Alpine iLX-W670 Review | Pre-amp Voltage & Clipping Test

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Does the Alpine iLX-W670 really have a true 4-volt pre-amp? In today's video I review the Alpine iLX-W670 test results with my Fluke 123 Scopemeter. Is the Alpine iLX-W670 clean at max volume? What's the max safest subwoofer level? What is the max safest volume level? What happens if we adjust the speaker level menu? Find out all this in more in this Alpine iLX-W670 review with pre-amp and speaker level clipping tests.
The Alpine iLX-W670 is the replacement to the super popular and long running Alpine iLX-W650. The iLX-W650 was hard to beat as it was feature packed at great price. The Alpine iLX-W670 looks as though it may outperform its predecessor with a few newly added features.
Do you have the Alpine iLX-W670 in your vehicle? What do you love about? What do you not like about it? Let me know in the comments please!
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Disclaimer - this video is for education and entertainment purposes only. Any expressed opinions contained in this video are solely of its author. Car Stereo Chick is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Links contained in the video description and/or on her website may earn her an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Annie Amen, John Amen, Car Stereo Chick, Sounds Incredible Mobile LLC, its members, partners, officers and employees assumes no liability for injury, damage to property or loss incurred as a result of information contained or inferred from this video. Use this information at your own risk. Viewers are advised to follow all applicable laws, equipment instructions and to operate all tools according to the manufacturers’ instructions with regard to the content, tools and equipment used in these videos. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user.

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15 дек 2023

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Комментарии : 90

@chinogodinez 6 месяцев назад

You make great audio content 👌 thank yoh so much.

@jacquesgregory7254 Месяц назад

You Definitely are a car Audio Guru, and your Information and intelligence of audio Quality is Tremendously appreciated

@Plug-Me-In 7 дней назад

I have purchsed this model yesterday and will have it installed later this morning. I will be back with a review. Thank you for the informative video.

@chriswhite4596 6 месяцев назад

Thanks for Sharing, I haven’t had the opportunity to play with a 670 yet

@carstereochick 6 месяцев назад

Thank you for your support!!

@1Patient 5 месяцев назад

I like the 4 volt pre-outs and the Clean Sound Alpine has at full volume when tuned properly and gains set.

@jamesrichardson4604 6 месяцев назад

Just replaced my alpine ine -w611d with a pioneer Evo sph 9" halo.best purchase I've made , always been a big fan of alpine head units ,but think pioneer give better value for money. I have a sq system installed by Peter steinbacher of pssound in the UK and was featured on his RU-vid channel. He's absolutely amazing at his installations and tunning . Love your channel, I'm a recent new subscriber. Love from the UK.

@carstereochick 6 месяцев назад

Welcome! That's really good to know. I always felt on paper Pioneer was a fantastic value. Nearly 10 years ago I was a huge fan of the App Radio 4 (one of the 1st CarPlay radios) because it gave you SO many more features of your money compared to Alpine's iLX-007. Both sounded great, but the Pioneer was packed with so much more than simply CarPlay. I did get iffy on Pioneer a couple years ago when I think they went through a transitional period as a company and I had encountered some quality issues that turned me off, but I have been looking into again. They were the 1st to really embrace the modular radio design like the DMH-C2550NEX and that is something we will be getting into because there are some newer cars where a modular radio like that is truly going to be the only fitment option for say like a 2016 Ford Mustang using the iDatalink KIT-MUS2. I'm sure I will be dabbling in their products again soon. Happy to hear the level of quality is back up there and you're enjoying the new Pioneer receiver!

@shaggymunky 3 месяца назад

Great video. I just installed the W670 in my car. I ended up putting a -9db on all of my line out speaker levels that way I could nearly max out the volume and get the full 4v preout for my sub. Interestingly though, my head unit was able to go sub lvl 15 and speaker sub to +10 with no clipping at volume set to 32. Tested with an oscilloscope, a DD1, and regular ear tuning. My sub is a tiny JBL BassProNano, so I wanted to make sure gave it as much of a chance to provide a punch.

