Alpines second from the top of the line model, the CDA9886 packs alot of features in it for the price of $299. The unit comes standard with an IPOD cable, USB hookup, CD player, and a remote control.
The Alpine Browsing system for IPODs is still hands down....the best on the market. It is easy and intuitive to use and browse through the menus. The menu system replicates the actual IPOD menu in most respects. Navigating these menus can be mastered in relatively little time. The same menu system pops up for the USB cable interface.
The sound quality is what I have come to expect from Alpine. The output on our test unit showed 2.45 volts before clip at volume 32. The unit produced a slightly tinny sound on the upper frequencies just before clip. The sound stage was clear and distinct. There was no digital stepping noise from the volume control. In all, a superb unit for the selling price.
The deck has the capability of adding Bluetooth, SAT radio, HD radio, CD changer, and the Alpine Imprint sound processor. With the ability to add these items and an AUX jack as well, the expansion capabilities seem endless.
The display on the unit is similar to the bio-lite display. It has a great off-axis viewing angle which is especially helpful if the unit is not located in front of the driver. The illumination is blue with white text. There is no multi-color illumination feature. The thing about this unit I really like is the large display. This is achieved by moving the cd slot to behind the detachable face panel. It allows not only for a bigger display, but more lines of text to be shown on screen at the same time.
A few things that Alpine could have done to improve this unit? Well the CDA9886 comes with an IPOD cable....but no USB cable. A small expense.....but one that would have been appropriate. Would also have loved to see a multi-color illumination capability on the CDA9886. The unit below it has the capability, why would this one not? I would also like to see the unit come with a better pre-out section. The older Alpine units were able to use 4volt pre-outs in they're $300 decks, why can't the new ones?
In closing, the Alpine CDA9886 is a stout unit that performs like a champ. I would love to see some of the small issues addressed but at $299, it's affordable to those that don't need all of the features, but are looking for a solid DIN size deck. For those that need the capabilities and the features that it offers, $299 is a great buy.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Alpine PDX series Marine amplifiers Pdx1600m and Pdx4100m
Its been a while since I have used marine equipment on an installation for a boat. I usually find that the equipment is sub-par to car audio equipment, so I tend not to use it. The new Pdx Marine Series amplifiers from Alpine have changed that perception. I recently install a Pdx4100m and a Pdx6001m into a 29 foot Baja. The performance of both amplifiers were beyond expectation.
The Pdx 4100m and the Pdx 6001m performed the same as they're standard Pdx counter parts. Obviously the amplifiers have been treated with some coating to help reduce any type of corrosion. What this "coating" or treatment is, I could not tell. I looked for information on the "coating" on various websites, including Alpine's, but I have found no information on it. The marine amplifiers are UV rated and FOG rated. Basically stated....these amplifiers are designed to withstand moderate exposure to moist enviroments.
I used the Pdx4100m on (4) Spsm600 marine coaxials. The Pdx6001 ran a pair of JL Audio 10w3v32 10" subwoofers. I used these subs because we made custom fiberglass enclosures for the subwoofers; instead of using marine subwoofers in an infinite baffle configuration.
The pdx4100m had a huge surplus of power for the speakers that it was driving. The speakers were 4 ohm, which allowed the amplifier to run the standard 100 watts x4. The sound was as smooth as can be expected from those specific speakers. I would have loved to hear the power on speakers more deserving of this amplifiers output......but it was not in the cards on this install.
The Pdx6001m actually performed better than expected. I built 10" subwoofers into custom fiberglassed enclosures into the side of the boat, and I aimed the subwoofers to the sides of the boat to protect the speaker...and give it a surface for reflection. The Pdx6001m slammed these subwoofers with tons of power. I was hoping for good bass......I ended up with killer bass. We found that sides of the boat were bowing from the amount of output produced from the subwoofer system. The amplifier had power to spare and ran cool the entire time I was listening. The subs posed a modest 4ohm load on the amp.
One of the best features of these amps.....the size. Usually you have to fight to find a location in a boat to mount the gear. These things were easily mounted in small areas that would be impossible to mount larger amplifiers in to. They are stackable. They also have the adjustments on the front face of the amplifier......behind a panel.
Both amplifiers, the Pdx4100m and the Pdx6001m, have a retail price of $650. Thats $100 more than they're non-marine counter parts. I am not sure if the special "coating" is worth the cost difference, only time will tell on the water, but I can say these amplifiers have tons of power and will not disappoint you.
The Pdx 4100m and the Pdx 6001m performed the same as they're standard Pdx counter parts. Obviously the amplifiers have been treated with some coating to help reduce any type of corrosion. What this "coating" or treatment is, I could not tell. I looked for information on the "coating" on various websites, including Alpine's, but I have found no information on it. The marine amplifiers are UV rated and FOG rated. Basically stated....these amplifiers are designed to withstand moderate exposure to moist enviroments.
