• Power Output: 200W Max. (50W X 4),20X 4 (RMS)

• Built-In HD Radio Tuner with Multi-Cast Capability

•  Ready For I-pod *

• Sat Radio Ready

• MP3/WMA Compatible with ID3/WMA Tag

• CD/CD-R/CD-RW Compatible

• DiAS Digital Tuner

• Digital 7-Band iEQ

• Gold-Plated Front and Rear Line Ouput Terminals

• Gold Plated Subwoofer Output Terminals with Level/Frequency

• Control Rotary Encoder Multi-Control

• 2.5 V output level for front and rear; 2.0 V for subwoofer

• Wireless Remote Control

Unfortunately, this is $160 unit vs. over $800 Eclipse for a reason:

1. Subwoofer control range is limited (8 steps vs. 20 of Eclipse),

2. Illumination colors are not selectable (as in newest Eclipse designs and some of Kenwood's),

3. No treble/bass controls at main knob (this is the same problem with very high end Kenwood units) - one has to use EQ to change those frequencies (4 step operation - not doable while driving),

4. 2.5 V output level, vs. 5 V of Eclipse, makes this unit more susceptible to an alternator noise,

5. Key problem:  HD radio is great ONLY when unit locks on to HD signal - which is hardly ever.  The technology as is - is not capable of maintaining HD signal within the FM signal range (HD signal is superimposed on FM waves and decoded by HD tuner).  Refer to this blog for latest on this troubled design.

 

Conclusions: 

1. HD idea is great, but it does not work reliably.  HD unit has 20-20,000 Hz frequency response and is superior to 40-15,000 Hz range of conventional FM broadcast.  When unit locks on HD signal, I can hear clear frequency range expansion on both ends.  Base becomes deeper and there is not static noise. 

2. Multicasting stations are great.  On the same FM setting, one can select two or more alternate broadcasts!  Again,  depending on station transmitter proximity, 20 - 30 seconds after tuning in, for stations located 20 miles away in clear no obstruction path, ,those secondary broadcasts will typically drop off completely - silence.  Only on primary broadcasts, units reverts to FM when HD signal is lost.

3. In present state of technology it is useless as supported by references above blog and my experience. 

4. Only when transmission/tuner design changes will be made, HD would prove to be superior way to listen to a free car radio, however to be fully appreciated it must be listened to high end sound system.

5. If HD is not your thing,  then Kenwood (5 V) ,or Alpine (4 V) should be great choices.  If one plans to use the head unit for no longer than Eclipse's warranty period - then Eclipse may be great choice as well, but it is more pricy that equivalent Kenwood and Alpine. 

6. If you want no mechanical rotating parts for greater reliability - that Alpine has new iDA-X001 unit for you!

7. If You want a subscription service and do not mind drilling hole in the roof for external antenna - than clearly Satellite Radio is for you.  I want to have clean looking roof, that is why I am reluctant to get it. Also, paying extra $10/moths does not appeal to me too much.

• Phase Linear Aliante 12" subwoofer (3" mounting depth!!!):

• Audio Control 24XS electronic cross-over for separation between subwoofer and rear fill.
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• Stinger Dry Cell  SP1000 Battery, was recently replaced with Yellow Top D34/78 Optima battery.   These are two best battery designs for car audio systems.  Which is better - there are split opinions.  I should be able to tell after 4 years and few complete discharges.  Positive cable clumps under the car had to be loosened to reach batter "+" post.  Battery box covered had to be insulated from battery posts since battery height leaves no clearance between posts and the box cover.  I have used back adhesive rubber sheet from McMaster to accomplish that.

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