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Okay, here's the situation: I've finally got my 2K2 Si Coupe (that's EX spec for all you Americans) the way I like it:

MP3's. Anyone else whose been in this I.C.E. forum will remember my past history with the Alpine MRV-T757 amplifier, which I won't get into here. Essentially, all seems well, until my sister told me that she can get a great deal on the Premier DEH-P740-MP head unit: $390.00 CDN for a retail box (that includes taxes and is equivalent to some $250.00 USD). Now, I'm really a MP3 freak, with some 180 CD-R's worth of MP3s that I've collected over the last few years. This collections continues each day as I download more music off various FTP servers.

Cost. So I'm thinking to myself, cool. I've been thinking about replacing my current Alpine HU because of my extensive MP3 collection, but figured I can hold off for a little longer. Price will drop, selection will be more available. This afternoon, a guy I work with, said that he would buy my existing head unit. I asked for it $175 USD ($271.25 CDN), and he agreed, knowing that I paid for it $400 USD (installed) about 1.5 years ago. Which will work out to some $75 USD ($116.25 CDN) for the upgrade + some $30-40 USD ($46.50-$62 CDN) for installation = $115 USD ($178.25 CDN) Total.

Quality. I started to making phone calls to various audio shops, asking them what the thought of my idea of replacing the 7863 with the P740, and I started getting mixed feelings about the Premier unit. Mentioning that Alpine's quality is superior to Premier (aka Pioneer) since all the focus on are car audio/video equipment. Which is true. But unlike Sony, who expands further into electronic market with digital cameras, walkman, etc., Pioneer seems to stick to home and mobile audio/video. I'm still not sure the major difference between these two brands. Although I know that the Alpine was designed in Japan, as was Pioneer/Premier, my head unit for example was made in China. All because of labour laws in Japan and USA, as compared to the rest of the East Asian country's like China or Malaysia. So is quality and performance going to be an issue?

Installation. Although I'm learning day-by-day on what's going with the electronics in my car, my BSME extends only so far. How difficult is installation? Two different places have quoted me on $40 and $50 to swamp the Alpine with the Premier. Is it that difficult? How much work will it take of a novice to take apart my dash? Toolling required? I'm also hearing that if I swamp, I will require re-tuning of my amplifier, which will probably add more to the so-called installation fee. Kind of wished I had an audio friend in the Windsor/Detroit area. Oh well.

Advice. So, gentlemen (and ladies), as I've written enough for one evening, and I would appreciate any good advice.

Cheers,

PiCASSO

 
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Well Pioneer and Alpine are basically the 2 staples of HU's.. the 2 time tested and proven manufacturer's Both are very reliable..and well built using cheap parts.... Pioneer is like sony and ventured into alot ofother electronic markets.. like 40% of the DVD-rom players that you see are made by Pioneer.. they also make TV's in europe, alot of things really..

But Anywho.. the Pio MP3 Player would definately not be a bad choice..specially if you like MP3's.... Just a warning though.. with ANY MP3HU..when playign MP3's they are more prone to skipping..

 
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PiCASSO, funny thing, this sounds all to familiar. i know your sister, poor thing had to work
at the client this weekend. i gave her the e-mail with the pioneer pricing.

i agree with mohawkboom. most people will say alpine is just slightly superior, but they are just
fugly looking decks! go with the pioneer, since the quality is good, it plays mp3s, and
you will never beat that price.

the install is really easy. just follow the DIY at the top. that quote for the install will not include the trim kit ($20)
and the wire harness ($15+).

anyway, i hope this helps.
-a-