I used the Pdx4100m on (4) Spsm600 marine coaxials. The Pdx6001 ran a pair of JL Audio 10w3v32 10" subwoofers. I used these subs because we made custom fiberglass enclosures for the subwoofers; instead of using marine subwoofers in an infinite baffle configuration.
The pdx4100m had a huge surplus of power for the speakers that it was driving. The speakers were 4 ohm, which allowed the amplifier to run the standard 100 watts x4. The sound was as smooth as can be expected from those specific speakers. I would have loved to hear the power on speakers more deserving of this amplifiers output......but it was not in the cards on this install.
The Pdx6001m actually performed better than expected. I built 10" subwoofers into custom fiberglassed enclosures into the side of the boat, and I aimed the subwoofers to the sides of the boat to protect the speaker...and give it a surface for reflection. The Pdx6001m slammed these subwoofers with tons of power. I was hoping for good bass......I ended up with killer bass. We found that sides of the boat were bowing from the amount of output produced from the subwoofer system. The amplifier had power to spare and ran cool the entire time I was listening. The subs posed a modest 4ohm load on the amp.
One of the best features of these amps.....the size. Usually you have to fight to find a location in a boat to mount the gear. These things were easily mounted in small areas that would be impossible to mount larger amplifiers in to. They are stackable. They also have the adjustments on the front face of the amplifier......behind a panel.
Both amplifiers, the Pdx4100m and the Pdx6001m, have a retail price of $650. Thats $100 more than they're non-marine counter parts. I am not sure if the special "coating" is worth the cost difference, only time will tell on the water, but I can say these amplifiers have tons of power and will not disappoint you.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Jl Audio 10" & 12" W3v3 Subwoofers
The 3rd version of the W3 line up (10" $239....12" $259) has been out for more than a year now.....but I feel that since they are the most popular subwoofer in the JL Audio lineup, and sold from our shop....I should give them a review.
With several improvements over the previous W3V2 line....the W3V3 has fast become the "go-to" subwoofer for our shop. Refinements over the W3V2 line include a smooth single concave cone (losing the 2 piece cone that use to come apart), high quality push speaker terminals (to replace the cheesy speaker terminal on the older model), and a classier, more refined look. To discuss the refinements in better detail ....I will address them one at a time.
The dust covers that were on the W3V2 line up were concave as well....yet they used a center insert that used to come unglued under stressfull situations. They eliminated this issue by combining the entire cone and dustcover. This was trickle down technology from the W7 and the W6V2 line.
After years of hearing complaints from installers about the wire connection of their subwoofers....JL Audio finally gave us what we wanted. They removed the old metal connection board and replace it with push terminals that are easy to use and give the subwoofer a classier, higher end look.
Speaking of a classier look.....the W3V3 model does look more expensive than its predicessor. They have stepped away from the logo that stretched from one side of the subwoofer to other in favor of a small yet refined badge, detailing the W3 logo. This was something again that trickled down from the W7 and W6V2 lines.
The sound is fantastic from these drivers......something that hasn't changed in years. They provide great bass response with little to no distortion. Yes, there are tweeks they have performed to these subwoofers......but I can not tell an audible difference between the W3V2 and the W3V3 lines. I think thats a good thing........cause if it isn't broke....why fix it. These subwoofers work in sealed, ported, and bandpass enclosures. Many subs on the market do one or two types of enclosure well.......the W3V3 subwoofers tackle all three applications with ease. Another feature I have grown to love about these subwoofers....reliability. I can install these things and the average consumer won't destroy them. Every one loves reliability...both retailers and consumers alike.
The cons are few and far between......more like trivial things to be honest. They have a new paintable plastic trim bezel that surrounds the subwoofer. This is a cool concept, but one more than one occasion I have cracked this trim ring screwing the sub woofer down. The price could be another discerning factor. At $239 for 10" and $259 for 12", these subwoofer are about $50 more than there competition. Thats a substantial cost difference. It seems they have also stepped away from the dual voice coils on this line. Not bad thing.....but the dual voice coil on the subwoofers would help retain certain impedences that JL Audio recommends for their amplifiers.
In closing I believe these subwoofers are worth the difference in cost. They have a proven track record and a loyal client following. They sound and perform as well as their predecessors. If your looking for a subwoofer that is a middle weight performer.....definately check these out.
With several improvements over the previous W3V2 line....the W3V3 has fast become the "go-to" subwoofer for our shop. Refinements over the W3V2 line include a smooth single concave cone (losing the 2 piece cone that use to come apart), high quality push speaker terminals (to replace the cheesy speaker terminal on the older model), and a classier, more refined look. To discuss the refinements in better detail ....I will address them one at a time.
The dust covers that were on the W3V2 line up were concave as well....yet they used a center insert that used to come unglued under stressfull situations. They eliminated this issue by combining the entire cone and dustcover. This was trickle down technology from the W7 and the W6V2 line.
