I was browsing crutchfield.com and found these two. I looked up Alpine because seems like most people here prefer Alpine. I found the Pioneer because that is the top seller. Both of them are $150 and it's the price range I am looking at. I am not a big 'sound' guy. I want to get one because the one in my car is going 'bye bye'. That damn thing could take up to 20 minutes before it start playing the CD. It's just sad. My commute is only 15 minutes. So what do you guys think? Let me know, thanks!

Pioneer DEH-P3700MP CD/MP3/WWA Receiver
Get $30 Mail-in Rebate with a Pioneer SIRIUS package!
MP3, WMA, and CD-R/W playback • detachable face • 22 watts RMS x 4 • Supertuner IIID • XM & SIRIUS Satellite Radio-ready • Easy EQ • remote • changer control

Alpine CDE-9843 CD/MP3 Receiver
MP3 & CD-R/W playback • detachable face • 16 watts RMS x 4 (CEA-compliant) • Bass Engine • preamp outputs

 

so I did a comparison provided by crutchfield. Seems like the Pioneer unit is a better pick.

Pioneer vs Alpine
RMS Power Output 22 watts vs 16 watts
Peak Output 50 watts vs 45 watts
Preamp Voltage 2.2 volts vs 2.0 volts
Preamp Outputs 2 pairs vs 1 pair
EQ Bands 3 vs none
Wireless Remote Yes vs No
Changer Control Yes vs No
FM Sensitivity 8 dBf vs 9.3 dBf
FM Presets 18 vs 12
WMA Playback Yes vs No

Alpine vs Pioneer
RMS Power Bandwidth 20-20kHz vs 50-15kHz
European Tuning Yes vs No
CD Signal-to-Noise 105 dB vs 94 dB

So between the two, I guess Pioneer is the better pick. But do you guys have some better suggestions for that price ($150) range? Also, this unit (Pioneer) is not one of those that would break after 2 weeks of use right? The reviews seems to bee pretty good on the Pioneer as well. Thanks!

 

so no one?

 

Do you plan on upgrading your speakers?
if not, i'd go with the pioneer. even with the cheaper units, pioneer decks sound really good with stock set ups. when you get to the 400$+ units, alpine sound quality tends to shine, though pioneer premier units are also on par.

 

no speakers upgrade. Just something good receiver that plays different format and won't break down on me.