Alpine CTA-1505 Commander Receiver

Price Paid:  $200.00 from A buddy at Good Guys

Summary:
Compromise of no in-dash CD player fully compensated, in my case, by the superior power handling of the integrated amplifiers. I've got it mated up with a CHA-S634 (AI-NET, 6-disc unit) and some Polk EX speakers (separates up front, coaxials in back) and it sounds great, no stress at moderate to high volumes. Some of the FM features more useful in European radio markets, such Radio Data System and Traffic Info, poorly utilized in North America. FM reception above average. Good-looking single-DIN front panel, a bit more refined-looking than some of the 19-yr-old-car-audio-dude interaces out there. The purple "function" text is very hard to read, but generally represents little-used functions. Rotary volume control works well, no fancy pop-up. The 7-channel equalization control works well, but is buried too deep for easy adjustments in a moving vehicle. Some electronic malfunction (seldom-occurring) toggles the display settings and radio stations randomly, but it's not big enough of a problem to trouble me, just turn it off and on and it goes away. Overall a great-looking, great-sounding piece, and keeps my hands on the wheel instead of the CD jewel case. The remote, although I like the feel and button shape/placement, stopped working after 2 yrs.

Strengths:
Powerful integrated amplifiers, nice looking, refined industrial design.

Weaknesses:
Function text difficult to read, no integrated CD player (may or may not be a drawback).

Similar Products Used:
OEM Alpine cassette/CD controller (for '94 Integra). Bug in interface controls has occurred about 5 times in 2 years.

Price Paid:  $399.00

Summary:
If this head unit had a built in CD, it would be PERFECT. The looks are VERY astonishing and the face is tough! i actually dropped it once and a part of it broke off the back, nothing major, but the thing still worked without any visible damage to the head or display! I can't really comment on the SQ of the head unit as the amp I'm using to power my highs has a lot of noise (it's an alpine v12 amp). The Diamond HExs im powering need a better amp, then i could distinguish if the head unit has a clean signal passing to the amps...but all in all, i love the head unit, and since i paired it up with a 12 disc changer, i love it. The EQ is great, although it's only 7Bands, it's still cool, better than the 1502's treble/bass settings, ech, get an eq whether it's external or built in, trust me, it makes all the difference in the world. A great product, I love it, but my next head unit will probably have a CD in it :)

Strengths:
Built in EQ, KILLER looks at night, BBE processing, did I mention KILLER looks? Also comes with an awesome remote, perfect size, not too thin like those credit card remotes or too bulky like TV remotes (ive seen some kenwoods with these kinda remotes). 4V pre amp, 3 sets of pre amps which is great! Separate sub level control.

Weaknesses:
No CD, hard to read display during the day. The rotory knob is acting funny, when I turn it up, sometimes it goes down and up. No Subwoofer filter/Xover

Similar Products Used:
None

Summary:
having had alpine for the last 6 years I just can't find anything that can compare to their head units and changers.I've had kenwood,pioneer and jvc and when it comes to the best bang for the buck there is no comparison!Excellent power output ,ease of use and damn fine looks!The only negatives the programmers need to make it a little easier to program the eq and disc title settings.Oh and hats off for building a excellent remote that is not like previous credit card size remotes ,it is easy to use and it uses common aa batteries not watch batteries like the formentioned remote!!!All this can be yours for the low price of $699.00 (that's canadian dollers)

Strengths:
excellent power output,design,ergonomics,remote,and sound

Weaknesses:
eq programming,disc title programming

Similar Products Used:
alpine 7924