About the Alpine PXA-H800
Frustrated by the way your car audio system sounds? You're not alone. Even so-called "premium" factory systems often have serious limitations in the sound department. Alpine built the PXA-H800 digital sound processor for one purpose: to deliver pristine sound to aftermarket amps, speakers, and subs. It takes control over your sound before you send it to an amplifier, stripping away hard-coded factory settings and starting from scratch. You'll even find speaker-level inputs, which lets you hook up your factory stereo or another source that lacks preamp outputs.
Makes any system sound spectacular — even a factory system
Frustrated by the way your car audio system sounds? You're not alone. Even so-called "premium" factory systems often have serious limitations in the sound department. Alpine built the PXA-H800 digital sound processor for one purpose: to deliver pristine sound to aftermarket amps, speakers, and subs. It takes control over your sound before you send it to an amplifier, stripping away hard-coded factory settings and starting from scratch. You'll even find speaker-level inputs, which lets you hook up your factory stereo or another source that lacks preamp outputs.
If you can't replace your factory radio...
In many newer cars, the factory radio also controls critical functions like climate controls and safety systems. That makes for a convenient interface, but it can make it difficult or impossible to install a superior aftermarket receiver. But if you still crave pristine sound, you can keep your factory look and feel — and let the Alpine PXA-H800 handle the sound processing. (This processor works with aftermarket stereos, too.)
Audiophile-grade components are the key
The PXA-H800 features four Wolfson 24-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) — this is what turns the digital information from your iPod® or a CD into an analog signal your speakers can play. All systems have some sort of DAC, but the Wolfsons found in the PXA-H800 are normally only found in professional recording equipment — the same sort of equipment your favorite artist probably used to record your favorite song.
Advanced digital processing puts you front and center
The driver's seat has a built-in disadvantage in any audio system: it's not in the center. You have at least four, and more likely six or more speakers in your car. But you're sitting right next to one or two of them, so your music might sound like it's pulling to the left. The PXA-H800 adjusts the timing of all the speakers in the car so their sound arrives at your ears at the same time, effectively moving the soundstage to the center where it belongs. It's like sitting in the front row center at a concert.
Digital magic helps overcome car audio limitations
Alpine knows that a moving car creates somes challenges in the sound department, such as road noise and differing speaker configurations. To compensate for these and other situations, they've built some clever functionality into the PXA-H800, such as:
- RoadEQ: Automatically applies frequency-level adjustments to cancel out road noise.
- MediaXpander+: Helps digital files (like those on your iPod) sound better by compensating for frequencies compromised by the compression process.
- 5.1-channel surround sound: Decodes the Dolby® Digital and DTS® Surround formats when you set up a mobile movie theater in your ride. The PX-H800 can also decode Dolby Pro Logic II recordings, so you can enjoy surround sound from a stereo movie audio track.
- Bi-Phantom: Uses your front left and right speakers to create a virtual center channel, which enhances vocal quality in a 5:1 surround system.
- Euphony: Creates natural surround sound from stereo audio recordings, so you can enjoy surround sound tunes.
Control the PXA-H800 from your dash
You'll need Alpine's RUX-C800 in-dash controller (sold separately), so you can tweak your sound on the fly. You can also change sources and view detailed info about your system. It looks a bit like an in-dash receiver and comes with an installation kit.
Hone your sound to razor-sharp perfection
Alpine gives you a bevy of ways to get exactly the sound you want. The easiest way is ImprintEQ, which uses an included microphone to optimize the signal for the acoustics in your car, then allows you to tweak the settings manually if you wish. If you'd rather take control from the start, you'll find some serious equalizers: 31 bands for each of the five channels, plus 10 bands for the subwoofer. You'll also find a 10-band parametric EQ for each of the five channels, plus a 5-band parametric EQ for the subwoofer. Connect the PXA-H800 to your laptop to get a nice graphical depiction of your audio settings, plus the ability to store different settings for later recall — handy if you plan to move the processor to another vehicle now and then.
Variety of connections
Connections include front, rear, center, and sub channels with both speaker-level and RCA inputs, plus two digital optical inputs. There are also two Ai-NET connections for hooking up Alpine gear, along with 8-channel preamp outputs for feeding a 4-volt signal to aftermarket amplifiers. The preamp outputs are configurable to accommodate a variety of audio setups, from bi-amped front speakers, to full surround sound.
