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Alpine KTX-100EQ

IMPRINT™ sound tuning kit for the Alpine CDA-9887 CD receiver

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Item# 500KTX100E offer details

Item# 500KTX100E

Review Summary

27 people say  
 
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Alpine

Our take on the Alpine KTX-100EQ

Use the KTX-100EQ sound tuning kit to tailor the audio settings in your Alpine CDA-9887 CD receiver to best match your vehicle's interior. Connect the included microphone and place it in your preferred listening position in the vehicle — the KTX-100EQ uses impressive automatic sound tuning to take the guesswork out of setting up your system.

IMPRINT sound tuning technology
Load the supplied software onto your laptop PC, connect it to the KTX-100EQ via the included USB cable, and you're ready to adjust your system. Let the computer set the adjustments, or use the software to do it manually. You'll find a built-in 3-band parametric equalizer, manual crossover controls, and manual time-correction controls as well.

Once you have the sound tweaked to your liking, your Alpine stereo stores the settings in its flash memory. Even if you disconnect the car battery, the sound settings are preserved until you use the IMPRINT kit to change them.

Use it once and send it back
Making sound adjustments with the IMPRINT is a one-time process, so there's no need for you to keep the KTX-100EQ kit after you've used it. Normally, this kit is sold only to dealers, but Crutchfield wants to make this special offer to all you car audio "do-it-yourselfers" out there:

Use the sound tuning kit and then return in to us within 30 days. We'll refund the purchase price, minus a $50 re-stocking fee — that's less than you'd pay a dealer to adjust the sound for you. On the other hand, if you decide not to use the kit, return it to us with the software unopened and we'll refund the full purchase price.

What if you get a new car?
Just give us a call if you move your Alpine stereo to a new car. You've already paid to use the KTX-100EQ kit once, so we'll send it to you again free of charge so you can make adjustments for your new vehicle. As before, just return it within 30 days.

From the review The ultimate in system tuning
"While I thought my system already sounded great, this easy, D.I.Y.-friendly process showed me that I was listening to a muddy mess in comparison to how a properly EQ'd car stereo should sound, and it fixed it for me. It's astounding to me that, without changing any equipment, an upgrade of this magnitude can be achieved.. I'm truly blown away and want to share this discovery with as many people as possible. This kind of sophisticated real-time analysis could help even the modest gear to perform much, much better."

— Michael, Crutchfield A/V Editor

Get more info on this product

Highlights:

  • IMPRINT sound processor for use with the Alpine CDA-9887 CD receiver to create the perfect listening space in your car
  • rental kit minimizes your expense — use it, then return it for a full refund minus a $50 restocking fee
  • automatic or manually adjustable 3-band parametric EQ, high- and low-pass filters, and time correction
  • included microphone lets the IMPRINT measure the acoustics in your vehicle
  • sound settings are stored in your Alpine stereo's internal memory
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee

Note: Sorry, Crutchfield cannot ship Alpine products to Guam or Puerto Rico.

 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • Imprint Sound Manager module
  • Audyssey microphone with attached 25' cable terminated by a gold-plated 3.5mm minijack
  • 16.5' USB cable with a USB type-A connector on one end and a mini-USB type-B connector on other end
  • 6.5' Connection cable with a proprietary connector on each end
  • KTX-100EQ/CDA-9887 Setup Disc V.1.1
  • Owner's Manual
  • "Display Properties" note
  • "Separate Amplifiers" note

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Overview: The Alpine KTX-100EQ IMPRINT Sound Manager is a calibration software kit designed for the exclusive use with the Alpine CDA-9887 CD headunit and includes the following - Interface Module Box, Proprietary Connection Cable, USB Cable, Setup Microphone and Setup CD-ROM. The software program available on the included CD-ROM, used in conjunction with the included interface box, cables, microphone, CDA-9887 headunit and your laptop PC all work together to automatically capture and measure sound responses from inside your vehicle. Four microphone positions are recommended. The software offers an advanced application to correct time/frequency problems using MultEQ, and achieves the optimal listening experience from every seat in your car.

