Alpine PXA-H800
 

I cant even tell you how happy I am to see that Alpine has finally listened to reason and come out with an updated version of its famed H700/H701 processor! It looks like a sweet unit, I cant wait to get my hands on it and give it a serious listening to!

PXA-H800 Audio Processor Alpine Underground


http://www.mobileelectronics.com.au/...sneak_preview/

Yeah it's great to see that they're finally bringing back RoadEQ

I wonder if they'll let you strap two together like the PXA-H990s.

HM. It still seems to miss one of the best features of the BitOne: multiple auxilary inputs; and one major feature I personally want - direct CD changer control. Going to have to read an owners manual I think.

The article mentions a new RF 360.3. Need to check that out too I guess..

The 360.3, now that's a nice unit!
It's the only thing that comes with a built in RTA hehe. 31 bands of PEQ per channel... that thing is amazing.

I'm looking forward to ARC piece instead. The rockford piece was probably delayed another year after the release of the bitone and they saw all the features it had.

Guys keep in mind your processor won't make everything better. So don't expect the world with the H800 frankly I'm expecting it to be almost the same as the H700/701 or a new set plagued problems.

I hope is doesn't sound like the 3sixty.2

Wow thats very optimistic thinking there Julian, but I know your feelings on Alpine gear.

Just not expecting much it's not alpine they have a sound they isn't for me

I see no mention of support via a double din deck ala W205/505 with the 701. Could alpine really be takin a step back and only allowing support via a stupid single din controller? Having to use a single din controller just for the processor is a bad idea imo.

And whats the arc processor i keep seeing you mention jullian... im about to get rid of my 505/701 combo for a better double din and was leaning on ms8 for processor.

From what I read (sorry I can't remember where I read it.) there will be "limited on-deck functionality" if you don't want to use the single din controller.

Given Alpine's lack-luster recent history, I'd bet it's still going to be below F#1 stuff in terms of processing power.

Thats still a step back from full control over every function like the 203 and 505 have with the H701. Also it dont see any mention otherwise so its safe to assume that since it also uses imprint for auto tune that there will be next to no user fine tuning alowed after imprint is run? That alone is the reason i went with the H701 over imprint in the first place.

I don't disagree.

Alpine has given up on the SQ crowd in favour of the iPod crowd. This is just a shiny toy to keep us placated.

Well it goes without saying the Arc piece will eclipse everything else :rolleyes: but I like to consider all options. At this time I have not found a unit that suits my needs more than the BitOne though but the RF one might. Hopefully it's not as flakey as the 360.2 was.

I didn't see anything about the arc piece. Whats the scoop?

it was mentioned to me that the ARC demo car had a working model at CES and it was quite good.

Not saying the new ARC piece will eclipse everything, I have more faith in ArcAudio products then say alpine, rockford, and audison. I've owned all three of their processors and each of them had their little annoying quarks.

Dukk I too found the 360.2, was flaky with BT modules and memory saving issues. I found it sounded fair and lacked processing power.

Bitone by far sonically better and overall easy to control but I couldn't get beyond the issue I had with 3 units.

I'm looking forward to all the new units and hearing feedback from the SQ public. I'm not jumping into a new processor until it's proven reliable.

Why? :dunno:

Just personal opinion that's all.

Yeah no kidding. They don't have anywhere near the resources that alpine RF and such have.

...not t mention they've been very solid brands for 30-40 years now, also I keep hearing Alpine isn't into SQ anymore??? Just because a company offers real life usable features and is smart enough to cater to large markets does not mean they aren't interested in SQ. Their "SQ" oriented decks (cda-117 for example, have upgraded DAC's (24 bit burr brown), USB direct digital inputs (for ipod's that are used as hard drives with wav or lossless files), 4 volt outs, lots of tuning capabilities, and specs that are as good or better than the best of just 5-10 years ago. I'll admit I miss a few features that my 9835/33 had (variable colour, motorized face, and the expanded tuning of bass engine plus (the only SQ feature I may add)), but it also lacked the 24 bit DAC's (not a big issue to me but it is an SQ feature) and digital usb input, and it was almost twice the price of a cda 117 only 5 years ago.

Yes it does in fact use the imprint system but everything is completely tweakable by the end user. This thread on diyma has answers to nearly all the questions people have: New Alpine PXA-H701 replacement on the horizon!! - DIYMA.com

look good
let's see how it in compare to the BIT1

It seems your right about the tweakin to the imprint scan but it also states that control via and double din will be limited to fade and balance, everything else has to be set via the controller or computer....boo to that. There reason behind it is so that people cant mess up there and blame the installer.

