I saw an Eclipse head unit that looked decent, but don't know much about their stuff. Anyone have any experience with it?

 

eclipse is NICE equipment-i have 1 10 inch sub with a memphis amp that hits like 2 12's of anything else.

 

I'm using a CD8443 from Eclipse in the L as we speak. Overall, it seems like a great unit. I have yet to use the preouts for anything. For the time being, it is running the factory speakers. I like the built in 13 band eq. and time alignment. That's probably the main reason that I went with this particular unit.

My only real complaints are:

1. the two big ***** on the face (one for volume, one for track(in cd mode) or station (in rcrv mode)) are a little ergonomically displeasing. They don't protrude enough from the face to turn. You have to use your fingertip to spin them around, which is a little un-precise (especially in a truck). You get use to it. It also comes with a remote, or you can upgrade to a better remote.

2. I've noticed that the cdplayer can be a little picky when it comes to playing burned cd's. I don't have a problem with this very often, and I haven't had a problem with it in ~2 months.

I probably would be a little disappointed with the unit if I had paid full price. I was in the right place at the right time, and I got a steal on it. Also, I have yet to use the preouts, Which should be really great. I may be more pleased with the unit after I put a little more time and money into amps/speakers.

Also, if you are all about electronic "bling" you would also probably be disappointed. it is a very basic, although great looking cdplayer. There are many other brands that have more graphics/colors on the face.
I picked the eclipse because it had the lowest %THD (other than Nakamichi), and 8v preouts (it will do 16v balanced if you have the accompanying hardware to support it (i.e. higher end zapco stuff or equivalent). I buy cdplayers to be cdplayers. If I wanted more pretty lights in my truck, I would just do the Christmas tree mod! but that's just me.

 

eclipse...

the best!

the sq is amazing, with or without preouts. i also have the 8443, which coincidentally, i got for a steal also.

i wouldn't think twice about buying another one. this is the third eclipse i have used.

they are more forgiving i have noticed on scratched cd's. i have cds that won't play in my home system that don't even skip in my eclipse. i have not had any problems with burned cds at all, not one.

 

I have an eclipse cd5423...I've had no problems with it at all...except when it got stolen...then eclipse sent me a new one for free!!!

-dennis

 

I don't really like their head units, however I really love the quality and sound of the titanium woofers with the huge surround. I've used some of the TV stereos which seem nice but I've never been a big fan of the dial *****.

 

I have a set of 12" Aluminum Eclipse subs that are crazy loud. I still have to put them in my current truck....but they were insane in the last f-150 I had. I only pushed them at half their max and I couldnt stand to turn them up all the way while in the truck.

I love that brand, the HUs are awsome...Im not as crazy about the amps but they are very nice also.

Eclipse is one of the only companies who makes a double din, dual slotted (one DVD one CD), DVD\Nav\CD\Touch Screen unit that can fit into our trucks with some very slight trimming. The screen takes up the entire space of the stock radio.... it looks like its made to be there.

 

i run an eclipse deck in my L.. its my first eclipse product personally, but some of my friends run eclipse and love it... I like mine a lot

 

Wow...strange to hear so many positive comments on one thing. I want it for the double din. Alpine makes a unit, but the all in one, with navigation, for ease of install sounds tempting.

We may have a winner.

 

This coming from a guy who lives like a mile away now but doesn't come to visit..

 

I have used a lot of different stereo prducts, and haven't yet found one that I was happier than with eclipse. I also have 2 12" aluminum dvc subs waiting to go in my truck

 

JL audio

 

doesn't make head units

 

I looked around the eclipse was suggested but, I like the Alpine 900 better although Alpine does have a newer model too.

 

What did you find pros/cons between the Eclipse and Alpine?