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Head units/stereos with audiophile grade components

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Old 09-23-23, 08:22 PM
  #16  
98ej8
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Do you use the factory tweeters or aftermarket?
Old 09-23-23, 08:37 PM
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LeX2K
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I'm not using anything factory. Not doing this on my Lexus (yet) been experimenting on other cars. When I get to the Lexus I'll keep the tweeters in the doors there is nothing wrong with them. Rest of the system will be replaced. Sadly the wood trim around the stereo will be gone I've tried to duplicate the factory look of the maple and failed.
Old 09-24-23, 09:33 AM
  #18  
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Okay thanks for the info. I want to upgrade the stuff in the ES, might need to wait like a year before my budget allows me to throw money into it, but I have this thread saved for reference 😊
Old 04-15-24, 08:48 PM
  #19  
LeX2K
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Testing out this unit
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500W26...DE-W265BT.html

A few notes:
  • looks nice, display is more simple compared to some other head units
  • has time alignment
  • 24-bit DACs
  • six 4-volt pre outputs, front rear sub
  • only plays WMA or mp3 via USB no FLAC support
  • Bluetooth works well, unit boots up and connects fast
  • has app support for some functions like EQ and time alignment
  • custom colours for buttons and display
  • display does not show song info from a Bluetooth device only track time
  • had a play/pause button when connected via Bluetooth some units lack this
  • there is no way to turn it off, at least I have not found out how yet

Now for what matters, sound quality. It is excellent just what I expect from a unit with quality DACs but is it as good as my gold standard the JVC KW-R900BT? Don't know yet will need a few hours of listening. The JVC does display artist and track name from Bluetooth. If you value sound quality above all else and don't care about the somewhat primitive feature set (I don't care at all) then the Alpine is an excellent unit. It has a nice look the lower portion is a brushed aluminum effect but the upper is glossy not ideal.

Time alignment is a little odd the subwoofer output sets time/distance from each other (there are 2 sub RCA jacks) instead of what I'd expect distance to the listener. The app is no longer available from Alpine but I found a source for Android not sure about iPhone. Here's a folder with the app, firmware update and manuals. I did do a firmware update took about 7 minutes which seemed slow.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...or?usp=sharing

Overall feels like a nice quality piece of equipment I like it. There is one on Ebay as of this post
https://www.ebay.com/itm/256463275099






Old 05-23-24, 02:45 PM
  #20  
venera
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Hi. Car in question is Lexus 3is is350 Fsport rwd with Nav.
Installed
Front
Dynaudio Esotec 3 way component each driver has dedicated channel. Crossover not used.
Center
Scanspeak Full Range Driver
Rear
Dynaudio Esotec 2 Way
Sub Focal Bomba BP20 Access Series Active Bandpass
Dsp Amp
GTAudio STEG MDSP 10 with Bluetooth Aptx

my source is mostly tidal and Apple Music from iPhone 14pro max

im considering installing CarPlay by obtaining this head unit navirider android
https://a.aliexpress.com/_Dk3NnqJ

I don’t need to use its built DSP as I run a STEG. I think it wires to factory system via aux. People on YouTube that have done install have said the factory Bluetooth sound better. I would links to find a CarPlay head unit that adds to factory so I don’t loose control of car systems. Increase screen size as well.
so the android ticks this boxes. However I would like a way to plug audio from CarPlay to my amp still in digital domain. So wiring to STEG MDSP 10 dsp amp via digital coax S/PDIF or digital optical TOSLINK

can someone please assist me in completing the system.

Currently Running Bluetooth to Factory HU rather than connecting Bluetooth Aptx of DspAmp as iPhone dosnt support Aptx.

would like to accomplish larger screen with CarPlay and control of factory systems and be able to send my DSP Amp STEG MDSP 10 best source possible without compressing Audio from tidal running on iPhone 14pro

pics below of current equipment used







Old 07-04-24, 11:42 AM
  #21  
eacarrera
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Smile looking for double din unit with Burr Brown DACs

Hello LeX2K,

Thank you for posting about the Burr-Brown 24 bit DACs. I have had the Pioneer PRS-80 for years and I LOVE it!
Now I'm trying to find a double din unit for my 2019 Honda Civic Type R that has Burr Brown DACs, but I'm not having any luck. Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you,
eacarrera
Old 07-04-24, 11:44 AM
  #22  
eacarrera
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LeX2K,

Please send replies to eacarrera36@yahoo.com if you can.

Thank you,
eacarrera
Old 07-04-24, 11:51 AM
  #23  
LeX2K
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See my list, search Ebay and set an email alert. Here's another unit with 24 bit DACs
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500W26...DE-W265BT.html

Some current high end head units have 24 bit DACs, I did test this one out I liked it, didn't love it and it is expensive
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KWV...KW-V960BW.html

I have this unit on the way
Amazon Amazon

edit - video


Bought it because it has an advanced DSP/DACs could turn out to be great, or terrible audio quality.

Last edited by LeX2K; 07-04-24 at 11:55 AM.
Old 07-04-24, 01:28 PM
  #24  
Arsenii
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Hello,

At which point it would be easier to buy a used LG V50 with its Quad DAC and stick it into the dash in place of a Head Unit?
Sorry, couldn't resist the comment..
Old 07-08-24, 11:25 AM
  #25  
LeX2K
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If you can live without a rotary volume **** there are currently 3 of these on Ebay
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500INE...-INE-W960.html
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