My system, help with headunit

Alright, I can't make my mind up on which headunit I want. It's gotta be MP3 too. First off, here's the system going into a '99 Z28 with t-tops:

Subs: Two 10" Cerwin Vega 500w max 250 rmsIT - 10.0s (http://www.cerwinvega.com/products/mobileaudio/it/it10.html) In a custom made box or the new Subthump T-top box.

Doors: Two Polk Audio 6.5" GXR6 (http://www.polkaudio.com/car/products.php?category=20&speaker=212)

Backseat: Two Polk Audio 6x9" GXR69 (http://www.polkaudio.com/car/products.php?category=20&speaker=215)

Amps: Memphis Belle 16-ST500D (http://www.memphiscaraudio.com/P8&9_Studio_Amps.htm) (500x1) for the subs.
Memphis Belle 16-ST2004 (http://www.memphiscaraudio.com/P8&9_Studio_Amps.htm) (50x4) for the doors/backseat.

Now here's the dilemma. I've pretty much narrowed it down to two HUs. First is the Alpine CDA-7995 (http://ecominet2.alpine-usa.com/pls/admn/item_info?p_item_name=CDA-7995&p_category=10&p_subcategory=20&p_main=10&p_more=y) for $350. The other is the Pioneer DEH-P9400MP (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pioneer/CDA/CarProducts/CarProductDetails/0,1429,32409,00.html) for $500. Both very nice. Slight advantage to the Pioneer with more features plus a built in 13-band equalizer, which the price makes up for. I have an equalizer in IROC and I couldn't imagine it without it. I've been in many other cars without an equalizer and it just doesn't seem right. I guess it's personal preference.

What would you guys chose? And an alarm system would be in the future sooner if I went with the Pioneer.

I don't know whether or not you're aware of this but 4th gen F-bods don't use 6x9 speakers.

www.highwaymp3.com

I know they don't use 6x9s. I am 99% positive I can make it fit though. It was just preference to have a 3-way 6x9 speaker for the special occasions my subs aren't in the car.

can I ask how other than a custom box?

Personally I wouldn't use a Pioneer if It was given to me. I have used Alpine's since I started doing installs. I've owned over a dozen different models, and all worked great. I've owned 2 pioneers, and both have sh*t the bed well before they should, especially seeing the very first Alpine that I bought, still works flawlessly to this day.

Also I'd suggest just doing a good set of front components, and either using the rear for just fill, or no speakers there at all. The 3-ways are going to be eating your ear-drums alive, not to mention screwing up the sound-stage.

6x9s can be made to fit if you want, but it's going to take a fair amount of cutting. Personally I wouldn't.

Ditto everything said above.

Alright I took a better look at it today, and you guys are right. 6x9s wouldn't be worth it, thanks for pointing it out. Going with four 6.5s I guess.

This is one of the top end Pioneers, you really think it'd crap out on me? I've heard the same responses from other boards and I'm quite surprised. Alpine it is I guess.

I'm sure there are those that will swear by Pioneer and think that they are great products. I've been installing for over 26 years for family, friends and co-workers and Pioneer has by far the worst track record of any brand I've dealt with in that time. I'd take an Audiovox before I would ever buy another Pioneer product.

Ive never had a problem with Pioneers. I had the 9300, served me very well the time I had it, and its working flawlessly for the friend I sold it too. I bought my father a 7200, open box, last year, now almost 3 model years old, and its working great as well. They are, unfortunaly the top deck we sell at work, and I have hardly had any problems with them. On the other hand I currently have an Alpine in my car. We didnt get the 9400, other wise I would have picked that up over the Alpine. JMO...

Alpine for sure. How about the 7897. It plays MP3s. I will be installing one in the next few days. I have it wired, just waiting for the car to get out of the shop. I can send you pics if you like.

Might think twice about the Cerwin Vega Subs.Don`t know if you have been told or not. But they are going out of business as of about 4 months ago. Have all my stuff in stock on clearance. Kinda sucks they did have a few good subs on the market. I still have a few of the strokers laying around at both my shops. Well good luck on whatever you choose to put in there.Take Care.Mike...

I have heard MANY stories about Pioneers crapping out on people, but I have owned 2 and have never had a problem. On a side note. Get the Premier version of the 9400MP. Instead it's called 940MP. It can be had for nearly the same price and has 6.5V RCA's instead of the 4V.

I have had both Alpine and Pioneer go phooey during the warranty period.

I have had about every brand of highend hu. Pioneer has reliability issues. I have never, ever, had a single problem out of Alpine. I probably just jinxed myself, but Alpine is the way to go. Now my new 7897 is probably fubared...lol.

I'm convinced with the Alpine 7995. I like the looks and the features. I can always find a equalizer somewhere else.

As far as the subs, wow, I didn't know Vega was going out of business. That sucks. My dad has always been a die hard Vega guy. His home system is Vega, his car system is Vega. My home system is Vega (very nice btw), and I'm still gonna go with the speakers. They aren't too terribly expensive and my dad nor I have ever had a problem with any of our Vega stuff.

Edit: By the way, thanks to all of you for the feed back. I appreciate it. :)