After years of hearing complaints from installers about the wire connection of their subwoofers....JL Audio finally gave us what we wanted. They removed the old metal connection board and replace it with push terminals that are easy to use and give the subwoofer a classier, higher end look.
Speaking of a classier look.....the W3V3 model does look more expensive than its predicessor. They have stepped away from the logo that stretched from one side of the subwoofer to other in favor of a small yet refined badge, detailing the W3 logo. This was something again that trickled down from the W7 and W6V2 lines.
The sound is fantastic from these drivers......something that hasn't changed in years. They provide great bass response with little to no distortion. Yes, there are tweeks they have performed to these subwoofers......but I can not tell an audible difference between the W3V2 and the W3V3 lines. I think thats a good thing........cause if it isn't broke....why fix it. These subwoofers work in sealed, ported, and bandpass enclosures. Many subs on the market do one or two types of enclosure well.......the W3V3 subwoofers tackle all three applications with ease. Another feature I have grown to love about these subwoofers....reliability. I can install these things and the average consumer won't destroy them. Every one loves reliability...both retailers and consumers alike.
The cons are few and far between......more like trivial things to be honest. They have a new paintable plastic trim bezel that surrounds the subwoofer. This is a cool concept, but one more than one occasion I have cracked this trim ring screwing the sub woofer down. The price could be another discerning factor. At $239 for 10" and $259 for 12", these subwoofer are about $50 more than there competition. Thats a substantial cost difference. It seems they have also stepped away from the dual voice coils on this line. Not bad thing.....but the dual voice coil on the subwoofers would help retain certain impedences that JL Audio recommends for their amplifiers.
In closing I believe these subwoofers are worth the difference in cost. They have a proven track record and a loyal client following. They sound and perform as well as their predecessors. If your looking for a subwoofer that is a middle weight performer.....definately check these out.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Focal 165K2P Component Speakers
Although these speakers have been out for a few years now, I have had requests for reviews on them by several people. The Focal 165k2p component set @ $1199 is the second from the top in the Focal line only surpassed by the Utopia series.
The midbass driver has a composite sandwich cone which reduces its weight and allows it to have a quick response. The fit and finish of the midbass driver is superb. The tweeter uses an inverted dome for broader dispertion capability. The shear mass of this tweeter will surprise you, for it's size......it has significant weight. The crossover uses high quality coils and capacitors. The speaker terminals on the crossovers are screw down lugs. The tweeter attentuation adjustments are push button and easy to adjust.
The midbass is accurate and smooth. Vocals are crisp and clean with out getting muddy from the punch of lower frequencies. The tweeters are accurate with out being to brash or grating the ear. This is one of the first tweeters that I like as much as a soft dome. The slope from the crossover is very accurate leaving little to no dip in frequency between tweeter and midrange drivers. I have listened to these components at low, medium, and high volumes...and I have to say that these speakers produce excellent sound at all volumes. Not only do they reproduce excellent sound...they retain their accuracy at all volumes as well. Make sure you get a clean and powerful amplifier for these components though, they do like to consume power.
I would love to see a better terminal attachment on the midbass driver. It is a little flimsy for a $1199 component set. The tweeter cups have the Focal name and logo on them.......not always a good thing in expensive cars...then again they can be painted. The only downside of a yellow midbass drivers is that we noticed they could be seen through some door panels.
If your looking for components in this price range.....you should give the Focal 165K2p a listen. Bring all types of music......you will be suprised and even delighted at the sonic reproduction capabilities these speakers have.
The midbass driver has a composite sandwich cone which reduces its weight and allows it to have a quick response. The fit and finish of the midbass driver is superb. The tweeter uses an inverted dome for broader dispertion capability. The shear mass of this tweeter will surprise you, for it's size......it has significant weight. The crossover uses high quality coils and capacitors. The speaker terminals on the crossovers are screw down lugs. The tweeter attentuation adjustments are push button and easy to adjust.
The midbass is accurate and smooth. Vocals are crisp and clean with out getting muddy from the punch of lower frequencies. The tweeters are accurate with out being to brash or grating the ear. This is one of the first tweeters that I like as much as a soft dome. The slope from the crossover is very accurate leaving little to no dip in frequency between tweeter and midrange drivers. I have listened to these components at low, medium, and high volumes...and I have to say that these speakers produce excellent sound at all volumes. Not only do they reproduce excellent sound...they retain their accuracy at all volumes as well. Make sure you get a clean and powerful amplifier for these components though, they do like to consume power.
I would love to see a better terminal attachment on the midbass driver. It is a little flimsy for a $1199 component set. The tweeter cups have the Focal name and logo on them.......not always a good thing in expensive cars...then again they can be painted. The only downside of a yellow midbass drivers is that we noticed they could be seen through some door panels.
If your looking for components in this price range.....you should give the Focal 165K2p a listen. Bring all types of music......you will be suprised and even delighted at the sonic reproduction capabilities these speakers have.