@carstereochick 3 месяца назад

Nice! That's why it's so important to test. I find it also depends on what source you are using. Were you using test tone files that you downloaded to USB? Or something off your phone? If you're using test tone frequencies from Spotify for example, that will be slightly compressed compared to the files I had on the USB. Or if you're using Apple Music and have Sound Check turned on, you could be getting different results as that setting can throttle the output. Android has a similar setting called Absolute Volume. So many variables within apps.

@shaggymunky 3 месяца назад

@@carstereochick I ripped the wav files that came with the DD1 and used those on a USB. I have Spotify premium, so I stream the quality at the highest setting, which is about 320kbps. I also found reference 0db wav files from 20hz - 20kHz and made sure there was no clipping across those frequencies since I increased the 50hz slider on the EQ to +6db. All other adjustments I made in the EQ were below 0db. Set the speaker crossovers to 63hz and the sub at 100hz. Still wish I could have gotten a more powerful sub where you could feel the bass, but I'm limited on space and my car is a hybrid. Overall though, the sound is balanced and sounds full across the board.

@Newyen6MT 6 месяцев назад

Great video, I will be buying one and it was good to know the volume the HU clips at.

@carstereochick 6 месяцев назад

Thank you! I’m so glad you found it helpful.

@Newyen6MT 6 месяцев назад

@@carstereochick I actually ended up finding a Kenwood DMX8709 with wireless CarPlay for $200 brand new. Having an issue with the face snow sitting flush with the dash kit though. I may have to do a little trimming. I can’t wait for good SQ and bass

@knockout_wj8886 2 месяца назад

I liked the 650. I have the 507 in my Escalade. I think the 670 will be great for my Jeep. The shallow mount is very convenient.

@spencerwarren9219 3 месяца назад

Just ordered a the lix w670 with the kta 450 and the alpine w10s2 10 inch sub. Can't wait to get it installed in my jeep wramgler and take the top off. Had a 1 .5 year old kenwood ddx57s that touch screen just died only 1.5 year later. I always owned alpine and never had issues and always the best sound. Crutchfield talked me into a kenwood. I should have known better. I was getting the apline ilx w650 and they talked me out of it into the kenwood. Hughhhhhh mistake. Alpine only I knew better. Well that was corrected today with my alpine purchase.

@carstereochick 3 месяца назад

Nice! I am sorry to hear about the trouble you had with the DDX57s. We sell that model as well and have had great luck with it, but it's not something I would sell to someone looking to build a system as it only has two 2 volt pre-amp outputs. It's good for someone that wants cost effective CarPlay with a CD player. The Alpine ilX-670 should work out very nicely with the KTA-450 amp and S2 10" sub. I hope you enjoy it for many years to come!

@treemanchris 5 месяцев назад

Nice

@caelinbuenger7095 6 месяцев назад

Long time subscriber ... ever thought of doing these for Amazon car stereos? (Joying, etc.)

@carstereochick 6 месяцев назад

Hey! I honestly have not been impressed with anything clients have brought in off Amazon. In fact I we detest them at the shop. Most of the time this stuff is garbage shipped directly from China and is missing parts (or the client didn't order the right adapter for their trim or it was mis-advertised) or the dash kit fit is way off and requires finessing. Mostly the included steering wheel control modules never work right and we hope and pray a Metra AXSWC will work (which they often do if we set it to the Boss radio setting). The only one I found passable was one a client brought in that had a digital out and it worked out alright with a Helix DSP Mini. I think it was a Joying actually. But what a freaking pain in the ass that thing was to get installed. The fit of the included dash kit was so off (Subaru) the camera adapter was incorrect, had to use the external steering wheel control module from Metra. Most of the time it's just so much more time than it's worth. And the ones that clients bring in and ask us to use the RCA out pre-out? Barf, they sound like garbage. I can see the benefit for someone that just wants a super cheap CarPlay/Android Auto head unit for a do-it-yourselfer looking to save $$, but 99% of the ones I've seen clients bring in are not anything I'd ever want to sell or promote at my shop. I'm also REALLY big on brands standing behind their products and having great US based tech support/customer service (that promptly answer their phones during regular business hours). If a company doesn't offer that, I have no interest in carrying or selling their product.

