[TrevorS]

What would be an upgrade over the Alpine CDA-9884? How about the Kenwood KDC-X792? It has 24 bit DACs for CD playback -- a tangible sonic improvement over the 9884?

[TrevorS]

Oops! I meant the Kenwood KDC-X692 -- it's the same HU, but costs $100 less since it doesn't have a multi-colored customizable display. Same question though, anybody know if its sonics exceed those of the CDA-9884?

[TrevorS]

No responses I see, but FYI -- the Kenwood X692 and X792 are worthy of VERY serious consideration (IMO) ! I consider them to easily beat both the Alpine and Eclipse for CD and FM playback ! (Can't speak for iPod and Aux, but perhaps someone else can ?)

[texicali_xB2]

no idea, sorry man.

[xBoom2]

First post, so I would like to say Hi!

On topic, I do not have experience with either of these decks, but I do enjoy a lot of Alpine's products. On paper they seem very comparable. They both have a 24bit DAC for CD playback, but I feel the Alpine will do a better job with iPod playback. If you will be running amps, the Kenwood has a 4v preout versus Alpine's 2v preout, so better quality from Kenwood there.

Very close in price range, I would say it comes down to your needs.

Alpine - iPod playback
Kenwood - CD playback and Amp pre-outs

Then again there are plenty of new models in this price coming out shortly, so you may wanna wait and see if they offer built-in HD radio this year!

[TrevorS]

Cheers ! From what I read, the Alpine 9887 is actually their first receiver to include 24 bit DACs, though that is just one attribute. I've no doubt each reciever has positives to recommend it, but I've settled on the Kenwood KDC-X792 for my xB2. I went with the KRC-335 for my Mitsubishi Eclipse, but for that, I definitely wanted cassette support !.

[xBoom2]

Originally Posted by TrevorS

Cheers ! From what I read, the Alpine 9887 is actually their first receiver to include 24 bit DACs, though that is just one attribute. I've no doubt each reciever has positives to recommend it, but I've settled on the Kenwood KDC-X792 for my xB2. I went with the KRC-335 for my Mitsubishi Eclipse, but for that, I definitely wanted cassette support !.

Great! Hope you enjoy, let us know your opinion once you've had some time with it.

[TrevorS]

Originally Posted by xBoom2

Great! Hope you enjoy, let us know your opinion once you've had some time with it.

To be honest, my primary listening source is FM radio. I've compared the KRC-335 to the X792 and I'd say they are comparable, with the X792 perhaps being a little sweeter. Problem is I'm really not connected to iPod, Bluetooth, and other alternative input worlds. The KRC-335 won't support them, (but does fine with FM and is great with tape and CD). The X792 does support them, and the FM and CD sound is good.

Personally, I'm concluding Kenwood auto receivers have a lot to offer (spelt value), but my usage just doesn't push the envelope! (Between my Eclipse and xB2 setups, I have to admit the Eclipse is most satisfying, though the xB2 is most smooth (note: the speaker configuration is not identical.))