Imprint Technology: IMPRINT technology automatically overcomes your vehicle's inherent acoustical challenges, and improves the sound stage, tonal balance, and definition. The system measures the entire listening area of your vehicle, capturing frequency and time domain information from each listening location inside your vehicle, and then applying a proprietary method for combining this information to represent all seat locations of your vehicle. This results in a maximized listening experience in all seats. It does all this by using the following techniques.

  • Time And Frequency Alignment: It corrects both time and frequency problems simultaneously, resulting in improved sound stage and smoother, more natural sound.
  • Dynamic Frequency Allocation: It uses dynamic frequency allocation to apply hundreds of points of correction to those areas where the sound problems are greatest. This results in better sound using less computing resources (MIPS) Millions of Instructions per Second than other systems.
  • Low-Frequency Crossovers: It determines optimized blending points for low-frequency crossovers.

MultEQ: MultEQ, developed by Audyssey Labs, automatically corrects the audio for the listening environment inside your vehicle. The system is optimized for selected positions in the vehicle. Using MultEQ, the system can be tuned to match your taste, with the complete tuning process taking approximately 20 minutes. MultEQ along with the IMPRINT software and hardware captures frequency and time domain information from the vehicle's actual acoustical environment and quickly identifies any problems. It then creates a set of equalization filters to correct frequency response and time domain problems for each speaker in the vehicle. It also removes sound distortion caused by the specific acoustical problems in the vehicle by applying unique FIR filters, using more than 500 points along the frequency spectrum per channel. This optimizes the sound reproduction to the specific vehicle listening environment with much greater precision than has been achieved up until now using typical graphic or parametric equalization. The result is a more accurate, dimensional soundstage, and smoother, more natural sound optimized to match your vehicle.

Computer Requirements: The Alpine KTX-100EQ Imprint Sound Manager CD-ROM software requires the following PC system environment - Microsoft Windows XP (Service Pack-2 System),
Microsoft.NET Framework 1.1 (If this application is not installed on your PC, the application is automatically installed with the software program.

Note: The measurement data cannot be stored on your PC hard disc but is memorized by the Alpine CDA-9887 headunit.

Interface Module: The Imprint Sound Manager interface module features the following connections.

  • To MIC: This is a 3.5mm minijack output on the right side of the module used to connect the supplied Audyssey setup microphone.
  • To HU: This is a proprietary port on the right side of the unit used to connect the supplied connection cable from the interface module to the Alpine CDA-9887 headunit.
  • To PC: This is a mini-USB type-B port on the left side of the interface used to connect the supplied USB cable from the module to your laptop's USB type-A port.

Note: PC or laptop operation should be operated outside the vehicle during system calibration.

Setup Microphone: The Audyssey Setup Microphone features a non-skid padded base and a bottom-mount threaded tri-pod insert. The setup microphone also includes an attached 25' cord terminated by a gold-plated 3.5mm minijack. The microphone is placed inside the vehicle during calibration. It should be place in a vertical position at ear level according to the location required by the Imprint Sound Manager screen on your PC or laptop. A minimum of two measurement locations should be taken but four measurement locations are recommended. A maximum of six measurement locations are available. Six measurement locations will take approximately 40 minutes to complete. 

Dimensions: Dimensions for the included interface module and setup microphone.

  • Interface Module (with cables): Width = 5.969", Height = 0.715", Depth = 2.702"
  • Setup Microphone: Width = 1.597", Height = 2.935", Depth = 1.597"
 

Product Reviews

Review Summary

Average Customer Review:

27 people say:
5 Star:
(14)
4 Star:
(6)
3 Star:
(3)
2 Star:
(1)
1 Star:
(3)
 

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1-10 of 27 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

KTX-100EQ Review

Written By Michael, Charles City, IA on Saturday, October 18, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
So I bought Alpine's CDA-9887 head unit and at first I was not very impressed any more than my previous Pioneer. I could not get the mid range to sound right. It sounded like a radio and the highs were off. So I decided to invest in Alpine's KTX-100EQ. When you tune your system, make sure the levels on the amp for the sub is cut back to almost nothing. For some reason, it doesn't like bass very much so you have to turn it back up when you're done.

After running the testing, my music improved like you wouldn't believe. It moved the soundstage to exactly where it's supposed to be. I have Infinity's 4x6 plates in the doors and the music sounds like it coming from the windshield. In the rear are two infinity 693.9i's and two 12" Infinity reference subs. The high's are perfect, the bass is snappier, the mid range is perfect. It would be impossible to do this by ear alone, even for a professional. I used to talk on my cell alot when I drive, but now i find myself ignoring calls so I don't have to put my music on pause or turn it down.