Important Note: The PXA-H800 is designed to drive an aftermarket amplifier (sold separately). The RUX-C800 wired remote controller (sold separately) is also required, unless using an "Imprint"-compatible Alpine receiver. In addition, you'll need a Windows PC.
Product highlights:
- audio processor for use with any receiver
- delivers pristine sound to your aftermarket amps, speakers, and subs
- IMPRINT sound technology adjusts receiver output to match vehicle acoustics
- four 24-bit Wolfson digital-to-analog converters
Sound tuning:
- ImprintEQ with three presets and customizable target curves
- 31-band graphic EQ (front, rear, center) plus 10-band for subwoofer
- 10-band parametric EQ (front, rear, center) plus 5-band for subwoofer
- RoadEQ to help compensate for road noise
- high-pass, low-pass, and bandpass crossovers
- Bi-Phantom creates a virtual center channel
- surround sound decoding, plus Dolby Pro Logic II decoding
- 8-channel time correction
Connections:
- Alpine RUX-C800 wired remote controller (500RUXC800, sold separately) is required, unless using an "Imprint"-compatible Alpine head unit
- 6-channel speaker-level and RCA inputs (front, rear, center, sub)
- two digital optical inputs
- navigation voice guidance input (RCA)
- 8-channel high-power preamp outputs (4-volt, configurable)
Other info:
- dimensions: 6-11/16"W x 2"H x 8-1/2"D
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # PXA-H800
What's in the box:
Alpine PXA-H800 owner's manual
- System integration audio processor
- Wiring harness
- 18' Ai-NET extension cable
- 16.5' USB cable (with a USB type-B connector on one end and a USB type-A connector on other end)
- Six 9" Speaker-to-RCA cables
- Microphone (with attached 19.5" cable terminated by a 3.5mm connector)
- Visor clip
- Adhesive tape
- 2 Velcro fasteners
- 4 Mounting brackets
- 4 Hex-head self-tapping screws
- 4 Machine screws
- Setup Disc Software Installation Disc
- Owner's Manual (En/Fr/Sp)
- Installation Manual (En/Fr/Sp)
- Supplementary Manual (En/Fr/Sp)
- "Automatic Time Correction/ImprintEQ" note
- Online Product Registration card
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Features
System Integration Audio Processor: The inherent sound quality inside a vehicle varies widely. Numerous factors; including media used, vehicle type, speakers, etc. contribute to this inconsistency. The Alpine PXA-H800 System Integration Audio Processor is able to compensate for many of these factors to optimize the sound automatically. The processor allows you to upgrade your vehicle's factory or aftermarket sound, in conjunction with an aftermarket amplifier, while leaving all of your factory or aftermarket equipment and controls intact. The Alpine PXA-H800 lets you keep the look and functionality of your vehicle's factory radio or your aftermarket head unit; including steering wheel controls, Bluetooth wireless technology, DVD video capability, navigation, iPod support, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Auxiliary inputs, and more. The PXA-H800 also maintains control over the sound using your vehicle's factory or aftermarket radio volume control. The PXA-H800 provides all the audio processing functions necessary to enable your factory or aftermarket system to reach the highest levels of sound quality.
- The Alpine PXA-H800 can be used with a factory or aftermarket radio. However, it does require the use of an aftermarket amplifier (sold separately).
- The Alpine RUX-C800 wired remote controller (500RUXC800, sold separately) is required to operate the PXA-H800 System Integration Audio Processor, unless using an older "Imprint"-compatible Alpine head unit (current Alpine receivers do not support direct connection of the PXA-H800 without the RUX-C800 controller).
- A Windows PC is required for the Sound Manager Software.
Audiophile-Grade Components: A series of ultra-high performance audio components have been built into the PXA-H800 to achieve the heritage quality sound of Alpine.
- A complete 6ch analog-to-digital converter, the CIRRUS CS5366, is ideal for audiophile sound quality. The ADC uses a differential input architecture, which provides excellent noise rejection.
- To reproduce the sound source without degradation, two ultra-fast accurate 32-Bit floating-point SHARC DSP's are used for high-performance and rich audio feature applications.
- The use of four Wolfson 24-Bit D/A converters (normally a component found only in professional recording systems) help to ensure superb detail and soundscape.