@caelinbuenger7095 6 месяцев назад

@@carstereochick dang. That's too bad! I got an itch to try out one of those Amazon stereos due to their price, features, and, most importantly, their ported Android OS which I think is a freaking godsend! I always find caveats of the OS these major OEMs have on their media players that have driven me to think about the Amazon offerings. It's not like Pioneer, JVC, Alpine, etc. will ever put out meaningful updates to their stuff, at least in my experience. As for the quality of these Amazon stereos, ha, this is why I have not bought one yet. They either (a) don't publish all the numerical specifications on the Amazon listing and have them on their website or (b) don't have them published anywhere. For unlikely scenario (a), I usually see trash stats like 1 V preamp voltage feeding the sub RCAs and an impressive 1.5 - 2.0 V for the other channels! (Not like a lot of the good MFRs products stand up to their published specs as per your videos 🙄.) Don't get me wrong, I'm still interested in them. Just gonna be precarious about the radios I see until I can get a 100% sure footing on one. That Android OS is worth looking for. It's just too bad that there is no YT reviewer that has reviewed any of these stereos seriously. The reviews that are on here are usually quick, to the point, and simplistic like "it works" and "I liked it". :/ Thanks for getting back to me. These videos are really freaking nice cuz it's in-depth and also misses all the paid promo crap other reviews have. I might still go with one of these name brands next year when I pull the trigger. Gotta wait till college is over before I buy into something like car audio!!

@ayeajjj 6 месяцев назад

Is the TCR in the w650 equivalent to the speaker level section in the w670?

@1911Player 6 месяцев назад

Do you know if a Alpine ilx 702d is clipping at Max volume?

@franzjones179 3 месяца назад

⭐️I just got the ilx-w650 with the Kta-450. I was wondering, does the kta-450 hook up to the power line coming from the ignition, or do you run a separate wire to the battery?

@Critikal1216 3 месяца назад

Separate power and ground to battery

@thekidbart4528 3 месяца назад

Hi, could you test that Boss 7inch floating screen radio? Please

@1998gst4611 6 месяцев назад

Carstereochick, question what is the GPS antenna used for that comes with the Alpine iLX-W670? Does the unit have a built in GPS navigation feature?

@carstereochick 6 месяцев назад

Great question! It does not have on board GPS. Many manufacturers are including these antennas for improved accuracy when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

@thatoneguy9122 5 месяцев назад

Welp this made my decision for my next head unit to replace my Walmart special 😅

@carstereochick 3 месяца назад

Nice!

@mikemacb7rs4 2 месяца назад

I just bought the iLX-W670, my gripes No HD radio, No album art on Sirius XM, with hand brake on I can get to Bluetooth settings but not speaker or EQ settings. Wish I spent a few more dollars for the wireless carplay and HDMI output. I have the Maestro RR but can't get the steering wheel controls to work after flashing and connecting the SW1 wire. I went to the headunit and try to program the buttons but no luck.

@jasonwright5864 Месяц назад

Will you be doing the ilx-705d?

@kade8816 Месяц назад

wait so are the speaker level outputs the RCA cables? the ones described at 6:43

@CurlyMJM 22 дня назад

Did speaker level replace media xpander (MX)? The W650 had MX, the 670 does not. However, when you compare the 2 operating manuals table of contents, speaker level (W670) is where MX was for W650. I find that MX in my W650 makes the audio sound so much better. Unfortunately, MX cannot be selected when using Apple Play. Does the speaker level in W670 work with Apple Play?

@ginoavila2085 12 дней назад

Hi I have the alpine ilx -w650 head unit do you no the max volume whit out clipping? Thanks

@davebasey9863 2 месяца назад

I have a 2013 Ford focus ST with the Sony system. I would love to upgrade with this possibly work ? Hooking up to the factory amp?

