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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.
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 😊
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
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
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
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?
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..
The good
DSP section on this unit is legit tons of controls and it sounds surprisingly clean. How does it compare to my reference head unit? I'd say it is 92% there it lacks some clarity and sparkle but not enough to be a deal breakers. Screen is high rez and looks great.
The bad
Software and operating system in general is total trash. Awful. Junk. The music player displays no track info via Bluetooth. Sometimes the elapsed time shows nothing. Android Auto works but the head unit is way too slow there is terrible lag. Unusable. Shame because the audio section is nice, except for one horrible flaw the unit has a cooling fan which puts noise into the audio. Unforgivable. Can set the fan to auto but sooner or later the fan will come on.
Summary: Do NOT buy this unit under any circumstances the software is a joke.
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Joying Double DIN with volume **** The good
Software and OS in general works extremely well, unit is fast. Android Auto connects quickly and there is no lag. Map scrolling is fast. DSP section has more than enough settings including time alignment and EQ for every channel. It supports 4.1 or 5.1 audio. Doesn't really mean surround for example you could EQ the 5th channel to be a midbass driver you still have the traditional FL FR RL RR channels and subwoofer. Maybe it will play surround on some content I didn't try.
The okay
As for sound quality a let down. It's not awful by any stretch but it is somewhat muddy especially in the upper range. Mid and low end bass is good. I would describe the audio quality as decent but boring. Overall I would rate it 85% of my reference head unit.
The bad
This unit runs HOT so much so that I added a small fan at the back of the unit. It is pretty warm out but still it shouldn't get that hot where I have to crank the air conditioning to keep the head unit cool.
Summary: Excellent software/OS let down by only passable audio quality. If you've never listened to a head unit with a reference quality DACs you will probably be happy with it.
Overall take: I've tested enough head units to conclude any modern aftermarket head unit simply is designed for bells and whistles and not audio quality. If you want high end audio in your car then you'll have to buy a Tesla or other cars with bespoke systems, or maybe go full hog DSP and custom tuning. It is crystal clear designers of these aftermarket units are selling the virtual KPD factor not concentrating on what matters, sound.
09-23-23, 08:37 PM
looking for double din unit with Burr Brown DACs
