Alpine 9886 vs. 9887
- The 9886 unit has an MSRP of $350. It has a built-in 4-channel amplifier that puts out 18 watts per channel. The compact disc player supports both commercially produced discs and CD-R and CD-RW discs that are burned on a home computer. The player supports MP3, AAC and WMA file types. The head unit can control a multi-disc changer and has detachable faceplate.
- The 9887 unit has an MSRP of $450. It is identical to the 9886 with the addition of IMPRINT acoustic correction compatibility. IMPRINT is a computer-driven way to help the audio system to correct for the imperfections in an automobile cabin.
- Because hard surfaces reflect sounds and soft surfaces absorb sounds, it is difficult to accurately reproduce recorded sounds in an automobile. IMPRINT attaches the head unit to a computer with special software and a microphone to examine the sound stage in the car. The software then adjusts the equalizers and amplifier in the head unit to achieve the best sound quality possible.
- To use the IMPRINT software installed on the 9887 unit, you must have Alpine part #TX-100EQ. This kit is made up of software, microphone, an interface box and cables to connect everything to a computer and your head unit and has an MSRP of just under $250. The kit is only needed for the initial installation of the head unit. After measurements are taken with the microphone, the settings are stored in the head unit and the KTX-100EQ is removed from the vehicle. The process takes less than an hour.
