For a much better solution but keeping it within reach cost wise , Phoenix gold zxm 600/3 and a Focal 10” sub in a underseat enclosure, massively outperforms the alpine
What’s the best head unit available?
- Thread starter Gillon Johnstone
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For a much better solution but keeping it within reach cost wise , Phoenix gold zxm 600/3 and a Focal 10” sub in a underseat enclosure, massively outperforms the alpine
Many thanks again, I'll look into these.
Alpine Halo 11 is the only one for me, integrated with a reverse cam, integrated with Alpine front and rear camera and ADAS (*ish) system. Paired with a FireTV without an iptv subscription that I didn't set up on it and an AA Wireless dongle from Kickstarter - but I think they are fully fledged now - absolutely genius device. Movies and TV for camping, Android Auto for nav and tunes, games console via the Xbox and Luna app and controller to keep the boy happy. Rolled in with the full DSP Apline under seat sub and the 8" door speaker and tweet set, full soundproof on the doors 2mm dodo.. cab arches and footwell planned next.
I agree with the above, though.. I will probably take out the pre-amp fed DSP amp on the sub and take the Halo post amp to the speakers instead, then get a Focal Impulse 4.320 dedicated to the alpine enclosure. The DSP ain't up to much to drive the lot. I remember the feeling I got with just the speakers changed and the Halo 11 coming in before the sub kit offloaded all amplification and messed it around. It will be better to have fully customisable levels on the head unit again, too.
I agree with the above, though.. I will probably take out the pre-amp fed DSP amp on the sub and take the Halo post amp to the speakers instead, then get a Focal Impulse 4.320 dedicated to the alpine enclosure. The DSP ain't up to much to drive the lot. I remember the feeling I got with just the speakers changed and the Halo 11 coming in before the sub kit offloaded all amplification and messed it around. It will be better to have fully customisable levels on the head unit again, too.
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After I replaced the stock speakers with the Alpine T6 offerings the sound issues with the stock head unit were obvious. Not to mention a battle to get USB media to connect first time. So head unit upgrade was next.
I wanted Car Play (wireless ideally) and retention of all sensors, controls etc. Only Alpine stood a chance as I have always preferred their kit.
Halo 11: is just too big on top of the problems with Halo 9.
Halo 9: I am not a huge fan of the floating tablet look and don't want to encourage the local scum to brake a window for a better look.
ILX 705: The tactile buttons look cheap and the rotten viewing angle/glare in a T6.
No perfect solution. In the end I figure it's only sunny 3 days a year in the UK so I would take my chances with the 705... and order a matt anti-reflection screen protector.
Alpine speakers alone sound better, but not great.
Alpine head unit and speakers is a huge upgrade in sound.
Add the seamless, reliable Car Play and controls and it's a winner.
I don't use DAB much, but that seems to be better too.
I wonder if you could fabricate different mounting brackets to tilt the head unit forward - even a few degrees would help.
I wanted Car Play (wireless ideally) and retention of all sensors, controls etc. Only Alpine stood a chance as I have always preferred their kit.
Halo 11: is just too big on top of the problems with Halo 9.
Halo 9: I am not a huge fan of the floating tablet look and don't want to encourage the local scum to brake a window for a better look.
ILX 705: The tactile buttons look cheap and the rotten viewing angle/glare in a T6.
No perfect solution. In the end I figure it's only sunny 3 days a year in the UK so I would take my chances with the 705... and order a matt anti-reflection screen protector.
Alpine speakers alone sound better, but not great.
Alpine head unit and speakers is a huge upgrade in sound.
Add the seamless, reliable Car Play and controls and it's a winner.
I don't use DAB much, but that seems to be better too.
I wonder if you could fabricate different mounting brackets to tilt the head unit forward - even a few degrees would help.
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For horses for courses on this one, the Halo11 has been constructed deliberately difficult to remove, it also opens up a storage cubby underneath that I have incorporated a wireless charger on the other side - mobile slides out of view and charges in there. When compared to many with a simple trim-off and push tool or torx screws - it's more secure.
Additionally, I felt that the 11 - apart from being an amazing-sized screen to harness the media capabilities and reverse camera etc, looks pretty similar to many new car styles and is starting to look more standard than most options. I get asked sometimes if it's aftermarket since the Alpine branding is very subtle.
