Are you looking to upgrade your car’s stereo? There are so many different types and styles to choose from that it can be difficult to know which one to go for. But, have you ever considered a stereo with a big digital screen that looks sleek and impressive?
If you have not, it may be worth reading this review of the Alpine iLX W650. Not only is this an affordable stereo, it looks great too.
In this review, we will be looking at the specification of this product in detail. We will be listing some of its pros and cons to give you an idea of whether or not you should purchase this stereo. We hope you will enjoy!
OUR REVIEW
We have split this review into handy specification sections to make it easier for you to follow.
Display Screen
The Alpine has a seven inch digital display screen. The screen is anti-glare and has a WVGA display. Not only does this stereo have a large display screen it is touch screen too. The screen itself is easy to use and it is responsive and does not lag.
It is worth mentioning that although the display screen acts as a tablet in many ways, you cannot customise it. There is only one standard color for the background and one font. You are not given the option to customize these features.
Although the screen is particularly responsive, when you initially turn it on, it is not instant. It will take around thirty seconds to fully wake up.
Design and Cost
Overall the design is good. It is sleek and blends well into the dashboard. Being a digital display, it is a lot more attractive when compared to your standard stereos. It is only 2.4 inches deep, meaning it is compact and likely to fit in most cars. It should not protrude out of the dashboard.
It is fairly easy to install and if you are not satisfied with the product Alpine have a sixty day money back guarantee. In terms of warranty, this stereo is covered for one year after purchasing.
To access the settings, you are required to connect the alpine to your parking break. If you are driving, for safety reasons, the stereo does not allow you to access certain settings.
In terms of the cost, we think that the Alpine is reasonably priced considering all of the properties it has, though it is not the cheapest option available.
Sound
Overall, it has a great sound. In terms of specs, it used a nine band parametric equalizer and has a built in amplifier. It does not have a tinny sound and you can adjust the bass to suit your personal preferences.
Alongside connecting to your phone, it has a built in AM and FM radio. One downside to this stereo is that it does not give you the option of listening to CD’s. While they are not as popular as previously, some people still like having this option.
It has six channel preamp outputs. These are subwoofer, rear and four volt front. This helps to stabilize and enhance the sound. The built in amplifies has 16 watts RMS.
Hands Free Control
What is great about the Alpine, is that although you can use the touchscreen display, you are not limited to this. If you are in the car alone and want to change what you are listening to you can do this completely hands free.
The voice control technology is responsive and a great additional feature that will not cause you to take your focus off the road. It allows you to open up different apps.
In addition to this, you can use Bluetooth to connect your phone to the stereo so you can call friends and family hands free too.
Apple and Android Connection
You can connect the iLX to Apple Carplay and Android Auto to listen to songs and audiobooks from your phone. This is all hands free but does require you plugging your phone into the USB port.
The USB port lead is particularly long and can be wired to come out of many different places in your car, it does not limit you.
As it connects to both devices, this is great if you and your partner or family members do not use the same brand of phone. You can use the Siri eyes free control and Google assist.
Video
The video quality on the stereo is great and the screen does not lag when playing videos or movies. You can also display photos and text messages on the screen.
Optional Extras
In addition to its standard specs, there are optional features you can add to the W650. We have listed a few below:
- SiriusXM-ready
- Camera inputs
- Powerstack capable
- FLAC compatible
Please note that although the device is compatible with these extras, they will need to be purchased separately at an additional cost.
Here is a useful list of the Alpine iLX W650’s pros and cons.
Pros:
- Responsive touch screen
- Digital Display
- Reasonably priced
- Voice control technology
- Hands free technology and calling
- Compatible with Apple and Android Phones
- Good overall sound
- Adjustable bass
- Bluetooth phone connection
- Long USB cable
- Can watch media on the screen
- Additonal extras can be purchased
- Can display videos and photos
- Sixty day money back guarantee and one year warranty
Cons:
- No CD player
- Cannot customize the display screen
- Has to be connected to parking brake to access settings
- Slow when initially turned on
Summary
Overall the Alpine stereo is a fantastic piece of technology that has some brilliant features. It is slim in its design and easy to install. Given that you can connect to your phone and the stereo can be completely hands free it is safe to use when driving.
Being compatible with Apple and Androlid devices it allows you to display text messages, videos and access music and audiobooks too. You can also listen to the radio, but there is no option for a CD port, only a USB port.
Although it is not the cheapest on the market, it is reasonably priced given how great the product is.