I really can't help poking my nose into my friends' businesses…..Umm Cars!

This pal of mine was on a shoestring budget & wanted a decent system within $200, preferring to go for $10,000 & above systems a few years from now.

Now I am not the kind that goes ga ga ga over sub $10,000 systems, although for a measly $185 the Alpine CDA-9883 did seem a good bargain for what it does best.

Now……don't expect to have your subwoofer rattle windows with the Alpine CDA-9883 all along your drive – You should rather expect some sweet music that you "Actually Listen" in your car, rather than show-off your bass & then show your ears to an ENT Specialist.

If you are game for melodious music, classics, instrumental etc where the emphasis is not too much on bass – then you might want to have a peek-a-boo at the Alpine CDA-9883 if it meets your budget.

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****SOUND QUALITY [4/5]****
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This rating is for the price the Alpine CDA-9883 comes at when compared to other systems at this price range.

Although the Alpine CDA-9883 has an iPod facility, it is better to use Audio CD's, for the quality of Analog formats is always superior to digital compressed formats.

So I put in my test CD – The first track is the soundstage test.

Now in a car there is nothing much to talk about soundstage & imaging since it is a compact environment & you are never in the center of the soundstage since you sit on the sides. Yet I would say that the soundstage was "existent" & imaging was quite centered although not on the dot – Anyway, it is not an issue in a car.

Bass was quite well rounded with mild icing of moisture in correct proportion for listening to music. Tightness was adequate for listening to normal music although not the gut-wrenching, bone crushing kind of bass. Unless you are a Bass-Freak, the Alpine CDA-9883 will come across as a mature system when handling bass, I should say – In this price range you won't have many systems doing that if not any.

Mids were sharp & very clear at the edges. With crystal clear accuracy & depth, it did put a lot of emotion into guitars, pianos, violins & instruments in general. Guitar especially was fantastic for the price. Vocals were smooth & very very life-like, be sure to pack some tissues along if you are listening to sweet romantics.

Treble was sharp & icy cool – Anyone who'd appreciate the fine details of treble notes would definitely not ignore the Alpine CDA-9883. It amazed me that the price that the Alpine CDA-9883 comes at is really a compliment to the quality of sound that it has to offer.

Overall, unless you cross 60% of the volume, there is no way the Alpine CDA-9883 is going to disappoint you with its well balanced sound. Unless of course as I mentioned before,, you are a Bass-freak & don't care much for the finer details of music.

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****AESTHETICS [3/5]****
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The Alpine CDA-9883 is pretty bland in this department, with a not so much colorful display. Nothing especially eye-catching here

This is one department the company must work extra hard on.

As long as you prefer performance over looks, this should not hamper your purchase decisions.

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****BUILD QUALITY [4/5]****
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The Alpine CDA-9883 comes across as a quite sturdy system, although don't expect it to survive intense car-crashes (Its more important that YOU survive).

Tap tests did give positive responses, the plastic part is strong enough to survive daily wear & tear for a pretty long time. However it is wise to be on your guard, after all it costs precious money.

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****EASE OF USE [5/5]****
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How easy is it to breathe?……..The Alpine CDA-9883 is just as easy to handle. The Alpine CDA-9883 is Bluetooth ready for handling your mobile phone calls & you also have a steering wheel remote which is a breeze to handle. So no more risks while driving – You can control the Alpine CDA-9883 without taking your hands off the steering wheel. Over all it won't take you more than a few minutes to figure out the Alpine CDA-9883 during your first usage.

A full thumbs-up from my side for the Alpine CDA-9883 in this department.

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****MY OPINION****
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This is an economy model & its one of the best in its price range. If you have a well balanced taste in music & don't require Rip-Roaring Bass all the time & if you are on a budget – You MUST definitely consider the Alpine CDA-9883. Try it out yourself, put on your favorite music & test it, I am sure if the looks don't matter much to you then this baby will steal your ears & heart & not your pocket.

Your's Technically,
Jedi_Kickass (' _ ' )