@carstereochick 2 месяца назад

I would recommend a Maestro compatible model for that car in order to retain the OEM reverse camera, stock amp, access to vehicle settings, secondary vehicle display (if equipped), climate control display, park assist, etc. With Alpine for double DIN 7" that is Maestro compatible that would be the iLX-407 or iLX-507; with Kenwood DMX709s or DMX958XR are nice options and Sony has the XAV-AX4000, XAV-AX6000 or XAV-9000ES. I hope that helps!

@shawnmcnamara7050 5 месяцев назад

Does this have the same functionality as the 650 where a parking brake bypass is needed to access settings on older vehicles without an electronic parking brake?

@carstereochick 5 месяцев назад

Yes.

@11onejay 4 месяца назад

Hi. Im trying to look for a new double din. Ive been out of the audio loop for years. Whats the best double din for the money and the best dkubke din overall now a days?

@carstereochick 4 месяца назад

It all depends on what features are most important to you. Some clients are entirely focused on sound quality and can look past a clunky/dated layout. Some are happy with a wired connection, some are willing to spend more $$ for wireless. For value based models with wired CarPlay/Android Auto connection this is one option to consider or the Kenwood DMX709s. For wireless connection and higher end sound quality components consider the Kenwood DMX958XR, Alpine iLX-507 or Sony XAV-9000ES.

@11onejay 4 месяца назад

@carstereochick is pioneer no longer a top contender in the stereo world? Or are the brands you mentioned just the brands you happen to only sell at your shop. I'm mainly looking for Android auto. Wireless is great but I'm willing to go wired as well if say the radio us more reliable and or a lot cheaper. I mainly just need android auto at least a 4v preout and something that won't break in a few months and will last.

@damon323 4 месяца назад

Annie, does this ILX-670 have a regular treble, mid and bass adjustment without having to mess with a 13 band equalizer? I think I saw that in another video. I like the old school simplicity as far as that goes. Lol!

@carstereochick 3 месяца назад

Great question. Yes, it does. That was one feature I always liked about the 650 and I'm glad they kept it with the 670.

@damon323 2 месяца назад

@@carstereochickThanks Annie. So when you adjust the regular 3 bands, I assume it auto adjusts the 13 band EQ or something?

@jasonstevens3360 2 месяца назад

I'm getting ready to replace my factory head unit, the Alpine models have my attention for sure, your review of the 507 pretty much leaned me more towards the 670 or the the cd/DVD with navigation one, I could really use the advice and best bang for the buck, my car is a 2013 hyundai veloster turbo

@luigimartinez1748 5 месяцев назад

What would you recommend on top of this? I dont have cameras in my car so that feature is not a must... other than that idk if i should get this or kenwood or sony they make such a great variety now

@carstereochick 5 месяцев назад

It really depends on your price point and end goal. If you're looking for a great value CarPlay/Android Auto model with 4 volt preamp, digital time alignment, built in crossovers (and even built in SWC modules for older basic Japanese models) this Alpine is an awesome choice. If you prefer a more simple and intuitive layout, I'd say you're better off with Sony. If you want higher voltage on the sub, go with a Kenwood eXcelon model with 5 volt. What kind of car? Year, make and model? I always factor that in as well and see if it's something that would benefit from a Maestro module. Keep in mind this model is not Maestro compatible. Lots of variables to consider!

@luigimartinez1748 5 месяцев назад

@carstereochick awesome thank you for the reply, I want it to match with the subwoofers I'm going to install, it is a 2011 for fusion se without the premium sound , just with sync, and im debating on 1 single 12 kicker solo x or 2 solo 10" x I want it to sound nice and paired instead of the bass over powering the stock speakers which are 6x8

@RX7-wp7io 3 месяца назад

Hello, which head unit would you recommend between the ilx - w670 and kenwood 709s and why? Going to be run with amps

@carstereochick 3 месяца назад

Totally a personal choice. I have these 2 units mounted on the same panel so clients can easily compare. Those that go for the 709s usually do so for Maestro compatibility, 5 volt pre-amp or 2 year warranty. Those that go for the Alpine usually like the performance you get for the price point, the more user friendly interface and don't need Maestro compatibility. Both will get the job done, for sure. Personally I am partial to higher voltage. Always have been going back to when Eclipse used to make head units with 8 volt pre-amps!

