Alpine ILX-W650 Radio Review 

Dude holy cow your channel is a treasure trove of useful knowledge! Thanks for doing all this man!

Great review - hits the points I'm interested in. Thanks for putting it together.

Excellent, concise review!

I have owned many systems over the years. From high end competition level systems to ground pounders. You name it. I've seen many units come & go over the years. I very impressed with this one. It was cheaper than the comparable Kenwood & Pioneer. Its nice & fast. No lag at all. The user interface is very easy to use. It has simple bass, mid & treble controls for sound adjustment on the fly but also a full featured Parametric EQ, T/A & active crossovers for the slightly more technically inclined. It has enough adjustability to design a high end system around this unit & enough adjustability to really dial in the sound you want with the full featured processing capability that this unit provides, if you feel the need to tinker the advanced settings. Time alignment xovers & parametric EQ are a snap to learn & use in minutes. Provided you have the technical skills & knowledge to use them of course.The bluetooth works well. The hands free mic is nice & clear. Apple carplay on this unit just tops it off. It's a very nice performing unit, elegant looks, easy to use which is important when you are trying to keep your eyes on the road as much as possible. There is nothing worse than a cluttered display that you have to scan with your eyes to find what you are looking for. No such problem with this unit. That leaves the sound itself. Nice detail & nice tight bass. It has plenty of bass! More than my stock speakers & standard bose amplifier can handle. There is plenty of pre out power to drive the input of an amp. In fact, I've had to dial the bass right back because the speakers couldn't take it. I love this unit. Great unit.

Those of you who haven’t taken time to read through the manual. I’ve had mine for a few months. I have no regrets, it’s an amazing radio. With the exception that at the lowest dim setting it’s still bright at night. Holding the home key in the bottom center of the radio will turn the screen off at night and you can toggle it to be completely dark or show a clock in the settings. Edit-The radio does not work while the screen is off which is unfortunate.

I have one in my Mazda 5 love it do not miss playing CDS

Just bought this for my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Can’t wait to see the difference from standard unit. Awesome video thank you!

Best review ive found. Straight to the point and not too long winded. Thx

I wish they had it where when you are on FM and want to go to a certain frequency you could click on the current frequency and a numeric keyboard would pop up so you can type a frequency in and click "Ok" or "Enter"

I'm thinking of buying this and this video was helpful with that choice but I was wondering if you've been able to use android auto with it in such a way that the calls dont go thru the stereo and go thru a separate headset. I can currently do this on my non android auto head unit but have seen some mixed information about being able to do this successfully on a stereo with android auto like this. Any info would be helpful. Thanks

Very nice review, one question, is it possible to change the buttons color and background? Thanks!

These modular designs should be the normal standard by now--not the exception. Glad to see more models coming out!

Thanks for the great review as well!

One other question... Is there an optional remote control that can be purchased for this unit?

So I have a Kia Optima 2013 and I was wondering if I can just use the USB port I already have to connect to the system? Just use that rather than making a whole new port for Apple CarPlay?

Just found this great review after purchasing my 650. On the remote chance anyone is still around, I wanted to ask about the buttons. In my 650, they stay on (illuminated) after the radio has been turned off. I'm wondering if this is a wiring issue or a feature that can be defeated somehow. Haven't seen this particular issue anywhere on the interwebs. Thanks, and kudos for the knowledge sharing.

Thanks for a great review! I just bought this for my Tacoma and am excited to get it. It certainly looks great.

Ry the car guy - I have a 2007 GMC Envoy Denali... how do I know if I need to purchase the amp or if I already have one? Also, if I get this I want to install a rear camera at the same time. Can you recommend one?

How did you get the stereo to look like that @ 0:40? I put mine in and the dash kit and the sides are too wide.

Just installed this unit, purchased from Crutchfield. They said it is their top selling unit of all time. I am very pleased, went with the "Power Pack", speakers, and sub. Wow.

How does vidoes look on it

I had issues finding the right dash kit for 06 mustang for my older stereo. I ordered ilx-w650 With kta 450, what dash kit are you using. Your dash looks like mine. Thanks

Can I ask what the resolution of the screen is? Is it comparable to a 2019 CRV screen or a Dodge Charger screen? I'm very interested in this. This does have 3 pre amp outs? I have 2 amps in my car.

