If you want the MP3 capability go with the Alpine... I dont have much experience with Nakamichi... but the sound quality is fairly similar... Nakamichi decks have always been easy to use with their very simple faceplates... which is nice to some people... the Alpine is also very easy to use (I have the 7893, just deletes the MP3 capability, and has a silver face) The alpine can switch illumination from amber, to green. The amp inside the 7894 is awesome, but judging by your possible speaker selection, you'll want some external amps... good thing is, that awesome amp in the deck can be turned off, allowing for cooler operation and better SQ through your component amps.