Hey all, I'm looking to totally upgrade my sound system in my truck. The head unit I want is the Alpine IVA-W200 (seems to be the popular choice here) Anyway, I was wondering where you all would recommend buying one? The local Tweeter here in my area has them for $999.00 I know I can find a better deal somewhere. Tweeter also stated that they will match prices, but I'm not sure if they will match a online price? Anyway, what sites do you all recommend?

 

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/

 

If you can wait a month or so, I'd hold out for the IVA-w205, this year's update to the double din dvd line from Apline.

Along with a new built in interface for the updated Blackbird gps unit, it also supports the brand new and greatly improved bluetooth(cell phone AND Stereo Bluetooth support) Sirius, and HD Radio (which now supports multicasts, unlike the previous model) modules. The thing looks just as all around solid as the 200, but with all the latest bells and whistles. I was going to get the 200 myself, but now I am waiting for the 205 as bluetooth integration is a big deal to me.

I usually get my stuff through Crutchfield. I used to get things off ebay, until the tuner went kaput on my brand new CDA-9855, and I learned from Apline that the warranty doesn't apply unless the item is purchased from a authorised dealer, which Ebay isn't. While Crutchfield has the same prices as most big box stores, what makes them awesome are three things:

A) They include EVERYTHING you need for installation, other then a screwdriver. High quality mounting kit and wiring harness are both included free of charge. Considering some of this stuff can add up to $75+, that's a big savings overall.

B) Along with all the supplied hardware, they also include idiot-proof install instructions for the specific radio you're installing, and the vehicle you are installing it into. No need to browse the forums to learn how to remove tricky bezels or locate misc wires, it's all right there with big illustrations.

C) Customer service FTW. These guys ROCK! Some of these folks should work for NASA... they are that smart. When I was installing a backup camera on my gf's 250, I could not get the thing to engage when she put it in reverse for the life of me. After a 45 minute chat with tech support, we finally nailed down the problem. Their hours are awesome too, which is a big deal to me as Alaska is effectively 2-4 hours behind the rest of the nation, and I was messing with this after work in the early evening.

Here's the link to Crutchfield's page for the W205. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-OhLciC6...5&i=500IVAW205

 

The best place would be to buy mine. Excellent condition, everything included. PM or email me if you want more info.

 

Hey Dconder,

How much are you selling your IVAW200 for? I can't PM you because of my low post count, But I might be willing to purchase it if the price is right. I was looking at a Clarion Max675vd but I think the Alpine is just as nice.

 

Email me at c-c-machine@hotmail.com. I do not want to break any rules by trying to sell on the forums. Thanks.

 

If you want a W200 you better hurry, Alpine is completely out of them....but I second the wait on the W205.

 

How much more do you all feel the W205 will be compared to the 200??? I'm just trying to determine if it's worth the difference in price? I do not plan on a NAV system. I just want it for a rear camera, iPod, Sat. radio and DVD's.

What are/will be the big features on the W205 besides improved Bluetooth??

 

The biggest differerce is that the 205 is the doc station for the BlackBirdII

The bluetooth is pretty slick and there is no wired mic to place anywhere as it is integrated in the HU. Makes installation pretty easy.

Check out Alpine.com and download the 2007 catalog and check out all the features.

Personally I would wait on the 205...its MSRP is 899.00
And easy to bypass too.

This is a highly personal thing...get what you want...its a lot of money.

 

Any one have any idea what the release date is for the 205s? I am also very interested in the 200, but may have to wait if they are becoming hard to get.

 

It was March. However stock on the 200's was too high for them to ship.

They are shipping next week to the premier Alpine Dealers that had pre-orders.

If you want one, my recommendation is to put your name on the waiting list at any Alpine dealer until they are readily available.

 

I would not go with Alpine's indash units. I did enjoy mine but ran into many issues with internal fuses frying and RCA outs and all sorts of kinks. Pioneer makes a good few. I have seen other issues with them in other customers cars...
Just my .02
Ryan

 

No offense, but one bad deck isn't a good reason not to go with Alpine (from a statistics point of view at least...)

I've had my IVA-w200 for 6 months with no issues. Love this deck, and absolutely destroys the SQ of the JL Cleansweep I had before.

I've had 4 other Alpine decks in my lifetime- never had a single one break either.

The pioneer units aren't bad, but they are not as user friendly and harder to navigate.

 

When the new w205 comes out, there will be dealers selling it for more than the msrp. Go to tweeter.com and there is a 15% off coupon if you don't buy Dougs. If it is no longer available, email me and I will send you one good for a few more months

 

I have had my Alpine CDA-7878 for about 5-6 years and have no issue with it.... or any other Alpine unit I have ever bought.