Code Alarm 440TW 2 way remote start
The Code Alarm 440TW for $199 plus install is a remote start that is simple to install. The unit is a no frills basic 2 way remote start system....yet does its job very well. The 2 way remote has no screen....but the icon lights up with different patterns to let the user know what is happening with the system. The unit also comes with a 1 way remote as a backup.
The unit comes prewired with a 2nd ignition.....but nothing else. There is no starter kill or any of the other negative trigger outputs that one would hope. That means 2nd accessory, 3rd ignition, and 2nd starter wiring would have to jump off of the primary harness. Not a horrible thing to have to do......just takes more relays and diodes to properly isolate the wires. The unit does have a disarm trigger and a rearm trigger as well.
Installation is easy and painless.......many of the main harness wires match DEI color codes. The setup menus are easy to get into and negotiate, making programing a breeze.
The Code Alarm 440TW for $199 plus install is a great basic 2 way unit......maybe a little pricey for a unit this basic......but a solid piece that's very reliable.
The unit comes prewired with a 2nd ignition.....but nothing else. There is no starter kill or any of the other negative trigger outputs that one would hope. That means 2nd accessory, 3rd ignition, and 2nd starter wiring would have to jump off of the primary harness. Not a horrible thing to have to do......just takes more relays and diodes to properly isolate the wires. The unit does have a disarm trigger and a rearm trigger as well.
Installation is easy and painless.......many of the main harness wires match DEI color codes. The setup menus are easy to get into and negotiate, making programing a breeze.
The Code Alarm 440TW for $199 plus install is a great basic 2 way unit......maybe a little pricey for a unit this basic......but a solid piece that's very reliable.
Compustar P2WSSAS remote start and security
This remote start and security unit by Compustar is their premier system. The P2WSSAS boasts a 2 way remote control that says it can obtain 6000 ft or range. The platform for their unit is very install friendly and allows many of the outputs to be programmed. When we started carrying the Compustar brand I was excited to say the least. We were finally going to carry "The Alarm/Remote Start for Installers"
The pros of the system were it's flexibility. As stated above....many of the trigger outputs (approx 11) were programable for a variety of functions. 2nd ignition, 2nd start, 3rd ignition, 2nd accessory, disarm, and rearm are just a few of the many options available. You even have the capability of doubling up on the functions in case you need multiple outputs of a certain function. The onboard RS232 jack for datalink devices saves time when doing an installation as well.
A really nice feature was the R.A.P.S. system. This allowed the user to disarm the vehicle by tapping on the window with a 4 digit code known by the owner. This was very handy if you locked keys in the car or your remote did not work.
The cons seem to out weigh the pros for me. I have installed roughly a dozen of these units and have had issues with the remote controls on every single one of them. The unit below this model P2w900fmas has little to no issues at all with the remote control. I do not know the differences in engineering between these 2 remotes......but there is a high rate of failure on the P2WSSAS remotes.
The remotes are very sensitive to being activated when in a purse or a pocket. If you purchase one of these be sure to lock the remote when not in use. There is a way to lock the keys on the remote....like a cell phone. Also be carefull .....the remote is easily put in passive mode and other modes......again....make sure you lock the remote when not in use. I had so many problems with the 2 way remote......I stuck it in a drawer and used the 1 way remote with out any issues.
So if I were spending almost $400 dollars for a security/remotestart syatem from Compustar.....I would opt for the P2w900fmas unit instead. It may give you a little less range....but it will give you alot less headache as well.
The pros of the system were it's flexibility. As stated above....many of the trigger outputs (approx 11) were programable for a variety of functions. 2nd ignition, 2nd start, 3rd ignition, 2nd accessory, disarm, and rearm are just a few of the many options available. You even have the capability of doubling up on the functions in case you need multiple outputs of a certain function. The onboard RS232 jack for datalink devices saves time when doing an installation as well.
A really nice feature was the R.A.P.S. system. This allowed the user to disarm the vehicle by tapping on the window with a 4 digit code known by the owner. This was very handy if you locked keys in the car or your remote did not work.
The cons seem to out weigh the pros for me. I have installed roughly a dozen of these units and have had issues with the remote controls on every single one of them. The unit below this model P2w900fmas has little to no issues at all with the remote control. I do not know the differences in engineering between these 2 remotes......but there is a high rate of failure on the P2WSSAS remotes.
The remotes are very sensitive to being activated when in a purse or a pocket. If you purchase one of these be sure to lock the remote when not in use. There is a way to lock the keys on the remote....like a cell phone. Also be carefull .....the remote is easily put in passive mode and other modes......again....make sure you lock the remote when not in use. I had so many problems with the 2 way remote......I stuck it in a drawer and used the 1 way remote with out any issues.
