[vkhandelwal]

I first used Alpine when I bought their IDA X100 and the Audessey DSP, which were compatible. That was almost two decades back. I found that to be excellent and reliable.

I recently purchased a car ( Creta Nline), that came with Bose audio system. I started looking for products to upgrade its audio system, and when I found a product like PXE-C80-88 optiM 8, I watched few videos. I was excited to see the specifications and options for having one in all DSP+Amp.

The decision mainly involved branding and did not involve much research. When I started configuring, I found it was a half-baked product with buggy firmware. It has been a year, and they are still working to release updated firmware with better capabilities. More information here :

Alpine Optim8 PXE-C80-88 Processor/Amplifier with Automatic Sound Tuning Post #400
https://www.diymobileaudio.com/posts/6317035/


I have been struggling with the Alpine India contacts and dealers to get a solution or replacement, but they all are not responding despite multiple attempts to contact them.

I have placed an order for a Helix DSP, but I am surprised to see such a response from a brand like Alpine. I am now planning to escalate this to Alpine Japan and Asia Pacific. Let us see if anyone gives an ear.

Based on my experience, I would not recommend anyone to go with their products without any research and caveats considered. it is not that Alpine which you might know.

[condor]

Have you thought of taking help from a good audio installer to get the configuration done - just in case you have missed something ?

[vkhandelwal]

Originally Posted by condor

Have you thought of taking help from a good audio installer to get the configuration done - just in case you have missed something?

The firmware incapability has been acknowledged everywhere. Please see the link that I shared from DIYmobileaudio where I have also contributed,
I have done multiple things, such as using REW with calibrated microphone measurements. Manual matrix routing, time Polarity, phase check, time alignment, etc.. helped somewhat, but the the DSP is limited in function

The biggest drawback is the architecture of using the final curve with limited configuration capabilities and post-manual EQ on each input. They have also removed manual anti-eq for high-level inputs. The mobile app cannot change the EQ, and input cannot be routed as it was with previous firmware. It seems to target people interested in auto eq and quick configuration rather than custom detailed configuration.

I am from Indore, where there is no qualified tuner and audio installer for the SQ Setup I aim for. I have got the components and all the stuff from different cities. I have checked with other city installers, but they seem more interested in selling stuff than identifying and resolving the issue. The nearest town with some expertise will be 600-700 Km away. As of now, I cannot spare 6-7 days to travel.

I am also struggling to get a custom Apillar for a 3-Way active setup for Creta

[151d0r3]

Hi, thank you for sharing this. I own a Creta N Line N10 and planning an ICE upgrade too and thanks to you I can rule out the alpine DSP amp out of the list. I have a couple of questions though.
1. Did you retain the center channel ? If yes what speaker did you use for the center channel.
2. Did you use the hi level input in the amp and how did the front components come as 2 hi level inputs or 4 ? (Do i need a DSP with 6 hi inputs or 8)
3. Did the upgrade create any problems with the system chimes like the startup sound, seatbelt warning and the call quality ?

Thanks you in advance.

[Sbk__Audiophile]

Originally Posted by 151d0r3

Hi, thank you for sharing this. I own a Creta N Line N10 and planning an ICE upgrade too and thanks to you I can rule out the alpine DSP amp out of the list. I have a couple of questions though.
1. Did you retain the center channel ? If yes what speaker did you use for the center channel.
2. Did you use the hi level input in the amp and how did the front components come as 2 hi level inputs or 4 ? (Do i need a DSP with 6 hi inputs or 8)
3. Did the upgrade create any problems with the system chimes like the startup sound, seatbelt warning and the call quality ?

Thanks you in advance.

Let me post the answers in order.

1. The center channel is not every DSPs cup of tea. Unless the DSP has the processing power theres no point in going centre channel. Helix software is capable to do centre channel. Decent DSP with good tuning skills can make imaging at centre without one.

2. Skipping this. Make sure you consult some good tuners with your budget for DSPs.

3.That issue comes up if the amp gains are turned up. Means you have an installer you better not visit again.

[151d0r3]

Originally Posted by Sbk__Audiophile

Let me post the answers in order.

1. The center channel is not every DSPs cup of tea. Unless the DSP has the processing power theres no point in going centre channel. Helix software is capable to do centre channel. Decent DSP with good tuning skills can make imaging at centre without one.

2. Skipping this. Make sure you consult some good tuners with your budget for DSPs.

3.That issue comes up if the amp gains are turned up. Means you have an installer you better not visit again.

Thank you sir, this is very helpful.