Mocky

I think your beer is still sitting in my fridge from the last time you came over I might have to make a trip out towards your neck of the woods next time

I think I will be looking into the 9887, but, I don't know if I'm going start adding on additional pieces like amp, sub, speakers, etc.. I had that in my last car, and although I know I'll miss the sound quality, I don't know if I want to do that with this car. I forgot what components you had but I was really happy with the Alpine components that I had in the berlina. Against the suggestion of Jake, I had MB Quarts in there the first time and even with the same amp (JL 100x4 or something), it sounded awful. SO... I agree with you about the speakers.. I just don't think I'll get much noticeable quality improvement by replacing the speakers and have no external amp powering it.

poorshoeless

Here is a video regarding the iDX-305s.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGbMyNXd7vQ [/media]

BlueBarchetta

Please visit, but wait till May. Hopefully it'll be done snowing by then

Your call, but my opinion would be, if you're not going to amp, get one of the IXaD..or 9886. The 9887 is probably overkill in an non amped scenario. It really shines in tune ability, and the higher watts output to the amp.

I think the newer models have better features and look waaaaay better. I just don't know if any of them will play CDs. Or, you could get 9887, and see if you want to amp later.

FWIW, I have Boston Pro 60s. Very good speakers, and mostly great for my type of listening. However, they really don't sound full, till higher volumes. They really need power. Also, they are aluminum dome tweeters. I have them turned to their lower settings but they can still be harsh with the top up. Top down, however, they are perfect. For an amped set up, my opinion, nothing beats Focal K2P's. Powerful, smooth, perfect, but very spendy. I would not spend money on good speakers without amping.

Mocky

Very good point....

I won't get speakers if I don't have an amp powering them. The model line for Alpine is somewhat limited in terms of higher-end head units. I chose Alpine because I've had 3 or 4 Alpines in the past and have had nothing but good experiences.. actually, my foot is currently resting on the box to another Alpine that's going into my Civic
(CDE-102) ..I just have to stop being lazy and finish the wiring harness.

I'd consider the IDA series but the more I think about it, the more I don't know if I can go without a CD player.
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/

BlueBarchetta

Well, looking at the 9886 seems like you could save some money and get most of the features of the 9887, except ability to run active crossovers. Doubt you would ever need that.

However, I do now remember the issue that made my decision for me. Jake really recommended the 9886. However I found a thread on either crutchfield, or one of the car audio sites reference 9886 and IPODs. There is one specific IPOD model which freaks out the 9886. And even though Alpine claims "made for IPOD" these 2 devices don't work together.

Guess who has that IPOD model. Jake didn't believe me, till I brought mine in and plugged into a 9886 he had in the store, and it would not recoginize or control my IPOD. That being said, I think mine was only produced for a very short time (fairly early 30G video model), so I doubt you have the same thing

Mocky

if it works with a 3g, 3gs and future iphones, i'm ok.. otherwise, it's not worth it ...

the other option is to just run something like this, and call it a day.

http://www.scienceofspeed.com/products/int.../S2000/USASpec/

Scooterboy

My 9886 came with the Alpine iPod hookup and it works perfectly. I haven't tried it with my iPhone but I will this weekend. I'll let you know the results.

Mocky

sweet.. let me know how it works with iphone

Scooterboy

I use the 3G. I'll check it out Sunday.

Mocky

works for me...i'm using 3g for now as well