Alpine or Pioneer?

I just picked up a Pioneer from Best Buy a couple of days ago. Mine is a couple of models lower than the 4900. It doesn't have GPS navigation.

So far, I like pretty well. It replaced a Pioneer Primeir deck that still works and sounds fantastic but doesn't have iPod integration.

I used to be a car audio installer. That was quite a while ago but I still have lots of connections in the industry and see lots of installations. I still build quite a few custom sub enclosures so I get to see a high end installs. So many of the younger guys seem really loyal to their favorite brand but I really don't think there's much to differentiate head units at the lower and middle end of the line. At the high end, there are some differences.

Perhaps the thing that I find most interesting is how good modern decks are, even the cheapest ones. It's no longer about sound quality. If I were you, I'd look for the features and feel that suits you best.

As far as retailers go, I live in Canada but I don't see how there's much difference anymore. Personally, I'd buy from the cheapest vendor.

Sorry I can't speak more directly to those particular models. I've seen each of them but haven't spent enough time with either to pose an opinion. Actually, I'm not a big fan of the motorized screens and face plates but that's the way of high end decks.

My $0.02,

Tom