Hey everyone,

We recently decided to get a new source for the mirage that had Ipod control. With a budget of $350 we decided on the above.

Power : Now with the mirage having 2x 2ch amps to run everything, 3 sets of preouts was more than generous. Best of all the source has the ability to turn off the internal amp to "improve sound quality". i.e. slightly increase and maintain the pre out voltage. The source does make more constant voltage than the older Pioneer deck it replaced that also has 2V outputs.

Xovers: I was a bit disappointed with the flexabilty compared to the similar Pioneer 4950Mp. For example, with the inbuilt HPF, the Pioneer has 3 points where the Alpine is fixed at 80Hz ( the cda-9883 has more ). Also the Sub control does not have an Xover point from the deck like the Pioneer. The Pioneer has the better 3 band parametric EQ with the Alpine having 2 basic ( but variable ) EQ adjustments. For this application though, the inbuilt Xovers worked a treat from the Alpine.

Ipod Control: The I link cable that they supply is instant and responsive. The menu system can be a little involved but generally easy to use. Searching could be made a little easiers but that would mean more buttons. As it says, Ipod is charged while hooked up, and we have had no problems with connectivity. Music from the Ipod is about the same volume as a current CD which is great ( made possible by the Processor ).

General Operation: Using the deck compared to a Pioneer ( which I have always had ) I must admit it is easier in the Alpine, even if it is simplified ( compared to 8 series Pioneer ). I also like the ability for the deck to increase the subs volume to an audiable level when the volume is turned down. Cd operation is really good and the 105db S/N makes sure everything sounds as it should.

Conclusion : After having Pioneer with all my decks ( we currently have 3 in the family ), I found this deck even though it more money than the 4950mp, the Alpine would be my choice. With the amount of noise it can create and a nice crisp sound even compared to the 5650mp that it replaced, I am amazed at the quality for the price. I think anyone with a budget of around $300-350 for a source, with an Ipod or not, should seriously consider this deck as a starting point to built a decent system. :D

Cool. I just picked up the CDA-9886 i hope i like it as much as you like yours :)

Yeah i picked up the same unit about 2 months ago and couldnt be happier :D

Cool. I just picked up the CDA-9886 i hope i like it as much as you like yours :)

The 9886 is a fantastic unit!!

How cheap are the new range of alpine headunits?? They all come with iPod control, and most of them only require the cable, rather than a full KA420 or whatever that iPod controller device was. Tempting to swap out the stereo in the merc now

Yeah i cannot wait to install it. I didnt even want to buy a new deck today but i walked into an audio store saw this thing, loved the features, got an awesome price on it and walked out with it.

Only thing that concerns me with it is some people say i need a separate EQ for it ?

Yeah they are cheap, well value for money but so are the rest ( Pioneers decks have come down also ).

If it is similar to the 9887 ( I think it is since it mentions "Imprint Sound" ) then you shouldn't need an EQ. This should mean it has 6 band time alignment EQ. Consult your manual and let us know. A 31 band EQ never hurt anyone though :think:

Eek most of the units actually come with the Ipod cable so there is no need for anything else so like you said, no external unit. Bluetooth is always an expensive option. Plug and play. :D

I still have a Pioneer 8650mp in my car. I would change it to a 9887 for the Ipod control however it is only 2 years into a 6 year warranty. Ill have to get the external Ipod unit since I got an 8g nano off my Nan, thanks Nan!