@RJL612 2 месяца назад

@carstereochick Eclipse made the BEST head units!! The clarity was unmatched. The last one I bought was in 1998-99.

@chvdb Месяц назад

Is the sub level on the HU (0-15) the same as a bass knob on an amp? If so, do you recommend I also max the HU sub level to +15 on top of a maxed bass knob then set the gains to a clean signal? I normally max my bass knob then set my amp gains so that I maintain a clean signal even at max setting. My theory is that the gain on my amp should be lower if my source has a higher pre amp out voltage which should lessen noise floor. Also my understanding is the max pre out voltage is only present on max clean volume.

@chvdb Месяц назад

I’ve tried +10 on all speaker level settings set to a clean signal. Max volume is set a little lower at with the +10 setting but everything sounds dynamic. Now I’m back at 0 speaker level setting but may go back to 10 and cut levels if I need to

@chvdb Месяц назад

Forgot to mention my amp can take up to 10 volts

@kade8816 Месяц назад

so what level (negative number) should i set the speakers at if i wanted to have clean output at volume level 35? I'm using rca cables for all my speakers in this case

@kade8816 Месяц назад

i want to be able to utilize all spectrum of volume levels, or am i unable to go past 24 without clipping

@akuma4u 6 месяцев назад

Are there any affordable double din hu that have 30 or 40hz option for the eq and has a 5v or higher preput voltage?

@carstereochick 6 месяцев назад

Not that I’m aware in this price range, but keep in mind when you turn on Kenwood’s bass extension feature, that means bass frequencies below 63 Hz are included when you adjust that band. That’s available on the DMX709s.

@gladboy7722 6 месяцев назад

👍👍👍...

@RAAUUULLLL4268 6 месяцев назад

Can you please do a Pioneer head unit text? I have the dmh 4660. I don't see any Pioneer head units review.

@carstereochick 6 месяцев назад

😂 I think I have PTSD with Pioneer. I used to love their products. But then they got bought out in 2018 so I got skittish with them because I wasn’t sure how that would affect quality/service. And then Covid supply chain issues happened and it was impossible to get their products. And I read the other day that they might get bought out again. The thing is they are the only ones making modular radios and that’s the only thing that will work in a lot of newer cars so I’ll probably eventually get around to testing one of those.

@maxwelllohlofftz544 5 месяцев назад

is this radio is anti-glare WVGA display with a capacitive touchscreen as the w650 ??

@carstereochick 3 месяца назад

Good question, I'm actually not sure. The look and responsiveness is very much like the 650. Normally I check the specifications page in the manual to answer these questions. For the 670 it's labelled as LCD, normally white transmissive a-Si (Amorphous Silicon) TFT active matrix with LED illumination. The 650 is labelled as a transparent type TN (Twisted Nematic) LCD TFT active matrix also LED illumination. I couldn't explain the difference in materials, but I hope that's helpful.

@CrashCarson14 5 месяцев назад

I'd be interested in pink noise/white noise to see more realistic clipping results?

@carstereochick 3 месяца назад

I don't think that would work with the oscilloscope because you need to be able to see the sine wave (single frequency) to detect clipping.

@bnbolic 6 месяцев назад

Does it actually work with Android Auto connected via USB to a Samsung S22Ultra, unlike the W650?

@carstereochick 6 месяцев назад

🧐 good question. I’ll have to find an S22 from someone to borrow to find out.

@1Patient 5 месяцев назад

It Better

@BEAZY_5150 6 месяцев назад

You like the w650? I have it, not impressed. The subwoofer level in the speaker level menu, is that on the 650 as well? I can crank that thing and only get 1.8- 2.0 volts from the sub rca with the sub all the way at +15

@carstereochick 6 месяцев назад

What are you using for test tones? I ran into a similar issue when testing and found it was audio settings on my phone (Apple sound check) significantly reducing my output levels. Android has similar setting called absolute volume and also various music apps also have their own internal settings that can limit output.