ImprintEQ: ImprintEQ is a hardware/software combination that can overcome the acoustic problems present in every vehicle interior. ImprintEQ obtains the optimum acoustic effect from each seat position, based on the automatically measured acoustic data of vehicle's cabin. The software will optimize the sound stage, tonal balance, and definition automatically. You can measure up to 6 listening positions (All, Front, Front Left, Front Right, Rear). Once the automatic acoustic measurement is complete, the ImprintEQ will provide 4 target curves to choose from.
- Reference: Enjoy the rhythm and balance of music to the best acoustic effect, suitable for the vehicle interior.
- Reference w/ Mid-Range Comp: Select this if the tweeter and midrange speaker are installed in the dashboard, and mid or high frequency range harshness is apparent.
- Linear: A linear (flat) acoustic effect is actualized. This setting recreates the balanced sound of a studio listening room.
- User: Allows you to adjust the target curve manual from -6 to +6 dB.
Time Correction: Digital Time Correction lets you achieve optimum sound staging by ensuring that the sounds from all speakers reach your ears at the same time. The time correction feature delays the audio signal to the speakers closer to the listener. This effectively creates a perception of increased distance for those speakers. Time Correction allows the listener to be placed at an equal distance from all speakers for optimum staging. Up to 8 channels can be automatically or manually corrected, from 0 to 20ms in 0.5ms steps.
RoadEQ: Even superior sound can be degraded by road, wind and air conditioner noise. RoadEQ takes the internal and external inputs and cancels out the noise to deliver optimal sound to your ears. It compares the original and recorded signals to create frequency-specific level adjustments to cancel the noise components. This powerful processor performs these operations at 48,000 times per second. The RoadEQ compensates for constantly changing noise, so always keep the included microphone connected. The mic should be installed on your sun-visor with the included clip.
MX (Media Xpander) Plus: MX (Media Xpander) Plus restores and enhances sound quality that is lost in the recording or transmission processes. This exclusive Alpine technology is especially good for making compressed digital audio files from iPod or other media players sound better. It is also effective for older recordings on CD, and improves the bass from factory-installed speakers. This helps to improve music clarity even in a cabin with loud road noise. There are various MX Plus settings to choose from based on your listening content.
- Compressed 1-3: This corrects information lost in the compression process and reproduces a well-balanced sound close to the original. By supplementing mid- to high-frequency sound data, the sound is reproduced with more brightness and ambience.
- Music 1-3: Lower register sounds (drums, bass, etc.) and vocals are emphasized for clean and clear output.
- Cinema: Video dialog is reproduced more clearly, while action movies are reproduced with more powerful sound.
- Action: Action movies are reproduced with more powerful sound.
- Drama/Talk: The dialogue portion of a video is reproduced more clearly.
Graphic and Parametric EQ: The PXA-H800 provides either graphic or parametric equalization.
- 31-Band Graphic EQ: The Graphic EQ divides the audio band into 31 individual bands. Each band is individually controlled to balance the sound and enhance detail. The Graphic EQ provides 31 bands (20-20kHz; 1/3 octave steps) for each of the five speaker channels, plus 10 bands (20-160Hz; 1/3 octave steps) for the subwoofer channel; with gain from -12 to +12dB.
- 10-Band Parametric EQ: The Parametric EQ has fewer bands, but gives more control over where the band is located in the audio spectrum. You can also control how much overlap with adjacent frequencies (Q-factor). This provides you with a sound control feature of professional-level which allows you to adjust an extremely n arrow range in pin-point fashion without affecting the neighboring sound regions. You get 10 bands (20-20kHz; 1/6 octave steps) for each of the five speaker channels, plus five (20-200Hz; 1/6 octave steps) for the subwoofer channel; with detailed Q-settings (0.5/1.0/1.5/2.0/2.5/3.0/4.0/5.0) and gain from -12 to +12dB.
Digital Crossover: The PXA-H800 is equipped with a digital active crossover. The crossover limits the frequencies delivered to the outputs. Each channel is controlled independently. Thus, each speaker pair can be driven by the frequencies for which they have been optimally designed. The HPF (high pass filter) cuts the lower frequencies and allows the higher frequencies to pass. the LPF (low pass filter) cuts the higher frequencies and allows the lower frequencies to pass. The slope and level of each channel is also adjustable.
