Alpine iLX-W670 Review: Enhanced Customization With Old Roots

Alpine Electronics has once again taken the wheel when it comes to delivering an exceptional in-car multimedia experience. Building upon the success and design of their legendary iLX-W650 radio, the all-new Alpine iLX-W670 multimedia receiver takes it up a notch with some incredible sonic enhancements, ensuring that your ears will thank you every time you hit the road.

Key Product Highlights:

  • Smartphone Integration: The iLX-W670 offers seamless compatibility with both Apple CarPlay (wired) and Android Auto (wired), providing access to messaging, navigation, and music selection. The interface is user-friendly, and the addition of voice assistants, including Siri Eyes Free and Google Assistant, enhances the hands-free experience.
  • Advanced Audio Control: The unit excels in audio control with features such as a 13-band graphic equalizer, 6-channel time correction, and crossovers for various audio channels. It also introduces the Sound Boost Menu, focusing on bass management for a more customized audio experience.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming are integrated, and an external microphone is included for enhanced call quality.
  • Entertainment Expansion: The iLX-W670 is SiriusXM-ready, allowing you to enjoy a wide array of content, from music to sports and entertainment. It also offers various inputs, including a rear USB port and a rear 3.5mm audio/video auxiliary input, along with a camera input for added convenience.
  • Amplifier Compatibility: For those seeking a power boost without a complicated installation, the iLX-W670 is designed to work seamlessly with Alpine’s KTA-450 or KTA-200M power pack amplifiers.
  • Key Customisation: Long awaited feature, five colors of choice: Blue, Amber, Green, White and Red – user can match this unit to the rest of the dashboard OEM lights.

Revolutionary Sound Quality

The iLX-W670 offers an extensive array of features that are sure to elevate your driving experience. Whether you’re an Android or Apple enthusiast, this receiver has you covered. It seamlessly supports both wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ phone integration, making it easier than ever to access your smartphone’s features, including messaging, navigation, and music selection.

But it doesn’t stop there. The Alpine iLX-W670 boasts advanced audio commands, taking a giant leap forward compared to its predecessor. With a strong emphasis on bass management, you can expect a rich and smooth low-end experience regardless of what genre you’re jamming to.

Display: A Familiar Yet Less Vivid Experience

The iLX-W670 retains the same 6.75″ capacitive touchscreen display as its predecessor, the iLX-W650. This display has been praised for its responsiveness and user-friendly design. However, it’s crucial to provide an honest assessment. In comparison to some competitors, some users may find the display slightly less vivid. It’s important to note that the iLX-W670 lacks color settings for the display, a feature available in certain competing models.

Enhanced User Interface:

One of the notable improvements in the iLX-W670 is its user interface. The interface appears more polished and refined, offering a smoother and more engaging user experience. It’s evident that Alpine has put effort into refining the visuals and interactions, which enhances the overall feel of the unit.

Performance Comparison

When it comes to performance, the Alpine iLX-W670 presents a mixed bag of strengths and trade-offs compared to its predecessor, the iLX-W650. While it excels in various aspects, such as advanced audio controls and an improved user interface, it’s essential to address the screen responsiveness. The display on the iLX-W650, which is renowned for its swift and precise touch response, outshines the iLX-W670 in this particular area. Users who prioritize a highly responsive touchscreen may find the iLX-W650 to be a more appealing choice. However, it’s crucial to weigh this against the enhanced features and polished user interface that the iLX-W670 brings to the table, as your preference may vary based on your specific needs and priorities.

Installation Flexibility

Alpine knows that not all vehicles are created equal, which is why the iLX-W670 comes with a shallow chassis. This thoughtful design feature allows it to seamlessly integrate into a wide range of vehicle dashes, ensuring it’s a perfect fit for your ride.

And if you’re looking to boost your audio experience even further, the iLX-W670 plays exceptionally well with Alpine’s slender KTA-450 power pack amplifier or KTA-200M mono power pack amplifier. Now you can add high-performance power without the headache of complicated installations, even in hard-to-fit vehicles.

Conclusion

The Alpine iLX-W670 is a multimedia receiver that presents a blend of enhancements and trade-offs compared to the iLX-W650. While it delivers improvements in the user interface, a range of advanced audio controls, and the option for Key Illumination with a choice of five colors, it’s crucial to address the screen responsiveness. The iLX-W650 boasts a highly responsive touchscreen, which is a notable advantage for users who prioritize swift and precise interactions. However, the iLX-W670 compensates with its refined user interface and additional features. Your choice between the two models should consider your specific requirements, recognizing that while the screen responsiveness may be better on the iLX-W650, the iLX-W670 offers an overall enhanced user experience with its polished interface and additional functionalities.