@BEAZY_5150 6 месяцев назад

@@carstereochick first tone I used to set the gain with was the ultimate car audio app with a 40 hz 0 db and then retuned with a 40 hz -5 db tone that I grabbed from a page off of Facebook. Is it safe to eq up to +5 if using the -5 db? Problem is my girlfriend listens to non modified Spotify music, and I listen to Dj Russticals and similar rebassers when I’m in her car which isn’t very often. (My vehicle is getting an additional sub upgrade) and I run kenwood excelon. I was contemplating setting gains with a 0 db tone again and just leaving it there.

@bbfoto7248 6 месяцев назад

@BEAZY_5150 What Annie said, AND, don't use compressed/lossy test tone files (MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, etc), as the compression "throws away" some of the extreme low and high frequencies in the compression algorithm in order to make the file smaller. Always use lossless files such as WAV or AIFF format played directly from the USB input or burned onto a CD, not over lossy wireless Bluetooth.

@carstereochick 6 месяцев назад

Try a high quality streaming app like Tidal or Apple Music and make sure you go through the audio settings in the app/phone to make sure you getting the highest res possible. It's a measurable difference in output. Even Spotify at the highest setting is only 192 kbps. If you try a track in that app against the same exact track in Apple Music with lossless turned on, sound check turned off, you will be wowed by the difference in quality and punch. I show and play this for clients all the time and they're amazed at how much they've been missing.

@BEAZY_5150 6 месяцев назад

@@carstereochick thank you for your response dear, I was really bummed out that even when bumping up to max I was barely getting anything! I even tried downloading the update to a blank flash drive, and it had already been updated. We both use Spotify and pay for it, what are the best settings? I will do exactly that! Btw I love your energy and aura! You friggen rock!

@alejandrooviedo663 2 месяца назад

Dose it have Time time alignment... DSP ???

@carstereochick 2 месяца назад

It has time alignment, 13 band graphic EQ and built in crossovers.

@pixel_entity5352 6 месяцев назад

For me replacing things like the parametric EQ with color options is a deal breaker. Audio quality should always take priority over "gimmicks" I would also like Alpine to add a 3-way crossover like Pioneer and Kenwood/JVC.

@bbfoto7248 6 месяцев назад

@pixel_entity5352 I get it and somewhat agree, but his is Alpine's "more affordable" but still feature-packed Double-DIN, so you can't really expect to get ALL of the "pro" type features of their higher end units. And for this level or tier of customers, a simpler 13-band Graphic EQ probably makes more sense over the more complex Parametric EQ with fewer bands.

@carstereochick 6 месяцев назад

I was also sad to see the parametric EQ go, but I agree with @bbfoto7248. I think most consumers at this price point just looking to upgrade to Apple CarPlay/Android Auto will appreciate the button/screen color change feature. The speaker level menu however I think is a HUGE plus at this price point. There were so many times I wanted to sell a client a 650, but for their car, they needed speaker level adjustment for stock amp leveling and I'd end up pushing them towards a Kenwood instead with volume offset.

@1Patient 5 месяцев назад

@@bbfoto7248 Ya, I get it, they dumbed down this unit for the Apple Crowd. The more Technical use Parametric EQ, I agree is a more Pro User Level of Sound Shaping and lends itself to Android Users. It's really unfortunate, because I like the Parametric. I have a INA-W900 with the IMPRINT by AUDESSY module and have both, a Parametric and Graphic EQ.

@billgatesc1072 4 месяца назад

My ilx-w670 volume only goes to 30 why is that?

@taxiboot 2 месяца назад

Can I screen mirror via iPhone with the 670?

@carstereochick 2 месяца назад

It will do Apple CarPlay through a wired USB connection, but no screen mirroring for like watching RU-vid for example. You would need a model with HDMI input for that and depending on which iPhone you have either an Apple to Lighting Digital A/V adapter or an Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter. The iLX-507, iLX-F509 and iLX-F511 all have an HDMI input. If you don't necessarily need an Alpine receiver and are cool with wired CarPlay only (no wireless) the Kenwood DMX709s has an micro HDMI input that you could use for screen mirroring with the right Apple adapter.