So if I were spending almost $400 dollars for a security/remotestart syatem from Compustar.....I would opt for the P2w900fmas unit instead. It may give you a little less range....but it will give you alot less headache as well.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Alpine IDAX 350 Ipod/USB radio
If your looking for a top notch Ipod deck....you've found it. The IDAX350 browses your ipod easily and effectively. It acts as an extension of your ipod when browsing......mimicking many of the Ipod wheel functions with the knob placed front and center on the radio. The controls are intuative and easy to understand. Many of our customers comment on how easy it is to learn with out even reading the instructions....thats how close it is to mimicking the ipod control wheel.
The deck has no cd slot......so if your looking to play cds......you'll have to pony up for the CHAS634 6 disc changer at $299 to play them. It has the capability of doing bluetooth, SAT radio, and HD radio with the appropriate add on modules. The IDAX350 comes with a USB cable that also has the IPOD connector on it it as well. AM/FM tuner is also standard on the deck.
The full color LCD screen is very easy to read and has great on and off axis viewing angles. That means the image does not wash out when looked at from an angle. The unit displays cover art from ipods with the capability. All functions are located on the center and left side of the unit....leaving the entire right side of the radio face for the screen. The buttons are easy to use.......although they can be difficult to read at night. This poses a problem for people who are unfamiliar with the radio.....but new owners will quickly learn to identify these buttons in a short period of time.
The sound quality seems pretty up to par.......although the unit we tested did not have a cd changer slaved to it so that I could make measurements from a cd. So I loaded my test sofware on my IPod and used that to make my measurements. Obviously a cd would have been more precise....but I did bring the test disc into my IPod at full file size. The output measured 1.96 volts at clip. Thats close enough to the 2v output claim in my book.
At $349 the IDAX350 is not the cheapest Ipod/USB deck.......but it is definately one of the easiest to learn and use that I have seen. If your looking for a great Ipod/USB deck....you should check this one out.
The deck has no cd slot......so if your looking to play cds......you'll have to pony up for the CHAS634 6 disc changer at $299 to play them. It has the capability of doing bluetooth, SAT radio, and HD radio with the appropriate add on modules. The IDAX350 comes with a USB cable that also has the IPOD connector on it it as well. AM/FM tuner is also standard on the deck.
The full color LCD screen is very easy to read and has great on and off axis viewing angles. That means the image does not wash out when looked at from an angle. The unit displays cover art from ipods with the capability. All functions are located on the center and left side of the unit....leaving the entire right side of the radio face for the screen. The buttons are easy to use.......although they can be difficult to read at night. This poses a problem for people who are unfamiliar with the radio.....but new owners will quickly learn to identify these buttons in a short period of time.
The sound quality seems pretty up to par.......although the unit we tested did not have a cd changer slaved to it so that I could make measurements from a cd. So I loaded my test sofware on my IPod and used that to make my measurements. Obviously a cd would have been more precise....but I did bring the test disc into my IPod at full file size. The output measured 1.96 volts at clip. Thats close enough to the 2v output claim in my book.
At $349 the IDAX350 is not the cheapest Ipod/USB deck.......but it is definately one of the easiest to learn and use that I have seen. If your looking for a great Ipod/USB deck....you should check this one out.
Python 5702p remote start/security system
Every once in a while it pays to be an installer. As installers we get to see some of the cooler stuff first...and we get to lay our hands on it as well. This is one of those times. The Python 5702p is more than a stripped down remote start security system. It has enough gagets and possibilites to make the most experienced installer gleam. I have been installing DEI security systems for over 20 years now. I have always considered them to be top notch.....low maintenance systems. In recent years I have thought that although they are extremely reliable......they were falling behind in features compared to other brands. Not true any more......
The Python 5702p retails for $599 plus install........not a cheap price by any standards. But the capabilities it had right out of the box makes installers happy. 2nd and 3rd ignitions/accessory cicuits come prewired....as well as the starter disrupt circuit. DEI finally wired their remote starts for manual transmissions (this is not the first year for that but wanted to note it) Most of the wiring is what an installer would expect from DEI....along with all of the extra trigger capabilities that installers love. Many of these triggers are programable.
The really nice touch on this system is the remote control. It has 7 (yes I said 7) illumination color capabilites. The 2 way response is very fast on this unit. The remote allows for a countdown timer for the remote start, clock, and tempeture display from the inside of the car. Perhaps the best feature is that it plugs into a charger....instead of changing batteries. It uses a lithion ion battery and is charged with a charger that plugs into the wall. I have installed several of these units....most people seem to be getting about 1 1/2 to 2 months of use before having to charge it up again. Thats right ....you heard me........almost 2 months between charges on a LCD 2 way remote. My current model chews through batteries like an IPhone. Also....you get a second remote with the unit. DEI started shipping second remotes with there 2 way systems last year.......which is just a few years behind everyone else. Better late than never.
The remotes seem to hold up pretty well under duress too. Several clients have had their units in for months now with no incidents of any kind with the remotes. If you installers or customers ever dealt with the old 2 way remotes.....you know the failures of those things to which I am referring.
