Alpine CDE-123

VERY VERY Nice...

I ordered the Alpine CDE-123 HU separate from the amp and speakers, which will be here soon, so I installed this in my Tundra, just to get used to the functions. Even without the new speakers and amp, I must say, I am extremely satisfied with this HU. I had Alpine before, and I loved it then, and this purchase only strengthens my love for Alpine head units now.

I have had very expensive Sony head units. I have had Pioneer, Kenwood and Alpine head units as well. Alpine wins my vote by a long shot... Alpine builds there HUs with the idea that you will be powering some subs with an amp for your big bass, so Alpine does not push very very deep bass from the HU to the mids and highs, but it does make your speakers sound fantastic. I still get some clean bass from it though. This HU has the 3 band para EQ in it, and I love the controls. Set the width, Frequency, and DB how you please. There are presets and plenty of power. It says it is listed as 18w rms per channel, but it has to be more. VERY LOUD!

Prior to installing this in my Tundra, the stock HU would have to be turned up to 30 to really hear the words in the song while driving on the expressway. My girlfriend and I can barely stand the sound above 15 with this Alpine installed. The volume goes to 35... Yikes! The Sound Quality of this unit is the best I have heard... even over my last Alpine, and especially over other HUs I have heard.
When you buy Alpine head units, you know you are getting some of the best. Will never buy any other HU other than Alpine from this point on.

The price was right for me as well. 189.99 and free shipping from Sonic is perfect for me. If you get something for around the same price or even 50bucks cheaper, don't bother. Just go with this HU. When thinking of quality, you will get to a certain level... then in order to even get slightly better, you spend an arm and a leg more. By the time you spend 600-700 dollars on a top top of the line HU, the SQ may be better, but you pry wont be able to hear it much, but you wallet will feel it. This Alpine very close to top of the line in SQ, with less flashy gadgets and options, so your wallet won't take the beating. Although, don't take me saying, "less flashy gadgets," as having no options... This HU has plenty, and the Pandora control is sweet. You can get a remote if you like for about an additional 20 dollars, and there are still quite a few things to learn with this stereo as is. Front, Rear, and Subwoofer "4 VOLT" pre outs, sure sweetens the deal as well. There is also separate subwoofer controls and phase and low pass filter too. There is also a high pass filter for your mids and highs on this unit as well.

The CDE-123's 4V pre out will help with noise reduction, and the HU also has a pretty high Signal to Noise ratio.
I highly recommend getting this unit... if you can't figure that out from what I wrote already...lol
The only criticism I could give alpine on this, is the limited dimming control, but it is not enough to lower my rating on it. Still 5 out of 5 stars from me... Get this if you are indecisive, or just don't know what you want, because you wont regret it...

Also, I have the wire directly run to the battery and the ground directly attached to the chassis of the truck, so maybe that is why I am getting good power out of the HU... May have something to do with it, although, no matter what HU you get, I always recommend running your power and ground wires this way... NoT ALL grounds are created equal... Make it good.

Wow

This is a great stereo! Sound quality is excellent. Please note that the iPod cable does come with the CDE-123. The general description makes it sound like you have to purchase it separately. It is included in the box.

Navigating the audio controls can be a bit difficult, but the audio quality is well worth it.

Alpine does it again

Alpine did a very nice job with this. I love the front and rear usb's, and the Pandora works great (I do not have an iphone, but I use an itouch with my android phone as a wireless hot spot). Adding the 3-band EQ was over due; I don't understand why Alpine went backwards with illumination options (you can choose between blue and .....well, just blue). Otherwise, it blows away my old Alpines, Pioneer, Kenwood (stay away), and Sony.

Amazing Head Unit

I have installed this CDE-123 in my garage music system along with two alpine amps and four pairs of speakers all purchased through sonic.
The head unit meets all my expectations plus. Best unit I have ever owned and check out those 2012 models.

Perfect for iPod

I had to search around for this unit which has been replaced by a newer model. I specifically wanted the read iPod connection so I could eliminate visible wires and keep my iPod in the glove box, while controlling my playback using the CDE-123 head unit.

This unit fits the bill perfectly. I originally had 2 sets of speakers (F&R) powered by the head unit, but upgraded my speakers and added an amp later. With the original, efficient speakers, power was barely adequate for normal listening in my vw camper van.

I appreciated the preamp outs for F&R and sub when I did the upgrade. The head unit works great in this configuration. This is my 4th Alpine head unit over a 25+ year period and I'm always satisfied.