D3 vs W205?

rewooh · 10-02-2007, 11:44 PM

I'm going back between the two and I cant seem to decide. I've been searching the forums, but i cant seem to get a good answer to decide which i should get. What are the thoughts and opinions from you guys?

I've been an alpine fan for years, but the only draw back is the extra 400 i would have to drop for the blackbird navi set up, while the d3 comes with navi.

Also, a good ipod interface is important to me. I want the unit to put the ipod sound out good and all that good stuff.

very hard to decide so i need to be sold. someone sell me something. =)

***07mugencivic*** · 10-02-2007, 11:46 PM

do you have any pics

bikinpunk · 10-03-2007, 09:11 AM

Seems like I've heard some people say the D3's navi isn't that great. I have no personal experience with it. Just read that a few places. And, if you think about it you're only paying $900 for all it has to offer?...something's going to be less than great somewhere.

I have, however, played with the w205. I like it's interface. Plus, I really like Alpine's "pulsetouch" technology. Just a cool thing to have. The biggest plus is that when you get serious about audio you can use it to controller an off-board Alpine processor. The iPod interface is pretty dang fast, too.

Buuut, I doubt you'll be getting the blackbird II for $400. When it came out Monday on Crutchfield it sold out in 1 hour. No joke. And it's price was $699. E-bay prices were the same.

I'm about to order the w205 in the next few weeks. I'll post a review here when I do. If you get one sooner, I ask you to do the same. We need to have an audio review section in this forum.

suorum · 10-03-2007, 09:12 AM

Well, based on what you said the decision should not be difficult. Ipod interface for Pioneer is very slow when it comes to scrolling in your list. Alpine interface is VERY fast. Now sound output.....it depends on your setup. If you do not have a good one, HU is not gonna make magic. But, AVIC-D3 is a very basic unit with a nice looking face. Alpine HU is something much better in every way. Bikinpunk has bought the w205 recently (almost 100% sure). You can ask him about his experience....and he KNOWS about car audio.

GL DUDE!!!

suorum · 10-03-2007, 09:13 AM

While I was typing the post Bikinpunk was doing the same.....you can skip it.

bikinpunk · 10-03-2007, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suorum

Bikinpunk has bought the w205 recently (almost 100% sure).

haha, not quite man. Gotta sell my d310 first. Don't wanna buy something and be stuck with 2 headunits.

spook4thecia · 10-04-2007, 10:58 AM

+1 for the Alpine. I love mine. Pulsetouch is great. iPod interface works flawlessly. It's real easy to bypass the video cut. I just have it powering my stock system and it sounds better than my old Pioneer Premier HU/Sony amp powered Boston/Eclipse system in my EJ8. (I'm sure better sound deadening helps though... but still). Oh and the site is sold out, but they're listing the BlackbirdII at $550, I'm signed up to be notified when it comes in stock.

bikinpunk · 10-04-2007, 11:17 AM

^ is that a w205?

It looks like there's no issues with the screen poking out like I've seen complaints of.

El Comat · 10-04-2007, 11:37 AM

How is the Sirius integration on the D3 or the W205? Are there many costly modules to buy?

arrivalanche · 10-04-2007, 12:28 PM

i would say neither. go with the eclipse 5510. its a awesome DD with nav and if you go hit them up right now they are getting a good deal through the dealers on the DD with sat radio or ipod. you should be able to get the whole deal for around $1100.

bikinpunk · 10-04-2007, 02:30 PM

Alpine for the h701 processor controls.

x2 on the Eclipse if you're not that into audio.

Bubble Gum Jr. · 10-04-2007, 08:47 PM

Does the W205 require the Navi DVD to be inserted in order for Navi to work? That's one thing I didn't like about the D3, you can't listen to CD's without the Navi maps disabled.

bikinpunk · 10-05-2007, 12:20 AM

^ No, because the GPS goes into it's own slot. Might wanna read up on it. Alpine's incorported an amazing technology for this.

AbstraKt · 10-05-2007, 01:01 AM

I think the W205 > D3.

I have been researching all these head units b/c I am getting one soon.