This is a great unit to purchase....although getting past the sticker shock might take some getting use to if your not into the higher end equipment. AT $599 these units will not fly out the door.....but they will get sold to the discerning customer who wants the newsest and coolest technology.
The Python 5702p retails for $599 plus install........not a cheap price by any standards. But the capabilities it had right out of the box makes installers happy. 2nd and 3rd ignitions/accessory cicuits come prewired....as well as the starter disrupt circuit. DEI finally wired their remote starts for manual transmissions (this is not the first year for that but wanted to note it) Most of the wiring is what an installer would expect from DEI....along with all of the extra trigger capabilities that installers love. Many of these triggers are programable.
The really nice touch on this system is the remote control. It has 7 (yes I said 7) illumination color capabilites. The 2 way response is very fast on this unit. The remote allows for a countdown timer for the remote start, clock, and tempeture display from the inside of the car. Perhaps the best feature is that it plugs into a charger....instead of changing batteries. It uses a lithion ion battery and is charged with a charger that plugs into the wall. I have installed several of these units....most people seem to be getting about 1 1/2 to 2 months of use before having to charge it up again. Thats right ....you heard me........almost 2 months between charges on a LCD 2 way remote. My current model chews through batteries like an IPhone. Also....you get a second remote with the unit. DEI started shipping second remotes with there 2 way systems last year.......which is just a few years behind everyone else. Better late than never.
The remotes seem to hold up pretty well under duress too. Several clients have had their units in for months now with no incidents of any kind with the remotes. If you installers or customers ever dealt with the old 2 way remotes.....you know the failures of those things to which I am referring.
This is a great unit to purchase....although getting past the sticker shock might take some getting use to if your not into the higher end equipment. AT $599 these units will not fly out the door.....but they will get sold to the discerning customer who wants the newsest and coolest technology.
JL Audio CL441DSP Clean Sweep
This is a product that was unique in it's own right when it first came out. Since then.......several companies have come out with various products resembling the Clean Sweep.....but few that have matched it. I have been installing these for several years now. Most recently a 2008 corvette was in our shop for an exspansive system utilizing the factory radio. I was able to obtain the line out from the factory radio and run it into the Clean Sweep device. The Clean Sweeps automatic equalization works effectively and quickly to restore the signal to as close to an aftermarket device as possible. Notice I said quickly as well as effectively.....most other systems that are spin offs from the clean sweep take a long time to make the corrections that the clean sweep does in 10-15 seconds. To callibrate the unit.....you press one button and walk away...its that easy.
The unit is small enough to effectively mount under seats on in kick panel areas......maybe even behind the occassional dash. There are inputs for a sat radio or ipod. The input bypasses the eq correction....because it is not needed at that point. The single control for volume is nice.......with a built in push toggle to jump between the headunit and the aux input. An LED mounted on your dash area tells you what mode you in.
Things that i would like to see on this unit are things like sub volume control...and steering wheel interface. JL Audio was born and bred as a subwoofer company.....why only 2 pairs of preouts then? No sub volume control at all? As for the steering wheel interface......that would be a great feature to tie your factory steering wheel controls in with Clean Sweep. Both of these options are available on the Alpine unit PXE H650. The Clean Sweep does offer a bit of a fix for the subwoofer volume control in the form of a line driver/pigtail for the main unit. It takes the front/rear output and branches it into a line driver. Then it seperates it into a sub output plus the original feed. To be honest with you I have not tried this new adapter....so I would love some feed back from anyone that has. Would still like to see the sub volume control built in.....instead of an exterior splitter with a line driver.
The options on the Clean sweep are the summing device and a source expander. I have used the summing device which works effectively It has an additional cost of $119.99. The Alpine unit utilizes a summing device built in.....but the core cost of the Alpine is $100 more. Both units lose the capability of fader control when using there summing devices. The summing devices are used when the factory amp had built in crossovers....therefore you would need to take 2-3 outputs and merge them back to one. The channel expander does just what it says. At $119 it takes the single AUX input and makes it 3 aux inputs. Sounds neat......I have not used one yet so I wouldn't mind a little feedback on this piece as well.
The CL441DSP Clean Sweep sells for $299.99. A bargain if you have a vehicle that requires the retention of the factory radio.
The unit is small enough to effectively mount under seats on in kick panel areas......maybe even behind the occassional dash. There are inputs for a sat radio or ipod. The input bypasses the eq correction....because it is not needed at that point. The single control for volume is nice.......with a built in push toggle to jump between the headunit and the aux input. An LED mounted on your dash area tells you what mode you in.
