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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 07:42 AM
  #1  
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Car Stereo Opinions

So, I kind of want a new stereo and here's what Im looking at, its a Sony CDX-F7700:



Anyone have specific opinions bout this deck or similar? Vibration resistance and such? I want to spend around $200.

OH, one more thing-

I don't want: "[That one] sucks, get [this one]."

I want: "[That one] is infamous for [specific problem], try [this one]..."

Thanks for any info.

Last edited by mastacox; Jul 22, 2004 at 11:34 AM.
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 07:57 AM
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My friend has the model a step up from that which I think the big diff is that it plays MP3s and it sounds good and to test it we went over some really rough washboarded roads and no skipping issues at all but off roading might be a little different.
I'm thinking of getting a new deck and this is the one I want and it's under $250 installed.
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 07:57 AM
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That looks like a higher model Xplod than I have. I have an older 3+ years Sony Xplod in my Runner. I've been happy with it. It started skipping about a year ago. I think they'll start skipping when they get old. Now, I occasionally run a disc cleaner through it when I start hearing it skip.
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 07:59 AM
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Sweet, the one you're talking about is the F7700...

Is the MP3 reproduction good on it? I might decide to get that if it does well wit MP3's.
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 09:22 AM
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Last year, Sirius Satellite radio had a promotion on all head units that were "Sirius compatible" (Panasonic and Kenwood units). They tossed in a free antenna and satellite receiver -- I only had to pay for the subscription.

Gotta tell ya, I'm completely hooked. I absolutely love the satellite radio stuff (I have an XM Roadie for my other vehicle) and think it's absolutley worth the $10 a month. So, my recommendation is any good head unit that allows you to get the satellite radio components for cheap (I have a Panasonic that performs very well). If you do a lot of road tripping to places where good radio stations are hard to find, you'll be grateful for the new toy. I rarely use my CD player -- there's just too much good stuff to choose from on Sirius/XM.


Ed
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 10:29 AM
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\ "That one sucks, get a Alpine." JK
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 10:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Epic Ed
Last year, Sirius Satellite radio had a promotion on all head units that were "Sirius compatible" (Panasonic and Kenwood units). They tossed in a free antenna and satellite receiver -- I only had to pay for the subscription.

Gotta tell ya, I'm completely hooked. I absolutely love the satellite radio stuff (I have an XM Roadie for my other vehicle) and think it's absolutley worth the $10 a month. So, my recommendation is any good head unit that allows you to get the satellite radio components for cheap (I have a Panasonic that performs very well). If you do a lot of road tripping to places where good radio stations are hard to find, you'll be grateful for the new toy. I rarely use my CD player -- there's just too much good stuff to choose from on Sirius/XM.


Ed
Same here, I have a Sony CD deck (about 4 years old) and a Sony 10 disc CD changer in my 4Runner. Since I got the Sirius, the CD decks rarely get used.

I am a fan of Sony, That's all I have ever owned. Go for it!
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 10:34 AM
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The major complaint I have heard about Sony is the skipping. My buddy's Sony used to skip when he shifted. I have owned Pioneer and Nakamichi and neither of those have ever unless I really jolted the car/truck (which is normal).

This is not opionion, just stating facts.
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 10:54 AM
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sony sucks thier sound quality is not as good other brands in the similar price range. Go with Eclipse. They may not have all the fancy pictures, but the deck is worth it.
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 11:05 AM
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If that is the deck you want, i say go for it. i am not going to promote any sony products. if others can verify that it will do for you what you expect, then i think you have found your answer. there are many other brands of head units i would suggest to at least minimally explore...good luck.

Billy
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by mastacox
Sweet, the one you're talking about is the F7700...

Is the MP3 reproduction good on it? I might decide to get that if it does well wit MP3's.
Actually I don't think friend or his wife has even tried an MP3 yet.

I'll go bug 'em and we'll try a couple out.
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 11:45 AM
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I have run kenwood, sony, Alpine, Pioneer---of all these alpine has been far better. Sony is has a big name and lots of marketing. Anyway if you are interested in a Alpine I found a new one shipped to your door for $206--here is the link--good luck with your choice.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_g...sterid=1805790

the above is a mp3

for a cheaper version with XM compat. 50x4 $148 delivered

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_g...sterid=1790915
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 11:48 AM
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Hey thanks a lot man

I'll definitely check it out, I have heard lots of good things about Alpine.

Sweet
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 11:57 AM
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I also say if your looking to replace the headunit look for one that will play MP3's and WMA's maybe even support for XM or Serrius (spelling) , that way you can carry several 100 songs per CD..
I recently replaced my Kenwood deck with a Alpine that does both MP3's and WMA's and I got to say on long trips one CD can play forever and it sounds good too.
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 12:29 PM
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From: Fort Worth, TX
Sony CDX-F7700


Alpine CDA-9827


So now the issue is comparisons,

Shipped Prices-Pretty darn close
Sony- $209.89
Alpine- $206.82

Max Power- Approximately the same
Sony- 52x4
Alpine- 50x4

EDIT-
Sony RMS Power- 23 Watt
Alpine RMS Power- 18 Watt
So the Sony has better sustained power, an important consideration

Both are Satellite Ready, support Mp3s and CD Changers, both have removable faces...

IMO the Sony is a better looking player, but Im not too concerned with that if the Alpine is clearly superior in audio clarity and what not. I don't have any special eqipment (Amps, changers), but may get a sub a few years from now.

I get the feeling the Sony will have better visibility in most situations, T/F?

Both of these will fit easily into my DIN in my 2nd gen I assume.

So, what say the masters of audio?

Edit: Another thing, the Sony's CD slot is covered by the face, less likely to get clogged with dust?

Last edited by mastacox; Jul 9, 2004 at 02:41 PM.
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 12:33 PM
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i have an alpine... and it is SO sick. i love it, it even made my stock speakers sound good.

my alpine's face covers the cd slot as well... and it angles which is awesome.

Last edited by lee; Jul 9, 2004 at 12:35 PM.
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by lee
i have an alpine... and it is SO sick. i love it, it even made my stock speakers sound good.

my alpine's face covers the cd slot as well... and it angles which is awesome.

You might wanna check out a panasonic cq-8300u i have that for my 4runner that kicks ass.
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by lee
my alpine's face covers the cd slot as well... and it angles which is awesome.
What kind of Alpine do you have, just curious...

Last edited by mastacox; Jul 9, 2004 at 02:51 PM.
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 04:00 PM
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1,,,,,,2,,,,,Cha cha cha...............................


MV
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Old Jul 9, 2004 | 04:34 PM
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Personally ive had nothing but problems w/ Sony car audio. I have since been running Alpine and I feel its a superior product. One other consideration should be Nakaminchi (sp?)
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