I didn’t realize that half the menus to adjust stuff including the freaking clock needed the Parking break to be on. I had to get one of the bypasses so I could adjust the equalizer. It’s a decent radio. I have it hooked up the the alpine 450 power pack amp and focal speakers all around with my trusty old infinity kappa vq sub. I’ve had that sub since 2006 and just move it from car to car.

Just installed it into my existing long time 3 amp system. It was a easy swap from alpine 9885 to this one. Sadly the front and rear do not sound. Sub woofer plays and rear fill speakers sound off the head unit itself. Front and rear pre amp outs are dead. Contacted Alpine but they are closed. I'm pretty bummed.

Is the Amplifier required for factory speakers in a cargo van?

do i need to buy the amp if i am going to buy alpine speakers for my car?

Would I need to buy the amp for this if I'm already running a rockerfordfosgate amp for my speakers?

Does this model have the video interrupt? Or would I have to connect the end in the trunk to the same back up lamp power cable that I’d tap the camera to

Just got this head unit with it’s amp a few days ago, it sounds amazing and gives out a really clean and crisp sound

Superb review...thanks for taking great care and time.

Hi I hope you can help me I’m at the point of getting gray hairs lol I have the metric wire harness How do they connect each other ?

Is it compatible with the Audi A3 2003?

Does this radio reset it's settings whenever you disconnect the battery?

Can you watch videos thru the USB?

I use to install alpine products back in the day. Like shaft mounted radios back in the day..lol..we have come a long way. Nice review.

15w rms for an aftermarket head unit isn’t bad as most car speakers are 20w rms. If you’re swapping speakers out, you’re generally amping them as there’s 1 out of 5 headunits that can push the power component sets require.

Do u have an apple car play stereo that u recommend the most under 300$?

Is there any way at all to change the background on the home screen or customize how it looks in any way? it look like an amazing unit but that homescreen just looks really tacky. I'm trying to make it look as stock and clean as possible

Thank you so much! I have had the radio for 2 years with wrong time!

Also crutchfield says I have to replace my 2 amp speakers for at least 4 amp speakers or else it would burn out the unit. True or false?

Does the volume only go up one notch at a time when you swipe. My car does not have steering wheel controls.

Forced to use the strap on the back alpine amp or get another radio? It has pre-outs in the back hence the fact it’s a plug style for the outputs.

I am looking to purchase my first stereo system and so far Im thinking of going with this head unit. Is it necessary to purchase the alpine amp along with this radio? Should I just look for another radio instead or am I fine not having an amp? Please help and thanks so much

So if the out put on this head unit is 18w X 4, that means you are upgrading to 45w X 4? Or is it now 63w X 4?

I actually had this exact radio in my cart (along with 3 others I'm looking at) for my '06 GT so this helps a lot lol.

Can I program steering wheel controls to the radio?

Will a wireless remote work with this unit?

Does this have screen tilt?? The installation is super clean but I'm having trouble accessing the bottom controls.. every other Alpine I've had has this feature. But I can't find it on this one.. Any help?

Great review, thanks for the info!!

Great video, super informative, thank you.

Stay away from those $80 Android stereos. This is the real best bang for your buck. My only gripe, not really this model specifically but all double dins north of $200, NO KNOB! I dont care how advance the touch screen is or gestures, if its a stereo in your car it needs a knob. Besides that, not really much to complain about with this unit.

Excellent vocabulary 👌🏾 it’s the small things that count

Can youdo screen mirroring to this stereo?

Anyone know at what volume level with flat Eq the speaker outputs start clipping?

Which is better, this or Sony XAV-AX5000 ?

So if you dont own an Ipod, are you stuck with Ipod icon on the screen or can it be changed to something else?

Does anyone make pure CarPlay with separate nav and a volume knob?

Excellent review, is it possible to customize the back screen, like removing the ugly blue dots and make it all black with only the icons showing? Like most pioneer that are icons on black screen. Thanks!

Is it compatible with mirrorlink touch android USB?

Why doesnt tuneit app work for the ilx-w650

Can you mirror your phone to the unit?

Where did you found the parking break wire in the mustang i have the same system and car and cannot find iy

will it screen mirror

Love your review. Thinking about kenwood 4707s . This or that?

anyone installed this on a 2016 crv exl? does it fit or do you need to modify the dash to make it fit?

This headunit is still a beast even if it’s a few years old. The carplay is so fast and responsive!