Things that i would like to see on this unit are things like sub volume control...and steering wheel interface. JL Audio was born and bred as a subwoofer company.....why only 2 pairs of preouts then? No sub volume control at all? As for the steering wheel interface......that would be a great feature to tie your factory steering wheel controls in with Clean Sweep. Both of these options are available on the Alpine unit PXE H650. The Clean Sweep does offer a bit of a fix for the subwoofer volume control in the form of a line driver/pigtail for the main unit. It takes the front/rear output and branches it into a line driver. Then it seperates it into a sub output plus the original feed. To be honest with you I have not tried this new adapter....so I would love some feed back from anyone that has. Would still like to see the sub volume control built in.....instead of an exterior splitter with a line driver.
The options on the Clean sweep are the summing device and a source expander. I have used the summing device which works effectively It has an additional cost of $119.99. The Alpine unit utilizes a summing device built in.....but the core cost of the Alpine is $100 more. Both units lose the capability of fader control when using there summing devices. The summing devices are used when the factory amp had built in crossovers....therefore you would need to take 2-3 outputs and merge them back to one. The channel expander does just what it says. At $119 it takes the single AUX input and makes it 3 aux inputs. Sounds neat......I have not used one yet so I wouldn't mind a little feedback on this piece as well.
The CL441DSP Clean Sweep sells for $299.99. A bargain if you have a vehicle that requires the retention of the factory radio.
Alpine IVAW505
The IVAW505 multi media headunit is the replacement for the IVAw205. They have offerred up a larger screen compared to the previous unit. The boot time....or intializing time on start up is under 10 seconds. Faster than the previous unit......blazing fast compared to the Kenwood and Pioneer units. The unit boasts a camera input, 1 aux input, 1 aux output, AI net, usb, full speed ipod, in dash navigation slot and external navigation port, front rear and sub preouts @2v, cd/dvd player indash. Of course you can add on all of the standard Alpine goodies like hd radio, sat radio, dvd changer, cd changer, and blue tooth to name a few.
The IVAW505 is easy to use and responds quickly to the touch. They have rid the unit of the pulse touch feedback system that was on the previous 2 units from this line up. The unit loads the new screens almost instantly upon touching an icon. Thats a breath of fresh air compared to some units that seem to take 3-4 seconds to load after touching an icon button. Searching for songs in the ipod menu is good....but not great. I would like to see an alphabet menu that would allow you to jump to artists or songs by choosing the alphabetic letter for that choice. It would make searching go faster and smoother. Searches through the cd and radio menus are as easy as ever. Sat radio menu allows direct tunning......which you can directly type in the station you want and go to it.
The back of the unit is where I am a little dissappointed. They have rid themselves of the plug that was on the previous unit that housed the reverse input and remote eyes controls. This makes it difficult to remove the unit with out cutting connections. They have multiple antenna inputs to allow for nav traffic integration for an onboard navigation system. There is a wired remote input for a steering wheel interface......also a mic input for blue tooth. I would have liked to see these labeled......but its a small inconvience.
Sound quality is what I would expect from your typical Alpine unit. This unit does not disappoint........everything has a clear and concise sound. The output is relatively flat and undistorted. My unit clipped on the amplifer outputs @2.27 volts. That was volume increment 33 out of 35. Not bad at all.....about the same as last year. You can boost your output through the RCA's by adding a suplemental processor if need be.
In all the unit has a sticker of $1099.99. If your using this as a plain headunit.....thats alot of dough. If your using this as it was designed for....a platform designed for an expansive system with controls suited for that....then its a bargain.
The IVAW505 is easy to use and responds quickly to the touch. They have rid the unit of the pulse touch feedback system that was on the previous 2 units from this line up. The unit loads the new screens almost instantly upon touching an icon. Thats a breath of fresh air compared to some units that seem to take 3-4 seconds to load after touching an icon button. Searching for songs in the ipod menu is good....but not great. I would like to see an alphabet menu that would allow you to jump to artists or songs by choosing the alphabetic letter for that choice. It would make searching go faster and smoother. Searches through the cd and radio menus are as easy as ever. Sat radio menu allows direct tunning......which you can directly type in the station you want and go to it.
The back of the unit is where I am a little dissappointed. They have rid themselves of the plug that was on the previous unit that housed the reverse input and remote eyes controls. This makes it difficult to remove the unit with out cutting connections. They have multiple antenna inputs to allow for nav traffic integration for an onboard navigation system. There is a wired remote input for a steering wheel interface......also a mic input for blue tooth. I would have liked to see these labeled......but its a small inconvience.
Sound quality is what I would expect from your typical Alpine unit. This unit does not disappoint........everything has a clear and concise sound. The output is relatively flat and undistorted. My unit clipped on the amplifer outputs @2.27 volts. That was volume increment 33 out of 35. Not bad at all.....about the same as last year. You can boost your output through the RCA's by adding a suplemental processor if need be.
In all the unit has a sticker of $1099.99. If your using this as a plain headunit.....thats alot of dough. If your using this as it was designed for....a platform designed for an expansive system with controls suited for that....then its a bargain.
