Alpine iLX-W670 7” Receiver
The Alpine iLX-W670 7” Receiver is designed as a convenient and high-quality media hub for your vehicle, bringing together a touch interface, audio and smartphone features. This model offers functionality and usability that cater to those who want to integrate their mobile devices with their car’s audio system without too much hassle. Below is an in-depth review covering its display, compatibility, audio features, usability, and value.
Design and Display
The Alpine iLX-W670 receiver features a sleek, 7-inch capacitive touchscreen that brings a modern look to your dashboard. With its crisp resolution and touch responsiveness, this screen enables easy navigation through menus, settings, and app interfaces. The display is fairly bright, but it might struggle a little under direct sunlight, which is typical of many car displays. Overall, the screen size and interface make it easy to tap icons, browse playlists, and access navigation with minimal distractions.
The iLX-W670 doesn’t come with a CD/DVD player, opting instead for a focus on modern digital audio and smartphone integration. This design choice streamlines the receiver, which fits into a shallow double-DIN space, making it suitable even for compact vehicles where installation depth is a concern. The simplified interface with a few physical buttons also caters to a clean look, minimizing clutter and enhancing ease of use.
Smartphone Connectivity
One of the highlights of the Alpine iLX-W670 is its seamless smartphone integration. This model supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allow you to mirror your smartphone’s key functions onto the receiver’s screen. With CarPlay or Android Auto, you can access your contacts, use map navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps, play music through apps like Spotify, and send messages via voice command.
Setting up CarPlay or Android Auto is relatively straightforward, requiring only a USB connection. Once connected, you can navigate through your smartphone’s interface easily with minimal lag. Voice control through Siri or Google Assistant is also available, which is particularly helpful for hands-free calls, texts, and navigation.
In addition to CarPlay and Android Auto, the receiver has Bluetooth capability. This means you can also stream music or make hands-free calls directly through Bluetooth without needing to connect your phone physically. However, it’s worth noting that CarPlay and Android Auto features are not available over Bluetooth; they need a wired connection.
Audio Quality and Customization
Alpine is known for its high-quality audio products, and the iLX-W670 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. This receiver offers a customizable sound experience with several options that allow you to fine-tune audio output.
The iLX-W670 comes with a built-in amplifier that supports four channels at 50 watts each, making it a good choice for those who want strong audio without external amps. If you want more control over the audio settings, the receiver offers a 9-band parametric equalizer that lets you adjust specific frequency ranges. This feature enables you to tweak the sound according to your preferences, from heavy bass to clear treble or anything in between.
Additionally, there’s a built-in time correction feature, which can adjust speaker output timing to ensure that sound reaches your ears at the same moment from all speakers, which can significantly enhance your listening experience, especially in a larger vehicle. The iLX-W670 also offers bass control, crossover settings, and support for subwoofers, allowing those who have a more complex car audio setup to configure their sound as needed.
Ease of Use and Responsiveness
User-friendliness is a standout feature with the iLX-W670, as Alpine has made an effort to keep the interface simple and responsive. The touch interface is fluid, though some users have noted a slight delay when switching between apps or accessing more complex settings, especially if multiple features are active simultaneously.
The button layout around the screen is kept minimalistic, which adds to the overall ease of use and clean design of the device. For instance, a single button can take you back to the main menu quickly, which is convenient while driving. Voice commands through Siri or Google Assistant work reliably, making it easier to operate without taking your eyes off the road.
However, the simplicity may also be seen as a limitation. Advanced users who prefer a greater level of detail and control over every feature might feel that the iLX-W670 lacks in-depth customization options compared to higher-end models. But for the average user, this simplicity is likely an advantage, providing a smooth, straightforward interface that doesn’t require a steep learning curve.
Installation and Compatibility
Alpine has designed the iLX-W670 to fit into a shallow double-DIN slot, which means it is compatible with a wide variety of vehicles, especially those that have limited installation depth. The device’s slim profile means that you don’t need a ton of space behind the dashboard, which makes installation easier than bulkier receivers.
Alpine recommends professional installation, though if you’re handy with car audio, you might be able to install it yourself. The iLX-W670 comes with standard wiring harnesses and mounting brackets. However, depending on your vehicle model, you might need additional adapters or kits to ensure compatibility with your car’s factory wiring.
Additional Features
Aside from its core functionalities, the iLX-W670 has a few extra features that add convenience. For example, it has a rear USB port, which allows you to connect your smartphone discreetly. The unit also supports an optional rear-view camera, which can be particularly helpful for those who want added safety when reversing or parking.
One limitation is that the receiver does not support video playback, which may be a drawback if you enjoy having video features in your car entertainment system. However, this omission is consistent with Alpine’s focus on driving safety and simplified functionality.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Modern, sleek design with a capacitive touchscreen
- Excellent smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Strong audio customization features, including a 9-band EQ and time correction
- Shallow double-DIN form factor, suitable for cars with limited space
- Simple, user-friendly interface with responsive touch controls
Cons:
- No CD/DVD player, which might be a drawback for some users
- Requires a wired connection for CarPlay and Android Auto (no wireless support)
- No video playback feature, which limits multimedia functionality
- Occasional lag when switching between applications
Value and Final Verdict
Overall, the Alpine iLX-W670 is a solid choice for drivers looking to upgrade their car’s audio system with modern features, particularly if they prioritize smartphone integration and sound customization. While it might lack certain advanced features like wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and video playback, it makes up for this with its simplicity, reliable performance, and high-quality audio customization.
If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-rounded receiver that offers robust connectivity and a user-friendly interface, the iLX-W670 is likely worth considering. It’s ideal for someone who wants an efficient, stylish upgrade to their car’s infotainment system without overloading on extra features. However, for those seeking top-tier customization and multimedia capabilities, a higher-end model may be more suitable.
