable face on their stock radio. they will tell you its a JOKE.
etc, etc, etc,.....
I say the lack of a removable faceplate is a BENEFIT, not a liability....
ask anyone with a focus, ask them about the removable face on their stock radio. they will tell you its a JOKE.
etc, etc, etc,.....
I say the lack of a removable faceplate is a BENEFIT, not a liability....
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I don't believe yet, however there are a couple of screensaver discs you can run on the headunit. Just wont be able to contol the settings while viewing it.
Originally posted by Alex053
you can on the new black panasonic screens. you can pause a dvd and make it the backround....im pretty sure thats how it works.
you can on the new black panasonic screens. you can pause a dvd and make it the backround....im pretty sure thats how it works.
p.s. just post the pics here lol
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Originally posted by diskreet
I definatley dont want the D900 now, (after reading sounddomain.com forums) the reason being the IVA-900 doesnt play DVD-R's and RWs. Since I have alot of movies that a friend ... backed up ... onto DVD-Rs i need that. Other than that i want a nice screen with these features:
*7" screen
*Plays CDs, MP3 Cds, DVDs, and DVD-R/RW
*1 A/V input for Xbox
*smaller hide away unit (IVA-D300 is about as big as i want)
*doesnt suck
Im just weary about buying anything but the clarion or alpine cause ive seen both and was amazed. And no matter what anyone says about the VRX-935VD its a great unit. Ive played with one for hours in a local shop here and i love it. very responsive and all around well built unit. Plus no $50 box to fool it into playing movies for my girlfriend while moving. Now... Alpine is alpine. they wouldnt put their name on a Head Unit if it sucked. Plus alpine is just plain respectable.
So anyone with a specific recommendation? Should I just get the Alpine as I really want that the most?
I definatley dont want the D900 now, (after reading sounddomain.com forums) the reason being the IVA-900 doesnt play DVD-R's and RWs. Since I have alot of movies that a friend ... backed up ... onto DVD-Rs i need that. Other than that i want a nice screen with these features:
*7" screen
*Plays CDs, MP3 Cds, DVDs, and DVD-R/RW
*1 A/V input for Xbox
*smaller hide away unit (IVA-D300 is about as big as i want)
*doesnt suck
Im just weary about buying anything but the clarion or alpine cause ive seen both and was amazed. And no matter what anyone says about the VRX-935VD its a great unit. Ive played with one for hours in a local shop here and i love it. very responsive and all around well built unit. Plus no $50 box to fool it into playing movies for my girlfriend while moving. Now... Alpine is alpine. they wouldnt put their name on a Head Unit if it sucked. Plus alpine is just plain respectable.
So anyone with a specific recommendation? Should I just get the Alpine as I really want that the most?
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Last time I had this much fun some furniture got broken!
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I am holding a clarion VRX745VD in my hand right now
I love this thing. No hideaway box. this owns. ill have it in tomorrow. till then lookie here
(yes this is me typing this post in the picture
)
I love this thing. No hideaway box. this owns. ill have it in tomorrow. till then lookie here

(yes this is me typing this post in the picture
) 

