Head Unit advise

[GodOSpeed]

Does anyone have any experience with an Alpine LXW650 in their Marauder? The old gal doesn't see the love since the tape deck took a dump. I used to branch the cassette to aux and the radio lost signal years ago.

[Ambitious1]

I would be interested in hearing anyone's experience with the Alpine LXW650 as well, specifically if you were able to retain the steering wheel controls.

[marauderfan9]

is there a reason you want only a media player over something with a Cd drive?

[Ambitious1]

is there a reason you want only a media player over something with a Cd drive?

I can't speak for GodOSpeed, but for me, I haven't used a CD in at least 5 years.

[GodOSpeed]

Yeah I don't use CDs much either. Although I have been lately as I mentioned before there is no way to bluetooth rn. I guess the real question is there is a stackable amp for this Alpine that connects to the back of the head-unit but it cannot be combined with a factory amp. The little factory amp in the trunk is just used for the powered sub right? I replaced the factory sub with a 500W powered Kicker sub years ago.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Most radios will require the interface to retain steering wheel controls, they won't work without getting one. Couple companies make then they are like $60 ish. PAC audio is one brand

[GodOSpeed]

Crutchfield has an Axxess ASWC-1 that says will work for this application.

[Invective]

Not sure how relevant this is to the conversation, but I use a bluetooth adapter to run my iPhone functions through my legacy audio. Phone, Sirius XM and my iTunes library. Radio and all functions still work fine.

https://i.imgur.com/gAeuuPLh.jpg

[GodOSpeed]

The radio was the 1st thing to go in my car.

[Ambitious1]

Yeah I don't use CDs much either. Although I have been lately as I mentioned before there is no way to bluetooth rn. I guess the real question is there is a stackable amp for this Alpine that connects to the back of the head-unit but it cannot be combined with a factory amp. The little factory amp in the trunk is just used for the powered sub right? I replaced the factory sub with a 500W powered Kicker sub years ago.


I believe Crutchfield offers the KTA-450, a compact amp that stacks on the back of the head unit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcc30KwM2xk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQeZyfWgdbI

[z man]

Kenwood DDX6905S here... with ASWC-1 to keep the steering wheel controls. Mine has a CD/DVD drive... not that I watch movies while driving, but the DVD option may be a consideration for some.

[GodOSpeed]

Cool I like the insignia.

[GodOSpeed]

I ended up going with a Sony XAV-AX5000. It is a pretty sweet set-up. 55w x 4 vs the 16x4 on the Alpine. The fit and finish is amazing and without a doubt the best sounding vehicle I have in the yard rn.