Good SQ Headunit?

Here's a question not often asked so i thought i would. I realise that your system potential is basically put down to your headunit. So what are peoples choices when it comes to a good SQ deck. I've currently got a JVC. Does the job but having a think about upgrade to maybe an alpine or any eclipse.

It's just my opinion, but I'd never use JVC.  I've seen too many of them fail for one reason or another, plus the sound always seemed harsh and brittle to me.  Same goes for Panasonic.  Between Eclipse and Alpine, I'd go for the Eclipse for SQ.  But my favorites are the Nakamichi decks, and that's what I run in my own car.

ditto on bberman1's choices. Although I have the Alpine CDA-7990 and it's the best that I have ever heard hnds down.Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

not everyone can afford a cda-7990 haha, , but the draw is definately between the eclipse and alpine.  As for bang for the buck i would say eclipse, but for no price range,,,go cda-7990, but im shure you don't wana blow a few thousand on a deck.

Eclipse, end of story, enjoyTop Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

I also agree with bberman1's picks but if I had to choose one it would be an Alpine---- 1996 Chevy S10 ----

1 Lightning Audio S2.600.2 Amp

2 Lightning Audio 12" Subs

1 Lightning Audio 1 Farad Cap

I am looking between the Alpine CDA-9811 and the Eclipse CD5441. Looks wise the alpine wins out easy but i'm not going for looks here as i would rather a less appealing headunit to would be theifs. Both have similar features but the easy of use on the Eclipse unit is wonderful. I think i'm going to take my time on choosing the right unit. As my budget is in no hurry but i thought i might as well start to look around now and increase my knowledge of what is out there on offer before i just dive in head first.

The cd is a last years model if I am not mistaken. Don't base any decisions you make based on spec's. Put that spec sheet up to yer ear and tell me how it sounds. In seven years of selling Eclipse, I have never had to prove to a customer that it is better, seems they already know. I am fully prepared however to go out and buy any cd player, hook it up in their car and let them hear the differnce that quality makes. Now I have also sold Alpine for almost 12 years, I cannot compare their new stuff from the gear from the 80's, it is nowhere near the same. The Eclipse line has a way better warranty, better theft deterence and way better sound quality. Be it non clipping high voltage (at 0db) low impedance pre-outs to simple and easy to use. In most cases for cd players on the market today the laser pickup is the same from the bottom of the line to the top of the line. Most mid fi companies build their equipment to be sold in the area that most people want to pay (marketing dept). In order to hit these price points they must cut corners. Eclipse does not build to hit a price point, they build for unparalled performance and sound quality. Find out if the dealer is willing to let you try both cd player in your vehicle, I for one certainly would. Alpine builds some really good equipment, so does Chevy, but until we see a brand new $15000.00 cdn BMW to compete with a cavalier, Eclipse will reign supreme for a high end cd player.Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.