Another successful Alpine iLX-W650 install

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Apr 11, 2021 | 05:33 PM

cytowing

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From: Birmingham, Alabama

Another successful Alpine iLX-W650 install

The Bose amp in the passenger side woofer failed a few months ago so I decided to chuck all of the Bose stuff (not a fan) and install an Alpine iLX-W650 head unit with the KTA-450 amp. I replaced all 4 Bose speakers with JBL. Because I was not using any of the factory stuff I just did a direct wire job using new speaker wire etc. The only tie in on the factory wiring harness was for the power antenna. I put a flush mount USB port where the cigarette lighter goes. I am please with the sound overall, I am an audiophile and have a very decent home stereo system but don't really need high end for my vette. I just want to be able to hear it at highway speed with the top down. I could have spent more on speakers and made it even better but just didn't want to and I am not a fan of subwoofers except in home theater. I will probably sell the Bose stuff and some point.

Apr 11, 2021 | 07:14 PM

lewislgZ06

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From: Cunningham, TN

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Nice and clean!

Apr 11, 2021 | 08:40 PM

jdmvette

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It's a good start

Apr 11, 2021 | 09:01 PM

FrankLP

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Looks great! Nice install.

Apr 11, 2021 | 11:49 PM

mstromquist

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I like it too. Looks good.

Apr 12, 2021 | 12:10 AM

Vetteman Jack

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That is one very clean looking install. Congrats on a job well done.

Apr 12, 2021 | 01:13 PM

F1Fan

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Hey looks very nice! Did you need to do anything to tighten up the USB mount in the cigarette lighter spot?

Apr 12, 2021 | 01:54 PM

cytowing

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From: Birmingham, Alabama

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1Fan

Hey looks very nice! Did you need to do anything to tighten up the USB mount in the cigarette lighter spot?

It came with a locking nut, I just had to drill the opening out to 1 1/16, this is the USB I used. I only used the USB and nut, the other stuff is for external mounting if needed:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NAMU8KY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Last edited by cytowing; Apr 12, 2021 at 02:21 PM. Reason: add photo

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Apr 12, 2021 | 03:44 PM

wmupaprmkr

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From: Winona Lake, IN

That looks really nice and +1 for liking the flush USB port!

Apr 12, 2021 | 08:49 PM

#10

1bdvet

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Nice installations, and clean!

Apr 15, 2021 | 06:09 AM

#11

Chrisbequick

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From: Kansas

That's a good looking install! Did you use the optional clip-on amplifier?

Apr 15, 2021 | 08:22 AM

#12

cytowing

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From: Birmingham, Alabama

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrisbequick

That's a good looking install! Did you use the optional clip-on amplifier?

Yes, that is the KTA-450.

Apr 18, 2021 | 02:47 PM

#13

Moab

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From: Ontario

Looks good! Have you had a chance to try out Android Auto on it? Seems to be mixed reviews online about AA, otherwise it looks like a great head unit.

Apr 18, 2021 | 04:00 PM

#14

cytowing

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From: Birmingham, Alabama

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moab

Looks good! Have you had a chance to try out Android Auto on it? Seems to be mixed reviews online about AA, otherwise it looks like a great head unit.

Yes I have, the android auto works just as well as it does in my 2020 Explorer. No problems at all yet.

May 11, 2021 | 09:54 PM

#15

gavakie

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Backup Camera

Did you happen to hookup a backup camera. Just got the same one installed on mine and the backup camera works but wont automatically turn on in reverse.

May 12, 2021 | 10:49 AM

#16

JMG2

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From: US

the ilx is a fantastic head unit. hands down one of the best out there. Great looking install.

May 12, 2021 | 10:57 AM

#17

Fastclient

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From: MN

Very nice! Thanks for sharing.

May 16, 2021 | 06:37 PM

#18

cytowing

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From: Birmingham, Alabama

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavakie

Did you happen to hookup a backup camera. Just got the same one installed on mine and the backup camera works but wont automatically turn on in reverse.

No I didn't install a camera. Did you connect the trigger wire to the back up lights?