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From a DRZ to a DEH-80PRS...will I be dissappointed?

11K views 36 replies 17 participants last post by  Got-Four-Eights 
#1 ·
In my last install, I ran a DRZ-9255 and absolutely loved the clean sound from that unit. (I've also previously used a Denford 8250m and an old Sony ES CDX-C780)
I am currently planning a new install in a different vehicle, and I'm looking hard at the new Pioneer deh-80PRS. I know it doesn't have quite as much flexibility in the tuning department (3-way active vs 4-way, etc), but what I'm concerned omst about is the sound. How will this compare sound wise to the other top units out there (p99rs, DRZ, etc) ?
My only other hang up is the crossover settings...why oh why can't they have more HPF settings on the MID section of these? If you want to run a 3-way active system up front, the highest you can cross your mids at is 250hz. Would love a few more optoins up there as it makes running a 3" driver (which is much easier to install) much harder.
 
#3 ·
Re: From a DRZ to a DEH-90PRS...will I be dissappointed?

Dude,
Are you asking about DEH-80PRS or DEX-P90RS.
New DEH-P80PRS plastic is selling for 300-350 BNIB, while DRZ9255 is about 3 times at cost.
What about P90 it's very good item. I heard both. It depends from which amps and s[eakers consist system. In example, I heard fully 3-way brax monobrand system running from P90. It was great sound without "soul". Many people and me too keeping thier DRZ9255(HX-D2) because it has amazing incomparable its own sound. So, If you're asked about 80PRS it's another level (I'm sure that you meant this HU). Don't compare it with greatest HU IMHO.
 
#4 ·
Re: From a DRZ to a DEH-90PRS...will I be dissappointed?

Yes, i was referring to the deh-80PRS, NOT the dex-p90rs.
The new $350 one...
 
#7 ·
Re: From a DRZ to a DEH-90PRS...will I be dissappointed?

Bit confused with your first post regarding running a 3" mid @ 250hz?
Im referring to the high pass filter setting for the midrange/wideband driver. Running it from 250hz on up...
 
#6 ·
Re: From a DRZ to a DEH-90PRS...will I be dissappointed?

If you want to run a 3-way active system up front, the highest you can cross your mids at is 250hz. Would love a few more optoins up there as it makes running a 3" driver (which is much easier to install) much harder.
Well, the only way to run a 3-way front off the deck is to have another crossover in the mix.

Example A
Add a 2-way crossover to devide the signal between the midrange and midbass.

Low LPF: 80Hz - Down

Mid HPF: 80Hz
(2-Way Crossover): 400Hz
Mid LPF: 4KHz

High HPF: 4KHz - Up
 
#8 ·
Re: From a DRZ to a DEH-90PRS...will I be dissappointed?

Well, the only way to run a 3-way front off the deck is to have another crossover in the mix.

Example A
Add a 2-way crossover to devide the signal between the midrange and midbass.

Low LPF: 80Hz - Down

Mid HPF: 80Hz
(2-Way Crossover): 400Hz
Mid LPF: 4KHz

High HPF: 4KHz - Up
But the deck handles a 3-way active front already...with no need to add an additional crossover network UNLESS you don't tlike the crossover settings available on the deck. I just wish the MID HPF could extend higher than 250hz, is all.


EDIT: I think you were assuming a subwoofer was in the mix- not the case. This would be for a Midbass + Midrange + Tweeter, OR Midbass + wideband
If I wanted to run a sub, I would simply use the crossover on the sub amp. But it's very likely I wont need to run one...time will tell.
 
#12 ·
There have been no bad reviews as far as sq goes with the 80. Although its in a lower price range it offers great features in the sq department. Try it out, if you don't like it sell it for a very small loss. Even if the sound isn't up to par the updated features might compensate for it.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
 
#17 ·
It's funny I found this post.... I had almost considered the same change.. I kinda miss the ability to run USB etc even though the SQ loss through MP3 it was easier then swapping CD's all the time. I ended up getting the 6 disk changer with optical cable.. Now I really love this setup.. I got 2 cartridges so that helps also. Another thing would have been having HD Radio.
 
#18 ·
Since the 80 is at a lower price than the 800 was I wonder if the components are as good. I switched from the 800 go the DRZ & heard a pretty substantial difference, but the 800 still sounded dn good. The only thing that really erks me about the DRZ is the 18db slope crossovers. Why couldn't they used 24db? The 5 band PEQ is a nice tool if you know how to use it properly (I was intimidated by it). :) I use the P01 now & love it! I have a trusty backup in the DRZ though.
 
#21 ·
I just made the swap.. if you have a DRZ already.. don't make the swap. This unti doesn't sound near as warm as the DRZ.
 
#26 ·
I had a chance to play with the 80prs, and it is one extremely cheaply built headunit. It may be the best bang for the buck out there as far as features and tune-ability go, but I'd never buy one. I'm far from the form > functionality set, but the cheapness is embarassing.
 
#27 ·
I wouldn't say extremely cheap. It closes tight.. all buttons are firm and so is the volume knob. The piece that feels cheap to me is the little rocker behind the volume knob. If they had put a little more $ into that piece and made it more solid the unit would feel a lot better. I love the way it looks and blends with my interior.. I still don't think it comes close to the DRZ I had in sound but that is my opinion.. everyone else has their own.
 
#28 ·
Glad you like it. I'm a longtime user of P units, and IMO the 80prs is the cheapest feeling I have come across so far. Wherever I placed my finger on the unit, I got an immediate "tick" like when two cheap pieces of plastic touch. Maybe I'm just hyper sensitive to it, but that sound and feel to me is like nails on a chalkboard. Makes me cringe. I'm used to Pioneer's nice snicks and clicks. That ticking sound is horrible.
 
#30 ·
Personally The DRZ is better made, unless you need all the USB,IPHONE,MP3 and such ...

if you want decent SQ with **** tons of options get the Pioneer, if you strictly want some of the best SQ decks around and just listen to CD's get the DRZ.

Both have advantages
 
#31 ·
Agreed.. big mistake getting rid of my DRZ even though I sold my 80 and have a headunit I like more than the DRZ now.. that DRZ was awesome in comparison.. you can show me a million graphs that says they shouldnt sound different.. your ears will know. It was night and day for me.
 
#32 ·
I don't mean to thread jack but how does the DRZ9255 stack up to the old DRX9255? The DRX is still my all time favorite head unit that I've owned and used extensively. IIRC it was built with McIntosh internals... It was wonderful, and probably (IMO of course) one of the best minimalistic looking decks ever built.
 
#35 ·
If you haven't yet, go hear a DRZ. You will forget about the DRX9255.;)
 
#34 ·
The Drz sounds very good in basic mode but when you turn the dsp on it sounds very average. The DRX IMO is still the best sounding HU ever made. Clarion bought out a struggling McIntosh in the mid 90's. It is quite possible some McIntosh engineers helped with the design of the the DRX, but the McIntosh car audio line was all Clarion at least untill it was sold again.
 
#37 ·
I have heard from someone I trust who has heard both that he likes the DRX over the DRZ. I loved my DRZ.. never heard a DRX.. my Sound Monitor to me sounds better than the DRZ or anything else I have owned. Paired with the Mosconi it will be a unit I keep for a while although I still want to try out the Alpine 7990.
 
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