Does this models FM tuner name band and song names? What would that feature be called?

Need a receiver that shows all saved stations at once and not the FM1 FM2 FM3. Is there one?

I recently purchased the stereo for my 99 ford f150 and recently it has just been staying in the alpine splash screen and it Dosent work unless I turn it off and back on. Even that Dosent work sometimes I don’t know what to do since I checked my fuses and everything else looks good. If anyone has advice I would appreciate it

What if I have TV's in my headrests. Do they sell an external DVD player I can mount under the seat or something? Can I mirror my phone to the stereos screen?

I have also been trying to connect to bluetooth and it's not lit up to make connection

I have an s197 mutang as well. love the idea of this radio, but do you have shaker 500, 1000, or base?

Question? I’m really interested in this radio to replace my stock radio on my 2011 tacoma. I love that it has google Maps and Waze. My question in order to activate these features do I have to link it up to my iPhone via hardwire or Bluetooth?

I have this in my Yukon from my dad, I have no idea what to do with it

Hi Ry! Just purchased this head-end for my wife's truck but after watching your video here I am very concerned that the Bluetooth audio for hands-free phone calls is no good; Any other recommendations with similar feature sets?

what trim ring is that? I need that for a cleaner install!

Why does mine not let me select Bluetooth settings, or volume or system it just lets me select sound

I have this deck. Phone call audio is terrible! Whether through AndroidAuto or Bluetooth, I can't understand people if I'm driving on the highway. I did update it to the latest firmware. Anyone else have this issue? Any solution?

I just installed this unit in my 00 Toyota Tacoma and it worked great after I finished the install but I started my truck up an hour later and put my truck into reverse before the deck started up and it was stuck on the reverse screen and I had to unplug the deck from the back to fix it. It’s been fine since then but if I have any future issues I’ll be sure to update here

How do you get into the system button. My is not highlighted

just bought mine can't wait to put it in my cruze

can you change the wallpaper?

Just bought this deck for my 2019 ram classic. Amazon best buy and ebay said this deck would fit my classic. For some reason Crutchfield said it wouldn't but they didn't know why. So I went with a pioneer. Go to hook it up and the only way that pioneer would fit is if I started cutting out brackets and other shit. Measured the max depth I could have, 3.5 inches. So the alpine would fit perfect. Called back Crutchfield and they exchanged it for me no problems. Should get this alpine Tuesday.

I'm trying to figure out why it says my android phone is not compatible with this radio?

when i turn mine on, everything in the set up is faded except connectivity & sound. i cant connect my phone using bluetooth, would you know why by any chance?

I plan on getting this for my 2007 mustang GT. Is it plug and play? I have the shaker 500 radio on my GT as well. Can I get the amplifier with this radio? Will it work?

How is the sound quality if you're hooking it up to a car that has aftermarket external amps? Would u pick this or a Kenwood Excellon?

You stated your only options were to buy the Alpine amp that attaches to the back or buy a different head unit. You could, of course buy an aftermarket amp with several channels.

This may sound dumb but will I be able to adjust the volume and tracks on Apple CarPlay while driving? or is it only the more advanced options that I cannot use unless parked with my brake on. Thanks. :)

Does it have an aux cord input? I know it has Android auto and Apple carplay, I am just curious. thank you for any help anyone can offer that.

Mine plays xm radio over my music and can’t turn it off what can I do to solve this problem on the xm I can’t change station or anything

Does the swipe volume only go up and down by one? Is there a sensitivity option so u can adjust how many volume bars per swipe?

I have pioneer head unit it came with the truck. It doesn't turn on, any idea what could be, or they are known for short life.

Taking notes 📝

How so u change the background color???

You havw to plug the phone in for apple car play? I thought it was wireless?

How do you turn it off if you don’t want it on while driving?

hey i know this is an older review... so i have a chevy impala station wagon (1979) and looking for a radio that can deliver well,... fm lol... backup camera (it's a bloody boat i drive!) and gps cause i'm blond and can't find my way out of a paper bag - i will take out original and keep it 'mint' - but meanwhile want something that can deliver the above oh... blewtooth as well of course, what would your advice be? sound is not so much of an issue for me

Ive Connected this one on my 2016 dodge ram but i cant get the Bluetooth to pair i went to settings and my bluetooth icon is blacked out wont open icon