Pioneer vs. Alpine [Head Units and Speakers compared]

In terms of automotive audio methods, the competitors boils right down to Pioneer vs Alpine. After doing a little analysis, I made a decision to check Pioneer’s DMH-1500NEX head unit and Alpine’s iLX-W650 head unit, in addition to their respective speaker sequence – the Pioneer D-Sequence and the Alpine R-Sequence.

I favor the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX head unit resulting from its huge vary of options and management choices. So far as audio system go; if dimension issues greater than anything to you, then you must go for the Pioneer D Sequence lineup; in any other case, go together with the Alpines R sequence resulting from its superior construct high quality & sound constancy at increased volumes.

Pioneer DMH-1500NEX vs Alpine iLX-W650

Regardless that I gave the sting to Pioneer’s DMH-1500NEX head unit, it’s solely truthful that we evaluate each head items intimately so as to make an knowledgeable determination.

Options

When in search of a good head unit, you should guarantee it provides the required options. The Pioneer DMH-1500NEX is loaded with numerous options, equivalent to Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay, that are nice for connecting your smartphone to the automotive audio system and controlling it from the pinnacle unit.

The Excessive-res playback functionality of the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX can be value noting, because it improves the sound high quality considerably. On high of that, you get a variety of audio/video playback choices, providing you with the pliability to get pleasure from media from numerous sources.

Moreover, the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX provides a 13-band EQ, which provides you extra granular management over particular frequencies and lets you tweak the sound to higher fit your preferences.

The Alpine iLX-W650 is not any slouch, both. It, too, provides Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay help, in addition to a wide range of audio/video playback choices. Nevertheless, the sound high quality isn’t fairly nearly as good because the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX, particularly in the case of high-res audio recordsdata.

The lack of an AUX enter is a little bit of a bummer for the Alpine iLX-W650, because it limits the variety of exterior audio sources you possibly can join. Nevertheless, it compensates for that with an extra digital camera enter, which is nice if you wish to set up a backup or front-facing digital camera to extend your security whereas driving.

Verdict

The Pioneer has the sting in the case of options, with its AUX enter help and higher sound high quality. In case you’re in search of a head unit that gives extra management and customization choices, the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX is the one to go for.

Design and usefulness

In terms of design and usefulness, each the pinnacle items have an edge over one another. The Pioneer DMH-1500NEX has a smooth design with a responsive touchscreen show that makes navigating its numerous settings a breeze. It additionally consists of bodily shortcut buttons on both facet, which make accessing your most used options even simpler.

On the flip facet, the Alpine iLX-W650 has a barely greater show and may match into tighter spots in your automotive’s dashboard because of its shallow depth construct. The navigation controls are intuitive and effectively laid out, making them straightforward to make use of even for these unfamiliar with audio methods.

Verdict

It’s an in depth name concerning design and usefulness, however I favor the Alpine iLX-W650 resulting from its capacitive show and shallower depth construct.

Value

The Pioneer DMH-1500NEX prices round $390, whereas the Alpine iLX-W650 is available in at just below $350 – making it a tad cheaper than its counterpart. Nevertheless, the associated fee distinction between the 2 shouldn’t be very important, and you must think about different components earlier than deciding which one to purchase.

Verdict

If value is your predominant issue, then go for the Alpine iLX-W650, as it’s barely cheaper than the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX. Nevertheless, if you’d like higher sound high quality or favor extra options, then it’s value spending a bit further and choosing the Pioneer.

Video

Pioneer DMH-1500NEX video assessment

Alpine iLX-W650 video assessment

Pioneer D-Sequence vs Alpine R-Sequence [Speakers Compared]

The following merchandise we are going to evaluate is audio system – particularly the Pioneer D-Sequence and Alpine R-Sequence. When purchasing for automotive audio system, construct high quality and sound constancy ought to be your two predominant considerations. Let’s see how these two speaker sequence stack up.

Out there Sizes

The Pioneer D-Sequence comes with 5 totally different speaker sizes starting from 6.5″ all the way in which as much as 12″, whereas the Alpine R-Sequence provides 3 totally different sizes beginning at 3″ and going as much as 6″ x 9″.

