Alpine CDA-9855 Versus Kenwood Excelon KD

I am looking to buy one of these two head units for my Mazda 3. Both of them are the top of the line from these two companies and both have some opinions not found on the other. The Alpine has the ability to control the apple Ipod from the head unit. While the Kenwood has 5 volt out puts while the alpine has 4 volt. Kenwood plays AAC format. Also has HD FM, AM radio. Key Features: Kenwood       » CD receiver with built-in amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)      »"auto-slide" motorized, detachable face with fine-dot 3-D multicolor FL display      »plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs (including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, or AAC files)      »SRS WOW sound enhancements (raises the soundstage, improves imaging, and strengthens bass)      » System Q EX Sound Control (6 EQ presets, speaker size matching, and 4-band parametric EQ)      »Digital E's+ crossover system      »Advanced Codec (AC) Drive with Voice Index on Tap gives verbal confirmation of digital music file and folder names      » satellite radio controls (SIRIUS or XM subscription, tuner, and antenna required to receive the satellite radio signal) — service is available only in the lower 48 states, not available in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories      » HD Radio-ready (will control Kenwood's HD Radio tuner)      » CD changer controls      » dual-zone audio control      » 5-volt front, rear, and subwoofer preamp outputs      » Amplifier Management System (AMS) — provides remote control over compatible Kenwood Excelon amplifiers      » ODD (Offset Dual Differential) 24-bit digital-to-audio converter system for improved sound      » wireless remote      » clock      » CD frequency response 10-20,000 Hz      » CD signal-to-noise ratio 110 dB      » FM sensitivity 9.3 dBf      » warranty: 3 years Key Features: Alpine » CD receiver with built-in amplifier (18 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)      » detachable, fold-down face with GlideTouch controls and BioLite display      » plays audio CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs, plus discs burned with MP3 and WMA files      » Bass Engine Pro sound controls with iPersonalize setup options      » MediaXpander (restores clarity and detail to compressed or broadcast audio)      » MaxTune SQ tuner      » 12 FM/6 AM presets      » satellite radio controls (SIRIUS or XM subscription, tuner, and antenna required to receive the satellite radio signal)      » CD changer controls for Alpine Ai-NET changers only      » compatible with Alpine's iPod interface adapter      » 4-volt front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs      » Amplifier Link — can control up to 12 Alpine V12 external amps      » clock      » wireless remote      » CEA-2006 compliant amplifier      » CD frequency response: 5-20,000 Hz      » CD signal-to-noise ratio: 105 dB      » FM sensitivity: 9.3 dBf      » warranty: 1 year Chris

Mazda3

Yeah, that's what I thought too. But i do know that back in the day Kenwood was viewed as a upper end headunit Chris

Mazda3

nooo, i don't believe kenwood ever had a 1 up on alpine actually.2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.

also, correct me if I'm wrong, but hd radio ready is europe only?? and yeah, i'd take the alpine. that glide pad looks sweet.

I would go with the Alpine, kenwood tends to be a little lower quality then alpine, eclipse and pioneer.

if you're going to be spending some money on a head unit, check out the eclipse CD5435 or the CD8445.  These HU's are in a totally different league than alpine or kenwood.

I would go with the kenwood out of those two choices. Don't make me slap you alpine guy.Certified Security Specialist

Always check info with a digital multimeter.

I promise to be good.

Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.