D3 = Either navi or Audio CD/DVD. There is no possibility of them working together interactively simultaneously. However, you can store one route while operating w/o the navi CD.

W205 = No navi unless you buy the Blackbird. However, Alpine's audio quality is far more superior... to me, that is.

Ultimately, I think, personally, I am going with the Eclipse AVN5510. Best value in my opinion.

Bubble Gum Jr. · 10-05-2007, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikinpunk

^ No, because the GPS goes into it's own slot. Might wanna read up on it. Alpine's incorported an amazing technology for this.

Sweet. Thanks for the info Dog. I always like Alpine stuff, my last two decks were from them.

reaper702 · 10-05-2007, 02:15 AM

who needs cds? just hook up my 80gb ipod and i never need another cd. thats why i'm going with the d3, heard a lot of good stuff about it.

eh_civicracer · 10-05-2007, 02:24 AM

do not get the d3. it has horrible picture quality. spend a little more money and get one that has better picture quality. Plus looks and fits like the original honda navi.

suorum · 10-05-2007, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikinpunk

Alpine for the h701 processor controls.

x2 on the Eclipse if you're not that into audio.

Are you serious when you said that ?! It's not that I'm an expert or something but I do know that for HI-END audio Eclipse is much better than Alpine. If you add an external processor probably you can get better output than the HU itself. But HU-HU I think that Eclipse is better. IMO. Correct me if I'm wrong!

bikinpunk · 10-05-2007, 08:06 AM

^ Yes, I'm serious.

Eclipse and alpine pound for pound are probably the same, and on some models Eclipse has the upper hand, but an Alpine deck paired with the h701 processor is nearly unbeatable.

baz938 · 10-05-2007, 10:55 AM

does the w205 look bad in an si since its buttons are blue and the si's color scheme is red? because i want it to look like it goes with the car and im torn between the two.

10-02-2007, 11:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
rewooh Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 28 iTrader: 0 / 0%	D3 vs W205? I'm going back between the two and I cant seem to decide. I've been searching the forums, but i cant seem to get a good answer to decide which i should get. What are the thoughts and opinions from you guys? I've been an alpine fan for years, but the only draw back is the extra 400 i would have to drop for the blackbird navi set up, while the d3 comes with navi. Also, a good ipod interface is important to me. I want the unit to put the ipod sound out good and all that good stuff. very hard to decide so i need to be sold. someone sell me something. =)

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Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
All of you who have the Alpine w200 or w205, come in...	bikinpunk	I.C.E., Electrical, Security, & Navigation	22	10-11-2007 03:26 AM

10-02-2007, 11:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
*07mugencivic* Whos The Whore NOW Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Southern CA Age: 24 Posts: 91,722 Toe Knee iTrader: 4 / 100%	do you have any pics

10-03-2007, 09:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
bikinpunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Age: 26 Posts: 3,070 Erin iTrader: 3 / 100%	Seems like I've heard some people say the D3's navi isn't that great. I have no personal experience with it. Just read that a few places. And, if you think about it you're only paying $900 for all it has to offer?...something's going to be less than great somewhere. I have, however, played with the w205. I like it's interface. Plus, I really like Alpine's "pulsetouch" technology. Just a cool thing to have. The biggest plus is that when you get serious about audio you can use it to controller an off-board Alpine processor. The iPod interface is pretty dang fast, too. Buuut, I doubt you'll be getting the blackbird II for $400. When it came out Monday on Crutchfield it sold out in 1 hour. No joke. And it's price was $699. E-bay prices were the same. I'm about to order the w205 in the next few weeks. I'll post a review here when I do. If you get one sooner, I ask you to do the same. We need to have an audio review section in this forum.

10-03-2007, 09:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
suorum Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Knoxville, TN Age: 29 Posts: 434 iTrader: 4 / 100%	Well, based on what you said the decision should not be difficult. Ipod interface for Pioneer is very slow when it comes to scrolling in your list. Alpine interface is VERY fast. Now sound output.....it depends on your setup. If you do not have a good one, HU is not gonna make magic. But, AVIC-D3 is a very basic unit with a nice looking face. Alpine HU is something much better in every way. Bikinpunk has bought the w205 recently (almost 100% sure). You can ask him about his experience....and he KNOWS about car audio. GL DUDE!!!

