I'm planning on upgrading my stereo from the low end pioneer installed by the previous owner in my 01. I'm stuck between 2 stereos closely matched:

Pioneer DEHX9600BHS

Alpine CDE-HD149BT

Can anybody shed any light on any difference in sound quality between Pioneer and Alpine in this case? I spend 16 hours minimum in the car per week and quality audio is always nice in traffic.

Thanks

 

Decided to go with the alpine. Got out to car toys and compared the 2 today, alpine has better sound and extra features I didn't know bout?

 

i like my kenwood.

 

I actually looked into a kenwood craby. Had the feature set I wanted but I wasn't crazy about the design. The new ones have a little plastic cover over the cd slot that I just didn't want to have to jack with. I really wanted a double din unit but the non detachable face is a deal breaker. In some areas I have to personavel to for work I'd be begging for my car to get broken into. At any rate I've already ordered the alpine and it should be here in a week or 2.

 

Alpine IMO, is a good choice.
But good speakers make or break the system.
One can have a $20 Audiovox receiver, they still make them? and a set of nice speakers for sound reproduction and have enjoyable sound.

 

The previous owner installed some decent speakers so the sound quality is good. After summer I'll be getting some nice JBLs.