Out there sizes for Pioneer D-Sequence:

• 6.5″: TS-D65C and TS-D65F
• 6” x 8”: TS-D68F
• 6” x 9”: TS-D69C and TS-D69F
• 10”: TS-D10LB, TS-D10LS4, TS-D10D4, TS-D10S2, and TS-D10D2
• 12″: TS-D12D4 and TS-D12D2

Out there sizes for Alpine R-Sequence:

• 3″: 30MC
• 6.5”: R2-S65, R2-S65C, R2-S652 and R2-S653
• 6”x9”: R2-S69 and R2-S69C

The additional dimension choices obtainable with the Pioneer D-Sequence means you possibly can select a speaker that most closely fits your automotive’s acoustics, whereas, with the Alpine R-Sequence, you’ll have to accept a smaller dimension if it’s not appropriate along with your automobile.

Verdict

If the scale is vital to you by way of becoming into sure areas in your automotive, then the Pioneer D-series has extra choices obtainable and ought to be your go-to selection.

Construct High quality

The Pioneer D-Sequence audio system are constructed with a multi-layer mica matrix cone and have a rubber encompass to cut back any distortion. However, the Alpine R-Sequence audio system use a polypropylene cone with UV safety and an improved motor construction for higher sound efficiency. Each sequence audio system even have grilles that assist defend them from mud and particles.

In terms of private expertise, I’ve owned each units of audio system through the years and located that the Alpine R-Sequence had barely higher sound high quality total. The bass was extra outstanding, which gave my music some further punch whereas nonetheless sustaining clear mids and highs when enjoying.

Verdict

The Pioneer D-Sequence audio system present wonderful sound high quality and are constructed to final, however when you’re in search of a bit extra ‘oomph,’ then the Alpine R-Sequence audio system are a better option.

Sound High quality

What’s the purpose of getting good audio system in the event that they don’t sound good? Sound high quality is a very powerful issue in the case of automotive audio, and each these sequence supply nice high quality.

The Pioneer D-Sequence audio system are able to producing highly effective bass with crisp highs whereas nonetheless sustaining clear mids. I discovered that this was good for any sort of music, from rap to rock.

The Alpine R-Sequence audio system additionally do an awesome job by way of sound, however what actually makes them stand out is their capacity to supply clear, full-bodied sound even at excessive volumes. For instance, I discovered that the bass was far more highly effective and loud when enjoying rap music.

Additionally, when you’re in search of some further sound readability, the Alpine R-Sequence audio system include energetic crossovers. This lets you modify the frequency vary and higher tailor your music to your preferences.

Verdict

For a extra highly effective bass response and total higher sound high quality, the Alpine R-Sequence is the clear winner right here.

Value Vary

The worth disparity between the Pioneer D-Sequence and Alpine R-Sequence audio system is kind of important. The Pioneer D-Sequence begins at $150 for its 6.5″ mannequin and goes as much as $200 for the 12″ mannequin. However, the Alpine R-Sequence begins at round $200 for its 3″ mannequin and goes as much as $600 for its 6″ x 9″ mannequin.

When contemplating the value vary, it’s clear that the Pioneer D-Sequence is extra inexpensive and, subsequently, a greater worth total.

FAQ

Is Alpine Higher Than Pioneer In Phrases Of Product High quality?

On the finish of the day, it finally comes down to private choice. Each Pioneer and Alpine are identified for his or her high-quality merchandise and have a protracted historical past of manufacturing great-sounding automotive audio methods. I do consider that Alpine has a slight edge in product high quality and sound readability; nevertheless, this comes at the price of a better price ticket. Finally, it’s as much as you to determine what your priorities are and which model is greatest for you.

Associated articles:

Alpine vs. JBL [Speakers compared]
Pioneer vs. Kenwood [Head Units Compared]
Alpine vs. JL Audio [Speakers Compared]
Alpine vs. Rockford Fosgate [Speakers Compared]
Pioneer vs. JVC [Head Units Compared]
Alpine vs. Sony [Head Units Compared]