10-03-2007, 09:13 AM	#5 (permalink)
suorum Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Knoxville, TN Age: 29 Posts: 434 iTrader: 4 / 100%	While I was typing the post Bikinpunk was doing the same.....you can skip it.

10-04-2007, 10:58 AM	#7 (permalink)
spook4thecia Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Orleans, Southeast of Disorder Posts: 196 iTrader: 0 / 0%	+1 for the Alpine. I love mine. Pulsetouch is great. iPod interface works flawlessly. It's real easy to bypass the video cut. I just have it powering my stock system and it sounds better than my old Pioneer Premier HU/Sony amp powered Boston/Eclipse system in my EJ8. (I'm sure better sound deadening helps though... but still). Oh and the site is sold out, but they're listing the BlackbirdII at $550, I'm signed up to be notified when it comes in stock.

10-04-2007, 11:17 AM	#8 (permalink)
bikinpunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Age: 26 Posts: 3,070 Erin iTrader: 3 / 100%	^ is that a w205? It looks like there's no issues with the screen poking out like I've seen complaints of.

10-04-2007, 11:37 AM	#9 (permalink)
El Comat Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 13 iTrader: 0 / 0%	How is the Sirius integration on the D3 or the W205? Are there many costly modules to buy?

10-04-2007, 12:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
arrivalanche Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: LA Posts: 579 Aaron iTrader: 0 / 0%	i would say neither. go with the eclipse 5510. its a awesome DD with nav and if you go hit them up right now they are getting a good deal through the dealers on the DD with sat radio or ipod. you should be able to get the whole deal for around $1100.

10-04-2007, 02:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
bikinpunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Age: 26 Posts: 3,070 Erin iTrader: 3 / 100%	Alpine for the h701 processor controls. x2 on the Eclipse if you're not that into audio.

10-04-2007, 08:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
Bubble Gum Jr. Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Jose, California Age: 26 Posts: 1,829 Dave iTrader: 0 / 0%	Does the W205 require the Navi DVD to be inserted in order for Navi to work? That's one thing I didn't like about the D3, you can't listen to CD's without the Navi maps disabled.

10-05-2007, 12:20 AM	#13 (permalink)
bikinpunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Age: 26 Posts: 3,070 Erin iTrader: 3 / 100%	^ No, because the GPS goes into it's own slot. Might wanna read up on it. Alpine's incorported an amazing technology for this.

10-05-2007, 01:01 AM	#14 (permalink)
AbstraKt Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 209 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I think the W205 > D3. I have been researching all these head units b/c I am getting one soon. D3 = Either navi or Audio CD/DVD. There is no possibility of them working together interactively simultaneously. However, you can store one route while operating w/o the navi CD. W205 = No navi unless you buy the Blackbird. However, Alpine's audio quality is far more superior... to me, that is. Ultimately, I think, personally, I am going with the Eclipse AVN5510. Best value in my opinion.

10-05-2007, 02:15 AM	#16 (permalink)
reaper702 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sin City Age: 21 Posts: 4,103 iTrader: 6 / 100%	who needs cds? just hook up my 80gb ipod and i never need another cd. thats why i'm going with the d3, heard a lot of good stuff about it.

10-05-2007, 02:24 AM	#17 (permalink)
eh_civicracer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 356 iTrader: 0 / 0%	do not get the d3. it has horrible picture quality. spend a little more money and get one that has better picture quality. Plus looks and fits like the original honda navi.

10-05-2007, 08:06 AM	#19 (permalink)
bikinpunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Age: 26 Posts: 3,070 Erin iTrader: 3 / 100%	^ Yes, I'm serious. Eclipse and alpine pound for pound are probably the same, and on some models Eclipse has the upper hand, but an Alpine deck paired with the h701 processor is nearly unbeatable.

10-05-2007, 10:55 AM	#20 (permalink)
baz938 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Revere, Ma Posts: 437 iTrader: 0 / 0%	does the w205 look bad in an si since its buttons are blue and the si's color scheme is red? because i want it to look like it goes with the car and im torn between the two.