Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio HU Time...Help me because I'm indecisive

I need to get rid of the stock cd player!
I want to spend up to about $350 on a HU, keep in mind that I have a sub/amp setup from my old contour (Diamond Audio 12" with Crossfire amp). Also keep in mind that I will be adding a set of speakers not sure which though. Maybe kappas.

I want to stay with Pioneer or alpine, but I'm definitely open to suggestions. I'm leaning more towards alpine due to the fact that I think the Pioneer faceplates look a little cheesy, even in the upper $ range.

Anyways, enough rambling.

Alpine CDA-9853, $339

Alpine CDA-9851, $245

Pioneer Premier DEH P8MP, $329
Right now, this seems like the best bang for the buck, but the only thing that is throwing me off is the stupid huge knob that takes up space where a screen should be!

Pioneer Premier DEH P770MP, $259

Anyways, suggestions, comments, criticism are welcome
Anyone have the Pioneer P8MP on here?

I personally would pick one of the pioneers. I have a dehp-7500 in my contour, and have had good luck with past pioneer decks.

I just ordered this classy lookin' HU

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13860

I've had Pioneer in the past, but I wanted to try /////Alpine this time, mainly because this model is the only one that offers XM radio w/o having to mount a black box first...just plug the antenna into the back of the unit

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13803
that is the one i personally would go for. You can find it for under $300 on ebay from sellers with VERY good and TONS of feedback. I would stay away from alpine, they don't offer that much better of a product for the price they ask. Pioneer always seems to be the best bang for your buck.

Im in the same bot, I need to get a new deck pretty soon. I have had Clarion decks ever since ive owned my first car and am ready to try something new.

Of the above choices I find the Aplines to be more aesthetically pleasing... still nothing screams buy me

I have had Pioneer, Sony, Alpine, JVC, and Kenwood. I prefer Kenwood.

Ive had both pioneer and Alpine, the Pioneer was a trooper. It outlasted 3 of the cars it was in durring its 8yr life. And trust me, it was always playing, I can't stand driving in silence. Only problems I ever had with it was the felt strip in the CD slot deteriorating and the volume button getting stuck. It Still worked when I took it out. Damn I love my new Alpine though. Just no complaints about the Pioneers.

Ive had Clarion, Panasonic, Alpine, Pioneer, and Eclipse. I prefer Pioneer

I really dont like cd players with the cd slot. I prefer flip-down face, but thats jus me