Digital Crossover | Cutoff Frequency Adjustment Range | Slope | Level | |
---|---|---|---|---|
HPF | LPF | |||
Front High | 20Hz to 18kHz | 22Hz to 20kHz | 0 (Off), -6, -12, -8, -24, -30, -36 dB/octave | -24 to 0 dB (in 0.5 dB steps) |
1kHz to 18kHz (tweeter only) | 1.1kHz to 20kHz (tweeter only) | |||
Front Mid | 20Hz to 18kHz | 22Hz to 20kHz | ||
Front Low | 20Hz to 18kHz | 22Hz to 20kHz | ||
Rear | 20Hz to 18kHz | 22Hz to 20kHz | ||
Center | 20Hz to 18kHz | 22Hz to 20kHz | ||
Subwoofer | 20Hz to 180Hz | 22Hz to 200Hz |
Phase Selector: You can adjust the phase (0° or 180°) of each speaker (Front High, Front Mid, Front Low, Rear, Center, Subwoofer).
Level Adjustment: You can independently adjust the level of each speaker channel (Front Left, Front Right, Center, Rear Left, Rear Right) from -10 to +10 dB. You can also adjust the PXA-H800's subwoofer output from 0 to 15dB in order to increase your system bass output without increasing the overall volume.
Surround Sound: The Alpine PXA-H800 System Integration Audio Processor supports up to 5.1-channel surround sound from multi-channel and 2-channel sources.
- Dolby Digital/DTS: Enjoy true 5.1-channel surround sound just like your home cinema system. You can hear multi-channel sound from movie and music sources in the Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround formats. With Dolby Digital, the dynamic range is compressed so that powerful sound can be achieved at regular volume levels. This compression can be cancelled to achieve an energetic sound with even great power, like the sound in a movie theater. This can be set to Standard or Maximum.
- Dolby Pro Logic II: The PXA-H800 also provides Dolby Pro Logic II decoding, so you can even enjoy stereo recordings in surround sound. You can choose between a Music or Movie mode. Music mode allows you to adjust the center width which provides the optimum vocal localization by adjusting the center channel position in between the center speaker and the L/R speakers.
- Euphony: Euphony makes it possible to enjoy 5.1-channel sound from 2-channel sources. It creates natural surround sound from CD or iPod with wider soundscapes and harmonics. It especially enhances vocal and instrumental quality, for a superior sound field and no listener fatigue.
Rear Mix: This function mixes the front channel audio signal with the audio signal output from the rear speakers, improving the sound in the vehicle's rear seat. This is used in a system where there is no subwoofer and rear speakers can product lower frequency sounds than the front speakers. The Rear Mix can be set to -6, -3, 0, +3, or +6 dB.
Center Bass Split: Turning on this function sends the center channel low frequencies equally to the front left and right speakers. this enhances the overall sound when using a small center speaker. This is used when the center speaker has a small diameter and cannot produce low frequency sounds. You can set the Center Bass Split function to 200, 225, 250, 280, 315, 350, 400, 450, or 500Hz.
Speaker System Output: You must select your system's Speaker Configuration and Speaker Settings before running the ImprintEQ auto correction software.
- Speaker Configuration: Select what type of speaker
configuration you have in your vehicle.
- 4.2ch (System 1): 2-way front speaker + rear speakers + subwoofer
- 2.2ch (System 2): 3-way front speakers + subwoofer
- 4.0ch (System 3): 3-way front speakers + rear speakers
- 5.1ch (System 4): 2-way front speakers + center speaker + rear speakers + subwoofer
- Speaker Settings: Select what type of speakers
you have in your vehicle.
- Front High: full-range, tweeter, or off
- Front Mid: full-range
- Front Low: full-range or off
- Rear: full-range or off
- Center: full-range or off
- Subwoofer (1/2): on/off
- Subwoofer Output: stereo/mono
External Microphone: The included external microphone must be placed at ear level inside your vehicle during the automatic measurement process, (a camera tripod is useful for this purpose). The direction of the microphone will not affect the measurement. During the automatic measurement process, your vehicle should be parked in a quiet location with the doors, windows, and sunroof closed; turn off the engine, heater, and AC. The microphone is permanently installed on your vehicle's sun-visor for the RoadEQ function.
