Alpine PXA-H701 Questions

unixxx · 12-29-2005, 01:39 AM

Ok guys, I've been thinking about buying the Alpine PXA-H701 DSP, for a number of reasons:

*Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, PCM, DTS
*If the centre speaker is turned “OFF”, the centre
channel's audio signals are added to the audio
signals output from the front speakers.
*Alpine Brand

*Three S/PDIF TOSLINK inputs
*Three analog RCA Inputs (two combined with proprietary Ai-NET connections)
*Extremely configurable
*A s!@# load of other awesome features

European Manual: http://www.restricted.alpine-electro...XA-H710_EN.pdf

However, before I invest in one I have a few questions I hope you guys can help me with:

*Will all of the features of the DSP be unlocked with the RUX-C701 and no Alpine head unit; the manual says:
The PXA-H701 can be used with any head unit. However, only an Alpine Ai-NET compatible head unit will be able to
take full advantage of all the features and functions of this processor.
*What are the "Front 2" outputs for? SUVs with three rows of seating? Tweeters?
*Finally, is the European version the same as the American one as the European site is the only one that actually has the manual (for the European version).

Sorry if these questions seem obvious, manuals aren't always straight forward

Thanks.

3onDubs · 12-29-2005, 10:34 AM

All of the features will be unlocked with the C701 since its only purpose for being built was to control the H701.

The Alpine H701 has a built in active crossover that can replace your passive crossovers going to your front door components (which consist of a tweeter and a midrange). The outputs on the Alpine are labeled Front 1, Front 2, Rear, and Subwoofer. This allows for the option of amping your tweeter seperately with seperate inputs. Front 1 could control your tweeters, Front 2 would then control your midranges, and the rear and subwoofer would be the same as before. It's just an option for added flexibility. If you would rather just use your passive crossovers that came with your components, than you can just use either Front 1 or Front 2 (but not both).

As for the European Version, I'm pretty sure that it is the same version because my owner's manual was written in three languages (French, Spanish, and English). That's not necessarily proof, but I wouldn't doubt they are the exact same product.

dirtylarry · 12-29-2005, 06:39 PM

i have that setup. it's friggen nutty. the 5.1 sounds sick. it's got optical inputs, use an audigy platinum and it's unbelievable. thing is, unless you have a projector mounted in your grill projecting like a drive in movie, you're hearing xwing fighters in star wars louder than hell, on an itty bitty 7 inch screen

unixxx · 12-29-2005, 08:48 PM

3onDubs: Great, thanks for clarifying and answering all of my questions

dirtylarry: I know... All of this wonderful audio and such a small screen

I think I'm definately going to go with the Alpine DSP. The Panasonic CY-AC300EX doesn't have nearly as many features and seems to be popping up for sale all of the time

Would you guys get a 5 channel amp (sub amp integrated) or a 4 channel amp and a seperate sub amp. I'm going to have phantom center so I don't need six channels. Thanks.

UnrealTker · 12-29-2005, 11:16 PM

Dont mean to jack the thread but I had a question about the PXA myself. I was wondering the whole unit can be controlled from the Alpine DVA-9860 or would I have to go with $1500 Alpine DVA-9965

unixxx · 12-30-2005, 01:42 AM

The European manual says:

Quote:

The control unit for the PXA-H701 is sold separately. The operation method
using this control unit (sold separately) is printed in this instruction manual.
However, if you use head units such as the IVA-D300 series or the IVA-D900
series, you can also operate the PXA-H701 from these head units (Items
such as AUTO TCR and navigation system voice guidance interruption
settings can only be operated from the Control Unit). For more details on the
head unit operation, see “External Audio Processor (Optional)” in the
instruction manual for the head unit.

It looks like all you need is Ai-NET support in your Alpine head unit:

Quote:

The PXA-H701 can be used with any head unit. However, only an Alpine Ai-NET compatible head unit will be able to
take full advantage of all the features and functions of this processor.

Good luck!

RedGTiVR6 · 12-31-2005, 03:57 PM

you won't be dissapointed by going with the alpine....it's a great unit, best for the money out there!

Merzbow · 01-02-2006, 02:03 PM

The H701 is da bomb. Any AINET head unit can turn it on remotely and control its volume (from what I'm told), but only the IVAs and the DVAs can change its settings from the HU.

scott_fx · 01-02-2006, 11:43 PM

i have 2.1 in my car and the sound is so much better then my old pci soundcard to an audio control 24sx and I still have it hooked up with analog not digital!

bob^ · 01-04-2006, 05:07 AM

DVA-9560 can control everything except auto time alignment. Manual is the way to go anyway.

unixxx · 01-09-2006, 06:23 PM

Well, I bought the PXA-H701 and the RUX-C701, but didn't get the power cable, display -> DSP cable, nor the microphone. I'm just going to order the power and display cables from www.pacparts.com The question is what sort of microphone do I need for the speaker calibration. The official replacement one that pacparts is selling is $52.77. Would any standard PC microphone work or do I need to have this specific one. The DSP has the same mini jack on it that standard PC microphones use.

3onDubs · 01-10-2006, 11:00 AM

I'll go home and look at the microphone when I get off work, but from what I can remember, it looked like a pretty standard miniature microphone (like the ones that come with cell phones, but without the ear part). The only other thing that it had was a little clip so that it could clip to the headrest. Its not totally necessary to use though...i managed to adjust mine manually

RedGTiVR6 · 01-10-2006, 11:14 AM

it's easy for someone who knows a bit about what they are doing to adjust, but if you are really green...it might be intimidating, thus the mic gets you going making things a bit easier for you

turbocad6 · 01-10-2006, 11:19 AM

the mic is almost useless....... I through mine out

RedGTiVR6 · 01-10-2006, 11:24 AM

unixx - do you have any tuning experience at all?

if so, don't worry about it

if you have NONE, get a mic (if it's just a generic mic that is) and let it get you a baseline to work from

turbocad threw his out, but I know he's got some decent experience in tuning too, so it's kinda a moot point IMO...lol