JL Audio HD series amplifiers
The new JL Audio HD series amplifiers have been out for several months now. I have installed several of these in various cars. If your a fan of the Slash series form JL Audio....then your going to love these. The HD series amplifiers remind me of the PDX line up from Alpine. Actually they are very close in appearance. They both are about the same size and shape. They both have removable front panels that hide the adjustments. They are both stackable. Seems that JL may have looked over the Alpine PDX series when building these units. I will say the sound from the new JL HD series definately one ups the Alpine PDX line up......in my opinion. The midbass and midrange seem fuller and more established than with the Alpine PDX series. Basically these HD amplifiers have taken everything good from the Slash series .........and compressed it into a smaller and more compact unit that sounds phenominal.
The wiring and connectors are on the back side of the amplifiers. It would have been nice if they were recessed more into the amp......so an installer could more easly hide the connections.....but then again....these things are small and compact, and that would have made a larger casing. The power, ground, and remote are hardwired directly to lugs on the amp chasis. The speaker connections are plugs that have allen set screws in them. But they unplug easily from the chasis for troubleshooting and service. The RCA jacks are slightly recessed and seem to allow all of the connectors that we carry to slide on with out fail. Although some of the cables with larger connectors may not be so easy.
The finish on the amps are plain yet classy. The amps utilize the same brushed aluminum finish as the Slash series.....bringing a cohesive look to the entire line up. We have installed only the 600/4 and the 750/1 models at our shop. Both amps are of the same foot print which makes installations look more symetrical.
The pricing seems in line with other products that are comparable. The 750/1 sells for $699.99. The 600/4 sells for $799.99. Definately check these out.....
The wiring and connectors are on the back side of the amplifiers. It would have been nice if they were recessed more into the amp......so an installer could more easly hide the connections.....but then again....these things are small and compact, and that would have made a larger casing. The power, ground, and remote are hardwired directly to lugs on the amp chasis. The speaker connections are plugs that have allen set screws in them. But they unplug easily from the chasis for troubleshooting and service. The RCA jacks are slightly recessed and seem to allow all of the connectors that we carry to slide on with out fail. Although some of the cables with larger connectors may not be so easy.
The finish on the amps are plain yet classy. The amps utilize the same brushed aluminum finish as the Slash series.....bringing a cohesive look to the entire line up. We have installed only the 600/4 and the 750/1 models at our shop. Both amps are of the same foot print which makes installations look more symetrical.
The pricing seems in line with other products that are comparable. The 750/1 sells for $699.99. The 600/4 sells for $799.99. Definately check these out.....
JL Audio C5 650 component set
I installed two sets of the JL Audio C5 650 components yesterday in a 1978 corvette. I must say that I was impressed with the way they sounded in a vehicle versus on the sound board that I heard them on. They have an excellent midbass response. It's also nice to see JL Audio stepped away from the metal tweeter in lieu of a softdome. I was never a fan of the metal dome tweeters......they always seemed to bright. These things have great frequency response.....yet are not harsh in the least. The tweeters are 3/4 with swivel mount capability. The midbass drivers are made of a composite cone......with a cast basket.
The passive cross over networks are fairly flexable with independent settings for the midrange and the tweeter. They are smaller and more compact than the ZR series crossovers....allowing them to be tucked in tighter areas. They still have the cool plastic clear cover if you want to flush mount them like the previous crossovers.
The JL components also boast a black mesh grill for the midrange. I know this doesn't sound like a big deal.....but alot of speakers are going for that chunky plastic grill to cover the speaker. If your installing that into a high end system....most of the time it deosn't match.....with the black mesh grills though.....it looks classier.
If your looking for a great component set in the $500 range....I would highly recommend listening to these before making your purchase.
The passive cross over networks are fairly flexable with independent settings for the midrange and the tweeter. They are smaller and more compact than the ZR series crossovers....allowing them to be tucked in tighter areas. They still have the cool plastic clear cover if you want to flush mount them like the previous crossovers.
The JL components also boast a black mesh grill for the midrange. I know this doesn't sound like a big deal.....but alot of speakers are going for that chunky plastic grill to cover the speaker. If your installing that into a high end system....most of the time it deosn't match.....with the black mesh grills though.....it looks classier.
If your looking for a great component set in the $500 range....I would highly recommend listening to these before making your purchase.
Alpine DHAS690 6 disc dvd changer
Be aware that the new Alpine DHAS690 dvd changer does not have an AI NET pass through on it. What does this mean? Well the unit no longer goes inline on the AI NET daisy chain....instead it goes at the end of the line like a regular cd changer. Why is this bad? Well the dvd changer will not work with the old KCA410c changer selector......which means it is not capable of being used in multiple changer applications. We have not discovered a fix for this.........let us know if you do.
We were unable to review any of the other features from this product.....due to the fact it would not work in conjuction to the system that we were installing it into. If you guys have an opinion on the changer....please post it
We were unable to review any of the other features from this product.....due to the fact it would not work in conjuction to the system that we were installing it into. If you guys have an opinion on the changer....please post it
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