When car manufacturers partner with high-end audio brands like Bang & Olufsen, Bowers & Wilkins and McIntosh, consumers have little reason to upgrade their car stereo. Add to the fact that so many new automobiles now come with integrated touchscreens in their dashboard, it’s nearly impossible to install an aftermarket car audio system.
Although the trend is for automakers to embed touchscreens in the center console, there are still millions of cars that use the standard 1-DIN chassis for car audio.
For such vehicles, Alpine has two new touchscreen solutions to modernize your car entertainment experience. The 2022 models include the iLX-F511 (11-inch) and iLX-F509 (9-inch), which are part of Alpine’s Halo Floating Touchscreen In-Dash Car Receiver line-up.
Both include a High-Resolution WXGA Display (1280×720), High-Resolution Audio Playback, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Each differ only in screen size and price.
Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in Bluetooth hands-free calling with audio streaming allows access to music, messages, phone calls, and maps on a smartphone via either a wired USB connection or wirelessly. These features are controlled through touch or voice commands with the included external microphone.
An industry-first for aftermarket receivers, the iLX-F511 and iLX-F509 feature SiriusXM 360L, which combines satellite and streaming content delivery for even more choices in entertainment (SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit sold separately; SiriusXM subscription required). Built-in HD Radio is also included for additional entertainment options.
On-board tuning features bring out the full potential of music playback with a 5-band graphic EQ or 13-band parametric EQ per channel, for continuous frequency control. The 6-channel time correction ensures that music is staged properly in the front and center of the vehicle. If more power is needed, additional amplifiers can be added using the three sets of true 4V preamp outputs with front, rear, and subwoofer control.
While the iLX-F511 and iLX-F509 are mech-less (no CD/DVD player) an HDMI input and output are included to connect a DVD player or even a smartphone for an all-digital audio and video connection through a single cable.
The new RUX-H02 Alpine Halo Subwoofer Controller (sold separately) easily mounts to the Alpine Halo Display and allows quick-access controls to the subwoofer and main volume through a wireless Bluetooth connection. The sleek, tapered lines and silver trim of the RUX-H02 compliments the Alpine Halo Display design.
Expandability Options
Although the Halo Car Receivers solve most car stereo needs out of the box, added functionality for navigation, camera integration, and car interoperability cost extra.
The iLX-F511 and iLX-F509 include front and rear camera inputs to add a front or rearview camera (sold separately). The rearview camera includes a distance guide display that overlays guidelines onto the screen for ease when moving in reverse. Multiple camera angles can be viewed with the KCX-C2600B Universal Front and Rear Camera Selector (sold separately).
Take driving safety even further with the DVR-C320R Premium 1080P Front and Rear Dash Camera with built-in drive assist (sold separately), compatible with the iLX-F511 and iLX-F509.
While the iLX-F511 and iLX-F509 do not have built-in navigation, the new KTX-NS01 Navigation Module (sold separately) provides seamless, on-and-off-road navigation, as an option. This is delivered through the Navigation Module, designed to plug into the receivers via USB connection for a convenient way to access the latest maps on the display.
System Compatibility
Upgrading dash technology can often result in a loss of factory functionality such as steering wheel controls and access to engine codes. However, the iLX-F511 and iLX-F509 are compatible with the iDatalink® Maestro Module (sold separately) allowing select OEM features to be retained and vehicle information displayed on the screen.
Features:
- 11-inch (iLX-F511) and 9-inch (iLX-F509) WXGA High Resolution Display (1280x720px)
- Tapered display housing and silver trim for a clean, modernized fit and finish
- Floating style display with adjustable height, depth, and angle mounting bracket
- Standard 1-DIN chassis designed to fit aftermarket ISO DIN dash kits for various vehicle applications
- Hi-Res Audio Playback
- Works with Apple CarPlay® (wireless and wired)
- The Google Assistant is available on Android Auto™ (wireless and wired)
- Bluetooth® built-in for hands-free calling and audio streaming
- SiriusXM-Ready®/ SiriusXM NGS-Ready® (SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit sold separately; SiriusXM subscription required)
- Built-in HD Radio®
- HDMI Input and Output
- Aux Input
- Dual USB Input
- iDatalink® Maestro Connectivity
- DVR-C320R Alpine Dash Camera Compatible (camera sold separately)
- Media Xpander®
- Navigation Compatible with the KTX-NS01 Navigation Module (sold separately)
- MP3/WMA/AAC/FLAC/APE music playback via USB
- H.264/MPEG-4 AVC/MP4/MOV/FLV/MKV video playback via USB
- JPG/PNG/BMP USB photo viewer
- Front/Rear camera inputs with distance guide display
- KCX-C2600B Universal Front and Rear Camera Selector ready
- Steering wheel remote control ready
- External microphone included
- Built-in amplifier (16-watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
- 3 preouts (True 4V)
- 5-band graphic EQ or 13-band parametric EQ (per channel)
- 6-channel time correction
- 24-bit DAC
- High pass crossover/low pass crossover: Front/Rear/Subwoofer
- CTA-2006 compliant
Improvements
Although the previous generation Alpine Halo models from 2020 look similar (models iLX-F409 and iLX-F411), there are some significant upgrades for 2022.
- WXGA High Resolution Display (1280×720; previously was 800×600)
- Hi-Res Audio Playback
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- SiriusXM 360L (with optional tuner; tuner sold separately)
- DVR-C320R Alpine Dash Camera Compatible (camera sold separately)
- Navigation Compatible with the KTX-NS01 Navigation Module (sold separately)
- 5-band graphic EQ or 13-band parametric EQ (per channel)
- High pass crossover/low pass crossover: Front/Rear/Subwoofer
Until a new video is published, this video does a nice job explaining the features, even though it’s for the 2020 models.
Price & Availability
The Alpine Halo iLX-F511 and iLX-F509 will ship in February 2022 and will be available at Alpine Authorized retailers and at Preferred Online Stores. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.
Alpine iLX-F509 (9-inch) – $999.95
Alpine iLX-F511 (11-inch) – $1199.95
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