I would recommend buying the kit from crutchfield.
5 out of 5 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

KTX-100EQ WOW!!!

Written By Kurt von B, College Station, Tx on Thursday, August 21, 2008
 
After installing a CDA-9887 in my 2007 Honda Civic Si, I was anxious to try the new Imprint Technology.
Along with the CDA-9887 I am running a PDX-150 Alpine amp to CDT seperates up front and to CDT coaxials in the rear. A PDX-600 powers a Eclipse 12" sub in the rear.
The KTX-100EQ was very easy to hook up. I used a Vista powered Dell laptop. After my research and trial and error using the KTX-100EQ 12 times I have some tips that worked great for me.
Before you start do the following:
1. On the CDA -9887, turn your bass and treble to zero. Adjust the subwoofer control down to 2 or 3.
2. On the 4-channel amp, turn your gains down to a little less than half.
3. On the subwoofer amp, turn the gain down to 1/8, or barely on, and raise the cuttoff to 140-160. Also put the subsonic filter on its highest level.
4. I tried many different microphone placements to get the best sound but settled on the Front setting that utilizes six different settings in and between the two front seats.
5. I used a foot long piece of flat romax wire which I attached the microphone to with some duct tape. I easily attached this to various places on the sunroof and hung it at ear level.
6. After running the program, adjust your gains back up on your 4 channel amp. Turn your gain up to 3/4 on your subwoofer amp and adjust the cuttoff back down from 140-160 to 50-75.
After running the Imprint program with the KTX-100EQ, I must say I am utterly and totally amazed.
8 out of 8 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Much better

Written By TT, Huntington Beach, CA on Monday, March 16, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
Excellent service received from Crutchfield in regards to shipping time and return policy. We have the alpine cda 9987 head unit and when we used the kit, the sound is so much more clearer and evenly distributed around the whole car. It amplified the music dramatically and now I totaly love to drive.
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5 out of 5

Simply amazing!

Written By Russell, Tampa, FL on Thursday, November 20, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
I used this on my 2006 Jetta with my Alpine 9887 and factory speakers.
When I initially installed the stereo I drove around for a day loving the
sound, then I used the "Imprint" to tune it... WOW! Even with factory VW
speakers the sound just blew away the competition Alpine sound system I
have in my Camaro. I plan to get a 9886 for that car and get Boston
Acoustics speakers for the Jetta so I bought it for future upgrades. I am in
awe!
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Alpine KTX 100eq

Written By dr john, Germantown, TN on Monday, June 23, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
Set up is in a BMW 530i sedan. I tried it out 5 different ways. I prefer the Left front set up the best. Make sure your mic placement is just in front of your ears and the last setting exactly were your right ear rests on the headrest. If not the sound will favor the right side of the car. I ran this set up 3 times before getting it perfect. The vocals are superb and crisp. I can hear the artist tongue scraping against her teeth and lips. The base notes and drums hit with perfect sync. I am running several amps and front stage with a boston 12 GT2 subwoofer.

john
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

BOSE KILLER

Written By alan, DONNA,TX on Sunday, November 18, 2007
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
TheAlpine KTX-100EQ is easy to use made the set up perfect kick bose butt,
I used all alpine in my 2006 GMC CREWCAB 6 1/2 component R front 2 way rear 2 10" R subs PDX AMPS sounds unbelievable
3 out of 4 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Alpine KTX-100EQ

Written By JOSE, MIAMI,FL on Friday, October 19, 2007
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
This is by far the best thing ever!!! it just takes all the guess work and all the hassle of tuning your radio. This EQ compliments the CDA 9887 and its worth every penny. Plug and play right into the front of the radio without the faceplate on. The only thing i had to do was play with the gain settings on both of my amps to get my favorite sound of heavy bass and crystal clear highs WOW! what a difference and i thought my settings were good without the mulltieq. You will need a camera tripod if you dont have one so that you can set up the mic that comes with this EQ at ear level on each seat front and back. It takes about an hour to complete so make sure you turn off every light in the car so that you dont kill your battery i didnt have that problem because i have a 20farad cap. I never thought that music could sound so great at every seat in the car this is what this EQ does it tunes your radio according to the acoustics in your car. take my word for it buy this item you wont regret it...
37 out of 40 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Very well investment

Written By Khoa, Long Beach, CA on Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
This is probably the best head unit that I've ever purchased. Here's my setup:
2002 Audi TT.


