Team-BHP - Alpine F#1 Status Line

In my endeavour to expand my ever-expanding ICE, I came across this line of products.
Just like Pioneer's Premier line, that makes really good quality products, Alpine has its F#1 status Line of Audio Equipment, which has high quality internals, and HIGHLY inflated prices. These things are not available with all Alpine dealers, and many big websites don't seem to stock them. Most are seen selling on eBay, upwards of their retail price, due to the rarity and exclusivity. I haven't got a chance to hear them, but from what I have heard, these are way better than their flagship products in the commoner's Line of 'regular' stuff they sell.

Here's a taste of what F#1 Status actually is!
AlpineF#1Status | Products

Please discuss these products, and if anyone has ever come across these. Also, please post here if you have ever bought/used any product from this line.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk456 (Post 1172813)

The new F1's are not supposed to be that great. You could do better with that much money.

There are still considered as one of the top end in audio others are Pioneer, Sony, Mc-Intosh, Clarion......etc

Quote:

Originally Posted by low_bass_makker (Post 1172848)

There are still considered as one of the top end in audio others are Pioneer, Sony, Mc-Intosh, Clarion......etc

Thats what im trying to say.. Even thouhg they were on the top..still are when compared to run of the mill pioneers/kenwoods/sony's etc.But it does not occupy the number one slot anymore. These days others such as HX d2,McIntosh etc outperforms it for much less money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk456 (Post 1172858)

Thats what im trying to say.. Even thouhg they were on the top..still are when compared to run of the mill pioneers/kenwoods/sony's etc.But it does not occupy the number one slot anymore. These days others such as HX d2,McIntosh etc outperforms it for much less money.

I am not talking of regular one here....The major ones in the market of Audiophile still use Pioneer P9 combo, Alpine F1, McIntosh (very few) as there major sources. The HX-D2 is cheap alternative for the above but yet it is a very good HU and is compared with above.

The Above combos costs close to $2000..and are not easily availabe. But in the other hand the HX-D2 comes for less than $900 and is easily avalable.

If I have to go for a complete pure Audiophile setup I would consider the pioneer, alpine, McIntosh not the HX-D2.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by low_bass_makker (Post 1172924)

...
The major ones in the market of Audiophile still use Pioneer P9 combo, Alpine F1, McIntosh (very few) as there major sources.
...
...
If I have to go for a complete pure Audiophile setup I would consider the pioneer, alpine, McIntosh not the HX-D2.....

I feel that Time Alignment would be an important feature for an audiophile. McIntosh sources don't have any Time Alignment. How can this be overcome if one decides to go with McIntosh source.

HX-D2 is Awesome HU.For the price it comes and built and featuers if offers, it beats the likes of Pio p9 and Alpine.Looking fwd to get one.

@Akbaree, these days amps do come with time alignment modules.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gill (Post 1172967)

HX-D2 is Awesome HU.For the price it comes and built and featuers if offers, it beats the likes of Pio p9 and Alpine.Looking fwd to get one.

Thats what I said..but if there is a dream setup you are planing for and you can afford to go for the best then why limit to something. Go for the best you can buy....:)

Alpine F1 status is still considered as the ICE utopia by many. The newer line did take some beating in perfection but still their HU and amps are still better than many top of the range stuff from major brands.

In contrary, HXD2 is far better a HU and is in a different league altogether. It's easy availability and cheaper price tag may make it seem like a compromise. But it isn't that way. It is definitely in a very good audiophile league.

Regarding Time alignment and other EQ features, the more higher one climbs up the audiophile ladder, the more redundant these features are.
Yes. It's funny. But that's the way it is. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedzak (Post 1173271)

Regarding Time alignment and other EQ features, the more higher one climbs up the audiophile ladder, the more redundant these features are.
Yes. It's funny. But that's the way it is. :)

I am really surprised. Some people will agree that TA is must. Some people are committed to active set ups. If the source doesn't have any of these features, I mean, as you said, it's funny.

another thing is that the HX-D2 comes with its own DC-DC converter that provides pure 16.x volts of power to the head unit. no hanky panky in built power supply

PS: nothing to do with panky12345 :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by noidaboy (Post 1173302)

Best part about HX-D2 is that it can be used w/o any additional processor unlike other HU's mentioned above.

Bro it is not about the external processors. They are designed like this...:)

I am not say HX-D2 is a bad HU it is just a VFM HU for Audiophile...:D