I'm no kid, father of four.

Currently stock non-Bose system.

I am replacing the stock fronts with MB Quart DSD 216 components and backs with MB Quart DKD 116 2-ways.

I want a simple headunit that will play just CD's and have a clock. I will not be burning CD's or MP3's. CDR or CDRW playback is desireable as I'm sure the kids have music they want to listen to. I buy the CD's I listen to the old fashioned way so the artists can get ripped off by their recording companies on royalties.

I don't want a separate amplifier or sub. I have a tin ear and am not looking for bass ...

I want to be able to see the CD insert slot without the face having to move.

Is the Alpine CDE 7872 what I want? I think so.

Someone enlighten me, please.

Thanks,

Jim

 

You really can't go wrong with Alpine. Most of the features carry over from model to model. I chose my deck because of the face plate, and because of the internal amp. I didn't really want a deck that had adjustable face angle, or a fancy display. It just so happened that the 7893 had a few of these types of features.

Edit: I personally would go with the 7874 or 7892, but that's just me. The 7892 would be best, since it has a little bit more control over sound staging. It seems like you're investing in good speakers, so you might as well spend a little bit more on a deck that can make them sing. But, that's just me

 

Two way component speakers usually aren't as efficient as a co-axial speaker. The power amp inside an HU doesn't have the ***** enough to drive components adequately. Your speakers won't really sound their best until you get an external power amp to drive them.

 

I can see off the alpine site that the CDM-7874 has the CD insert feature I'm looking for where I can see it on face.

I can't see it on the CDA-7892, does the CD insert into the face of this unit or is the face motorized and the swing face mechanism pulls face down to insert CD?

The CDM-7874 seems to be closer to what I'm looking for, right?

I know the components need an external amp to power them up properly; but, like I said above I think this is a decent head unit for what I'm looking for.

Anyone else want to chime in, please do so.

I'm thinking CDM-7874, am I right or heading for a disaster?

Thanks,

Jim

 

You might just have to compromise on the cd slot issue. Most good cd players now have moved to flip down faces. The only models that usually have the non-flip are entry level pieces. I think you would be selling youself short but not looking to a upperend deck just because of that feature. I personally own a Alpine 7977. I like it so much I bought another 7977 over a 7995 which is the newer model. On thing I have noticed about alpine after selling them for many years is that if you are going to buy one make sure and get an amp, especially with the speakers you have chosen. Quarts or any seperates will sound bad off deck power. Another thing about Alpine is they drop into distortion very quickly after volume level 20. I bought the deadhead just because of that reason. I have sold just about every radio in the business and I can give you a good idea what is good and what to stay away from. I won't post brands here because I don't want to offend anyone but if you want more info PM me.

 

Went to local Alpine dealer/installer and saw and listened to 7874. Going with it, it's as simple as they come although I would have gone for a 7003 if I could have found one cheaper the this unit. Of course it sounds great in the shop wired to the speakers in display board with amps and subs. But it sounded fine when he switched to just the regular coaxial and componet set-ups on board.

For install I need to get:

dash kit

antenna adapter

wiring adapter harness

two pairs of speaker harnesses

Right?

Thanks,

Jim