Ok, so the proffesional dude in the audio store told me today that the Kenwood (X589) HU I was looking at was a pretty good HU but he said that an Alpine is a step above... (Money is TIGHT). He said that the "bass engine" of Alpine would boost the bass a ton... My question is Head to Head which is better for my listening habits (metal/rap)
Alpine CDA-9851 - 3, 2 volt preouts (was hoping for more - Bass engine - 18wrms X 4
Kenwood X589 - 3, 4 volt preouts - 22wrms X 4 - 3 EQ bands (compared to none on the Alpine)
I want HARD hitting bass and nice clean crisp mids and highs... Which is an overall better HU?
couldn't tell you about alpine but i've owned 3 kenwoods and haven't had a problem. Right now I have a KDC-MP522. The one in my last car was a KDC-715S. I forget the model of my first one but it was basically bottom of the line kenwood with the detachable face I bought when I was seventeen. Looking at getting the kenwood dvd head unit with the screen, can't think of the model # right now, once I can spare the $$
If I were you, I'd look for an HU with at least 4v rca outs. Any reason why you only listed 2 models? I'd go with other Alpine/Eclipse units. If money is a problem, try Pioneer/JVC/Kenwood/Clarion(hate them). Between those 2, I'd take Alpine. It does come with bass control for frequency, width and level (similar to parametric equalizer).
Kenwood is the only HU with 4v rca outs. The Alpine doesn't have them until you get into the 3-400 dollar range. Also, the Kenwood has an equalizer built in. I want to spend a total of $150 on ebay, including shipping. The kenwood is the best option I have seen so far.
I personally have always liked alpine the best for head units. Better quality over all. The comment you made about the alpines not having 4v pre outs until over $300 is incorrect also I got my 9827 for 200 shipped off ebay. If you like the kenwood better get it I think alpine is better. I know more people who use alpine than any other brand for HUs