I believe the new head unit they are coming out with to compliment this headunit may allow for for control of the h800 but beyond that I dont see what the big deal is with having to use the controler, I always found it was way easier to sit there and dial in your setting on the RUX then having to tweak through the head unit.

This is a post from the alpine rep in the DIYMA thread posted earlier.


Once you disconnect from the PC, the presets are saved in the H800 and the W910 will be able to adjust:
1) Presets - need to be saved from the PC Software
2) Balance/Fader - pressing the "speaker" soft button on the Audio screen of the W910 will bring you to the balance fade screen
3) sub Level

That's it without the RUX. The real intention (and it won't ring true with most here as we are crazy tweakophiles) was to give the installer/shop the ability to tune the car, set the various presets and give the customer the control he needs without the ability to change the tune, so doesn't come back and say "I didn't touch anything but my tweeters are blown...and the shop[or mfg] is stuck with the bill" or something along those lines when you give them too much control of everything.

As for me in the exact opposite, i would much rather not have to pull out a controller to tweak and would much rather have it integrated like the 701 was with the 205/505. alot easier for me to adjust settings on a 7inch screen then it is a little single din screen

Also this tidbit is the most appealing to me

The H800 does not use Audyssey tech this time around, this is our new ImprintEQ developed by our Japan HQ team. It has significantly more resolution, especially in the mid and lower bass, plus it has user definable/adjustable target curves.

The H800 also has Euphony, which acts similarly to Logic7 in that it can create surround sound from a 2ch source

So there you have it , its a totally new imprint system and they ditched audyssey and there is the only reason you can tweak after imprint. Audyssey is very about lettin you play with there curves even in the home enviroment.

All in all sounds like a nice addittion

I like the idea of being able to put in a target curve and the unit doing what it has to to meet it.

^MS8 already does this.

I have to wonder how many of these companies snatched up an ms8 and went to work on their new units right after it came out.

Hey man thats why competition is good, it helps improve the whole industy overall. :thumbsup:

Of course! I know Andy W and JBL will def be getting their hands on the new offerings to compare.

I read that the new 360.6 will directly control my iPhone. That's smart.

The Alpine is letting me down by not doing that AND not directly controlling a CD changer. If they tweaked those two items, I'd so be down..

Can't wait to see this. Seems the industry is lacking in the processor department lately.

Any reports on Canadian pricing?

Ah, cool feature. iPhone control is cool now what about others who use BB and other handhelds.

Dukk and AAAAAAA ive been informed that alpine is using basic transports. Pioneers p99/p01 is the only true audiophiles grade transport on the market-also the ODR line. I've been testing several transports ie two kenwoods, eclispe 5303, p01, denon z1, and alpine 505. Out of all of them they all had similar characteristic. But in the end te denonZ1 was by far the better unit

Transport? As in the CD drive/pickup mechanism?

Dude - the PXA-H800 is a processor, not a CD player... :dunno:





:D

You'll have to forgive Julian. He's new to car audio. LOL.

I really like the iPod control on the Rockford. I wish the other companies would get with the times. My understanding is that the Alpine is using some very good quality DAC's. I like my 701, so if the 800 is an upgrade, I don't see any problems.

I will however wait to see the ARC Audio piece. I doubt it will have iPod control, but it may trump everyone on overal, performance.

Yup Fozzzy^.Processors are all band aids with different colors and functions. Most of us gobble the marketing scheme (including me) right up. Expecting high hopes of that a processor will be such a leap. :cheeky4:

A bandaid?

I disagree. It is THE alternative to reproducing the original sound in it's original location.

I disagree.

Proper placement and equal pathlength is THE way to make a car stage and image properly. I lightly EQ my car 3 bands I've only touched and that's it. TA is 5ms and the rest is the enclosures, install methods and speakers.

What you are describing is how to maximize stereo playback in an environment that sucks for stereo playback. Make the best of a bad situation ;) :p

In any case, you do use processing, you need it, so I don't see why you are debating. Like girls saying they only slept with 2 guys and when you ask about the other guys you know she slept with, she says "yeah but they don't count". :p

Yes my I do need processing however I don\'t rely on it and expect te H800 to correct in car problems. My Zapco DCs have a decent amount of processing in comparison to the p99. What I found was my car sounded great but the processing is what I found made the car sound unrealistic at times. I guess I\'m too critical with what i listen to at home vs what\'s in my daily driver :)