Just get the one with the features you want...I personally want absolute effort towards SQ,,,so actually a unit without an internal amp (JVC HX-D10), and lack of useless gadgets is in order...I dont even bother with eq. I like the truest and purest signal,,,If i had 500 bucks, i would buy a used sony c-90 ( 4 Burr-Brown DAC chips),,,JVC makes a couple of units with dual 24 bit Dac,,,Nakamichi I think has dual 20 bit DAC...
I dont think Kenwood or Pioneer would make a better unit than Alpine at the present time.