Controls
Sound Manager Software: Use the supplied Software Installation Disc (ver.1.1) to install the Sound Manager Software onto your Windows laptop. This software is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and 7 (32-bit editions only). Once you have downloaded the Sound Manager Software onto your laptop, you can then connect the PXA-H800 to your laptop with the supplied USB cable in your vehicle. An easy-to-use GUI will appear on your computer's monitor that guides you through the automatic measurement process and lets you make detailed audio settings. You can store six different tuning presets on your laptop for later selection or for use to tune different vehicles.
Remote Control: The Alpine RUX-C800 wired remote controller (500RUXC800, sold separately) must be used to setup and control the Alpine PXA-H800 System Integration Audio Processor, unless you have an "Imprint"-compatible Alpine head unit. The Alpine RUX-C800 provides a convenient way to adjust the PXA-H800's settings from your vehicle's driver seat. The remote provides full command of the PXA-H800's settings & functions. The RUX-C800 is equipped with a 3-way rotary knob and six push-button controls that let you adjust the Alpine PXA-H800's settings, as well as switch sources, adjust volume, and mute playback. The Alpine RUX-C800 in-dash controller features a BioLite display that provides detailed information regarding audio functions and settings. The BioLite display takes advantage of biochemical luminescence technology to deliver maximum visibility in daylight and provides a wide viewing angle. You can adjust the unit's button illumination between blue and red to match your vehicle's interior lighting. The RUX-C800 comes with a flush-mount bracket to custom install the remote controller in your vehicle's dash. The RUX-C800 also comes with two-side tape to simply adhere the wired remote controller to your dash.
"Imprint"-Compatible Alpine Head Units: "Imprint"-compatible Alpine head units that feature an Ai-NET connection allow control over the Alpine PXA-H800 System Integration Audio Processor without the need for the Alpine RUX-C800 wired remote controller. A compatible Windows PC will still be required (see "Sound Manger Software" above).
Connections
6ch Audio Inputs (Aux Input): With six low-level (RCA) inputs, you can connect six channels (Front, Rear, Center, Sub) of sound from an aftermarket head unit which features preamp outputs. You can also choose to connect additional audio source devices (based on menu settings). With six speaker-to-RCA adapters, you can also connect six channels of sound from almost any factory or aftermarket head unit that does not have preamp outputs. There's no need for separate line output converters. The PX-AH800's Aux Input offers several settings.
- Aux Input Configuration: You can setup the unit's
6ch audio inputs to accept input from a single audio source, two audio
sources, or three audio sources.
- 5.1ch Input: Aux 1 (Front Left/Right, Rear Left/Right, Center, Subwoofer); this is the setting normally used to connect an aftermarket or factory head unit
- 4ch + 2ch Input: Aux 1 (Front Left/Right, Rear Left/Right), Aux 2 (Left, Right)
- 2ch x 3 Input: Aux 1 (Left, Right), Aux 2 (Left, Right), Aux 3 (Left, Right)
- Aux Input Level: You can adjust the unit's Aux
input level to prevent distortion.
- High: use this setting when the volume level of the external input is too high
- Low: use this setting when the volume level of the external input is too low
- Aux Volume Level: You can adjust the volume level of the PX-AH800's Auxiliary Input (6ch) from -10 to +10 dB.
4V/8ch Audio Outputs: A 4V/8ch preamp signal feeds the audio from the PX-AH800 to your aftermarket amplifiers and speakers, allowing a substantial sound quality upgrade. The PXA-H800 has the ability to operate a full-range, 2-way, or 3-way front speaker output system configuration, with rear speakers and sub.
2 Digital Inputs: The Alpine PXA-H800 features two optical (toslink) digital inputs for connection of an external automobile-grade Blu-ray/DVD player.
2 Ai-NET Connections: The PXA-H800 is fitted with two Ai-NET ports for connection of an Alpine head unit or changer which also features an Ai-NET connector.
Optional Auxiliary Input: The KCA-121B (500KCA121B, sold separately) allows you to adapt the unit's Ai-NET port to a stereo RCA (Aux) input for connection of an additional non Ai-NET device.
The Alpine PXA-H800 replaces these items
Alpine PXE-H660
- equalizes and shapes factory stereo output for optimal performance when adding aftermarket amplifiers and speakers
- IMPRINT automatic sound tuning with included microphone
- time correction
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This a great item for any audio setup whether sq or spl great piece it is a great oem replacement but brings back that old school alpine sound From the old school sq head units i was looking for pair it up with a line driver and sound that wow's any crowd
Jose from Idaho falls Idaho