Alpine CDA 9887.
JL XR650CSI.
JL TR650.
JL 500/5.
JL 8W3 (2 of them).



My system I say is pretty decent. I wanted to go w/ all JL since they are known for amps and speakers, however for the deck, I knew it had to be a high performance, thus Alpine was my first choice. I needed something w/ many manual tuning modes, since I do all the tuning myself.



With all installation completed, my music sounded very clear overall, but I was not able to dial into the right note when the guitar plucks, or when the drum kicks. My soundstage was also bad, as I keep on touching the dial on different music. Though the head unit allowed me to have a time-delay in my speakers, my ears were not satisfied after hours spent on the tuning. Finally I decided to let the tuning kit do the work. It comes w/ a very precise microphone which make the calibration very accurate.
My car is only 2 seater, so I only used 4 testing locations. 2 is adequate, and you can do up to 6 positions. I ignored the rear passenger testing locations, and only used the (3) front, and 1 rear setup. I did tried the 6 setups once, and it was too straining on my car's battery, w/ no significant difference.

After the tunning, my system clearly opened up! The plucking of the guitar was bright and crispy, the drum were dead on beat, and the soundstage is just amazing. Alpine suggest setting your input half way if it is for powering the subwoofer. I recommend you lowering it all the way down during testing then crank it up half way after testing is done. Alpine is very conservative w/ the bass seting. You will have to experiment if w/ yourself to understand what I mean. I have ran the kit 12 times before I was happy w/ it. Simply because I wanted to experiment w/ different locations, input settings, etc...

Final setings are as follows: (1) center front, (1) center rear , (1) FR, (1)FL.
I know can listen to music I often hear, and unexpected notes are comming out very clearly. Im quite happy w/ the tunning kit. W/o it, it would have taken me at least a few weeks to tune my system right. The price is worth opening up the potential of my deck. Great job Alpine!
11 out of 13 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Another great innovation from Alpine

Written By Jay, Melbourne, FL on Monday, December 10, 2007
 
If you are looking for the ultimate sound quality setup for your car the KTX-100EQ is a very valuable tool. I used it with my CDA-9887 head-unit to tune my fully upgraded setup consisting of: Alpine 6x9 Type-R rears, 6.5 Type-R component fronts, dual Type-R 12's in a sealed box, PDX-1.1000, and PDX-4.100. Once the MultiEQ feature is activated the overall sound is perfectly balanced. The bass is deep, tight, and accurate, the midrange is strong, and the highs are crisp and clean. MultiEQ still allows the user to adjust bass, treble, and subwoofer level while engaged, to allow for the sound to be adjusted to your own taste. Although the manual states that the software only works with Windows XP SP2, I was able to use it on my laptop with Vista Home Premium. Also, consider using a battery tender while tuning as the process takes almost an hour.
3 out of 4 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

INCREDIBLE

Written By Jacob, Madison, WI on Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
I read some pretty bad reviews on this site, and I don't understand why.

Here's what I have for speakers in my '02 Trailblazer:
Infinity Kappa 60.9cs in the front, Infinity Kappa 62.9i in the rear (front and rear running off Infinity 475a), and 2 old Audiobahn subs running from a 1200 watt Legacy amp.

I turned the levels on the Legacy amp just under half-way like the instructions said, and I have had absolutely no problem with the bass lacking. The bass in all speakers and the subs is crisp and punchy, and the overall sound is just incredible. I think that those who haven't had the best results may not have powered speakers and are just running them from the head unit, because like I said there is no problem with the bass.

Everything was easy to set up, and it took around 35 minutes for the entire setup. I had thought that the sound in my car was pretty good before this, but this honestly was the best $ I've ever spent. The sound is incredible.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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1-10 of 27 items >>

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For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Alpine KTX-100EQ, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_500KTX100E/Alpine-KTX-100EQ.html ).

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