Alpine CDA-D855 head unit, who has one?

[Glen Pratt]

I was wondering if any one has an Alpine CDA-D855 head unit in their truck? I have the factory AM/FM Cassette in my '98 Ram 2500. I'm looking to upgrade my stereo in the spring and narrowed it down between the Alpine or Pioneer head units. I like the Alpine better, but I've heard good things about Pioneer as well. I want something that fits the factory opening without an adapter plate. Any input appreciated. Thanks, -Glen

[This message has been edited by Glen Pratt (edited 01-12-2001). ]

 

[TradedV-10foraCummins]

I've had one for about a year and a half. It works great, and I haven't had any problems with it. I had a Pioneer before that, and the sound is better with the Alpine. (Still have the Pioneer in the Wife's 94 Shadow. ) For what it is worth, my truck has the Infinity speakers in it. It came with the tape deck/CD changer controller. That is why I switched the deck in the first place. I wanted an in-dash CD. I'm not a big stereo person, but I have gotten lots of positive comments on it. Hope this helps.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Glen,

There is good info on installing a stereo here: http://www.crutchfield.com/

Enter your vehicle and it tells you what fits and what adapters, if any you will need. Tons of good tech on each unit. Very good website.

Crutchfield doesn't carry Alpine though. Why I don't know. #ad




[This message has been edited by HEMI®Dart (edited 01-13-2001). ]

 

[Big MAK]

Yep, have one. Tried the Pioneers then returned for a refund and put in the Alpine CDA-D855. Great stereo. Still the infinity speakers, but sounds great.

Same as 'traded'; had the 6 disc changer but wanted an in-dash (I never remembered to swap CDs before driving off). This way I can plug in whatever I want to listen to on-the-fly.

 

[Glen Pratt]

Gents, Thanks for the info. I had a feeling the Alpine was the better choice. -Glen

 

[larryq]

I did the CDA-D855 alpine head...

NICE and fits perfectly!!!

At the same time I put :

1) Polk EX series 6. 5" components in the front doors.

2)Polk Ex Series 6. 5" coaxials in the back.

3)MTX Factory Matched sub box for under the rear seat. . it has 2 10" subs in it. .
The box comes matched to your inderior colors and fit under the rear benck like a GLOVE!!!!. .
This item is a MUST for any RAM owner who plans on upgrading their stereo!!!

4) Alpine 100M Mono sub amp.
5) Alpine 407 4 channel Amp. w/ built in crossover.

When the install was done I also had 2 LARGE cans of dampening mat sprayed into each speaker location to kill any BUZZZZZZZ before it started.

I couldn't be happier!!!!!!

Good luck!!
Larry

 

[Cooker]

Ok here is my input:

I have had a number of head units through the years. I really like the Alpine units, especially their DIN and 1/2 units to fit our truck. The problem I have with Alpine is the price. I am able to get relatively good pricing on the units and the Alpine was still more than double the price of the Pioneer DIN and 1/2 unit I decided to install. I am happy with the Pioneer and it was much easier on my pocket.

I still would like an Alpine unit, but I cannot justify the expense. JMO.

 

[BCFAST]

OK, long as we're talking stereos here... I have the Infinity sysem in my truck, I have a Pioneer head unit I would like to install. I have the adaptor, the wiring harness adaptor. . hook it all up and the speakers dont work! Then, a buddy told me the door speakers each have their own amp? How do I make this happen?

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97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, Green, #12 plate slid all the way forward, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, RS 9000's, PrimeLoc, Red Tops, TDR cloisonae grill badge!

 

[Fireman Dave]

I'm with you, Cooker. It's hard to justify the expense. I mostly listen to the radio - and the engine #ad
when I'm driving, so I said no thanks to the $500. price tag on the CD player when I ordered the truck. I've been thinking of getting one, though. I have the cassette, and most after market units are CD only. Depending on the price, I might be interested in a factory CD/cassette if someone is replacing theirs.

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

[zman]

Hey guys!

I've also been looking at the Alpine CDA-D855. Where did you guys buy and how much did you pay? Hard to find a good deal on Alpine stuff. Thanks.

Steve

 

[DavidD]

BCFast, Wow, i find myself answering a question again for you. I also have the pioneer am-fm cd, Got it from cruthfield, and it came with a wiring harness. Plugged right into the stock wires and slide right into the dash as it is a din and 1/2 size. It plays great sounds betterthan the stock infifnty and I can always add better speakers this spring. The stock speakers do have a small amp on them but you just plug the pioneer directly to them with the adapter. If you hooked it up right it should work. To my son and myself about 30mins to install. The cd player will also play home-made cd's. E-mail if you have any questions. crutchfield has the right adapter!


98. 524V, Quad-cab shorty, BD-exhaust,Ex brake,power modual, gauges, amsoiled all over,rancho9's,315's on ultra allyos, bushwacker fender flairs. pioneer stereo.