Alright audiophiles I need your help

What do you guys think about current generation alpine head units? I just found a great deal on this unit: it is CDA-9855
http://iweb.alpine-usa.com/img/asb/cda-9855.gif

it has most of the bells and whistles, but I am curious what you think of the quality of alpines.

A few key features are:
53x4
ipod ready
mp3, cdr, ect...
xm/sirius ready
remote
3 preouts

I'd appreciate any input.
Jake

Alpine has always made good head units:

25X4 amp really = appx 18 watts RMS X 4

I am pretty sure the ipod thing requires like a $75-100 adaptor box - my 9853 does

Pac sells a box that will plug straight into 53/55 that will allow you to use the factory steering wheel controls (appx $50)

the quality of sirius/XM has dropped dramatically in the last year or so

I LOVE my remote :iceslolan

there is also a parametric equalizer, 3 way crossover and time delay built in. They are really only helpful if you do not want to use any external processors - just run the 3 outputs staight to the amps. I prefer the 53 because the display is in blue, the biolite display on the 55 is black and white.

P.S. do NOT buy one manufactured before like may/jun 2005, early models had a problem with the fold down face locking up.

ttt

10% failure rate plus a hard to use glide touch thing ...... I'll pass...... If I were you I'd try to pick up a used 9835.

i love em. saving up for one right now. and the glide touch thing isnt nearly as much of a pain in the ass as it seems. i thought it kinda was but play with it for 10 minutes and you get used to it pretty quickly.

and mike.. the 9835s have glide touch too right? or is that why you said used.. for an older model before that feature..

No the 8835's didn't have glide touch.

Well eveyone, I appreciate the input. I recieved the HU and have installed it. So far I am happy with it, which is all that really matters.......

Thanks again,
Jake