Additionally, I felt that the 11 - apart from being an amazing-sized screen to harness the media capabilities and reverse camera etc, looks pretty similar to many new car styles and is starting to look more standard than most options. I get asked sometimes if it's aftermarket since the Alpine branding is very subtle.
Hi all, been looking into replacement head unit and I’ve narrowed down to the halo9 (v2 ?) or if I don’t go down the floating screen look , the other Alpine with similar spec but 7 inch flush screen. I have a 2018 with mfsw, rear sensors, and the most basic head unit. My question for the gurus on here is can the original microphone be used ( I assume it’s up by the curtesy lights). Cheers.
It comes with its own retro mic, I wouldn't recommend attempting to use the on-board since this goes to other places also on some models with god mode announcing to the van in Carravelles for example. Plus - you would want to stick with the mic designed for the unit for the best pickup and noise cancelling by design.
Hi
The Alpine halo 905 and ILX705d which is the same as the halo but 7” in dash screen ..
The alpine kit we supply with it retains the mfsw, parking sensor display and Oe microphone
Drop us a quick ok or call if you like further info
I added the front and rear cameras to mine, the reversing cam integrated well, and the parking sensory. Climate change comes up on screen which is a nice touch. I went for a leisure side wire-up with a (show switch) that spoofs the ignition live to the unit to keep it on for camping tv. It's an ace unit i can't fault it, reccomend the AAWireless dongle for it too, they are about to bring out the AAW2+ if you like apples better than Androids.
I've just had the Halo 9 fitted and they fitted a new external mic (only just noticed it a few days ago lol).
Initially very happy with the unit (the sound in particular) but I'm having a couple of issues and I intend to go back to the fitter about them
Firstly a couple of minor quibbles - I find that I miss having a rotary volume knob - I hadn't realised that I used it so much and I am still reaching for it, usually when I want to turn the volume down quickly. I suppose I just need to retrain myself to use the SW controls or those built-in to the unit.
Another thing I've noticed is that the volume doesn't automatically reduce when reversing, like it used to. I'm guessing there's nothing can be done about that?
More seriously, I'm starting to get screen blackouts, like a dropped connection, happens both during CarPlay and radio and seems to be getting more frequent. On one occasion the unit seemed to reboot itself.
Also the radio reception is a lot poorer than it was. To be fair, the fitter said that it might be an issue and that he could fit a windscreen aerial if it was.
Finally I had the USB retention kit fitted but these just won't cooperate with various different USB leads I have tried. @Absolut5 on here suggested trying using a good quality USB A to C adapter and that worked for a while, but now doesn't...
Crikey, that’s a bit of a shock. I was going off all the great reviews that the unit has had, maybe you got a Friday afternoon unit. I suppose it will be a test of customer support from fitting company and the Alpine warranty.
If they use the genuine Alpine interface then this retains the factory mic,
Post up a picture of the vehicle settings screen, or reverse sensor display
Find the firmware version as it may be on the old one.
Appreciate the assistance @Absolut5.
Picture of firmware screen attached, plus a couple of others as I'm not sure what you mean by the vehicle settings screen (there are so many) and/or the reverse sensor display (couldn't find anything labelled with this).
I was told by the fitter to use the SW speaker button to access settings (5 presses in succession). Can't remember how to get out of it though, 5 presses doesn't do it. Plus there is at least one cul-de-sac screen in there where there is no Back button to exit....(the fuel economy one)
I'll be calling the firm Monday anyway, but any further insights would be appreciated!
Hiya
Ok, this is where most of your issues are. They used a third party interface , they didn’t use the correct Alpine one which uses the Oe mic, retains the settings on the touchscreen,
These interfaces are buggy , poor graphics, sluggish and horrible to install compared to the Alpine,
The firmware I was after is the head units firmware not the interfaces .
I suggest getting it removed and get the correct Alpine 320mib kit fitted
Jeez, night and day difference. I did think that all those screens were very clunky looking.
I’ll get back onto him Monday morning.
Many many thanks @Absolut5. In hindsight I should’ve gotten the ferry across to you and had this done by someone who actually knows what they are doing.
Alpine offer the best integration into the t6 , great powerful sound , unfortunately in this case they use a third party interface, which lets the whole install down.
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