Alpine CDA-9853 Car CD / MP3 Player
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- MP3 / WMA Playback: MP3 Playback WMA Playback
- Anti-Theft Protection: Detachable Face Panel
- Player Type: CD
- Controlled Devices: CD Changer Sirius Ready XM Ready iPod / iPhone
- iPod/iPhone Compatible: Yes
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User ReviewRead All Reviews »
Feature-packed, but not user friendly.
Pros
Time delay, highly adjustable crossover, GlideTouch, easy-to-read screen, 7 band Eq
Cons
User friendliness, file navigation, pre-out voltage, lack of back-up battery
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
This unit has plenty of features, but novices should purchase something more user friendly. Users should try out the GlideTouch function before purchasing.
I purchased this head unit second hand for $200.00. I was attracted to it primarily by the innovative GlideTouch function along with its processing abilities. It wasn't long before I found out what this unit was all about...
The GlideTouch bar is the most unique feature this head unit has to offer. This bar allows the user the 'advantage' of not having to press different buttons to access options or features. Although it takes a little getting used to, it turns out to be very easy to use. My biggest gripe about the GlideTouch bar is its implementation. Alpine implemented it so that the user is forced to use it to browse through files using the "search" function. Unfortunately, it's a bit of a pain trying to find the song you're looking for when you have 100+ songs; it's very easy to skip forward too far, or not nearly enough. This feature will either make or break your experience with the unit, so you may want to try it out before purchasing.
The layout is about the same as any standard Alpine head unit from this era save for the GlideTouch bar. The display is a bright dot matrix display on a black background - no fancy dolphin or race car screen savers here. The display does not look nearly as nice as the 9855, but it is still very easy to read as long as there is not too much glare.
Like most head units from Alpine, this one is packed with features. The most notable features are: 3-way crossover, time delay, 7 / 5 band EQ, subwoofer level control. The crossover feature on this is very good. It allows for the change of both the crossover setpoints AND slopes. This allows you to compensate for the weaknesses of your speakers. Time delay is really invaluable if you care about sound imaging. By using time delay with some properly installed speakers/component speakers, you can move the soundstage from your door panel to directly in front of you. The equalizer is another nice touch if you really care to take the time to set it up. Unfortunately, there is no backup battery in this unit, so if you disconnect your battery you lose all your settings...this is one thing to keep in mind before spending your time messing with the Eq.
Now for the main bad part - the user friendliness. This is one of those units you'll NEED the manual for - for some time anyway. Menu navigation is generally not very intuitive at all like say...a Pioneer. A battery of some type to prevent setting loss would be a big plus, but this just doesn't have it. My last gripe would have to be the low voltage pre-outs, but I can't really complain too much for the price. The 9855 offers higher voltage pre-outs anyway for those willing to spend the extra.
Overall, this is a good little unit for the money. Novices may want to opt for something a little more user friendly with less features. However, those audiophiles on a budget out there should definitely consider picking one of these up, or at least checking them out.
The GlideTouch bar is the most unique feature this head unit has to offer. This bar allows the user the 'advantage' of not having to press different buttons to access options or features. Although it takes a little getting used to, it turns out to be very easy to use. My biggest gripe about the GlideTouch bar is its implementation. Alpine implemented it so that the user is forced to use it to browse through files using the "search" function. Unfortunately, it's a bit of a pain trying to find the song you're looking for when you have 100+ songs; it's very easy to skip forward too far, or not nearly enough. This feature will either make or break your experience with the unit, so you may want to try it out before purchasing.
The layout is about the same as any standard Alpine head unit from this era save for the GlideTouch bar. The display is a bright dot matrix display on a black background - no fancy dolphin or race car screen savers here. The display does not look nearly as nice as the 9855, but it is still very easy to read as long as there is not too much glare.
Like most head units from Alpine, this one is packed with features. The most notable features are: 3-way crossover, time delay, 7 / 5 band EQ, subwoofer level control. The crossover feature on this is very good. It allows for the change of both the crossover setpoints AND slopes. This allows you to compensate for the weaknesses of your speakers. Time delay is really invaluable if you care about sound imaging. By using time delay with some properly installed speakers/component speakers, you can move the soundstage from your door panel to directly in front of you. The equalizer is another nice touch if you really care to take the time to set it up. Unfortunately, there is no backup battery in this unit, so if you disconnect your battery you lose all your settings...this is one thing to keep in mind before spending your time messing with the Eq.
Now for the main bad part - the user friendliness. This is one of those units you'll NEED the manual for - for some time anyway. Menu navigation is generally not very intuitive at all like say...a Pioneer. A battery of some type to prevent setting loss would be a big plus, but this just doesn't have it. My last gripe would have to be the low voltage pre-outs, but I can't really complain too much for the price. The 9855 offers higher voltage pre-outs anyway for those willing to spend the extra.
Overall, this is a good little unit for the money. Novices may want to opt for something a little more user friendly with less features. However, those audiophiles on a budget out there should definitely consider picking one of these up, or at least checking them out.
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