[Epic]

Originally Posted by Epic

Hello everyone!

I am in the process of installing a SQ setup in my Polo 1.6 and eventhough I have already confirmed all the equipment, I am looking at possibly upgrading my current P80RSII to a 2DIN which should be equally good or better than the P80RSII.

Now the two options I have come across are:

1. Alpine IVA-W520R
2. Pioneer AVH-P8490BT

Among the two, I am more inclined towards the Pioneer specifically because; it is a Pioneer and more user friendly and most importantly not very expensive at 30k. The Alpine on the other hand would still require the IMPRINT kit which would be an additional cost and I expect that to be almost 50k total.

My questions are:

1. Are the above two choices worthy to be compared to the P80RSII?
2. Will I get the same sound signature, if not better than that offered by the P80RSII?
3. If the above are a worthy option to the P80RSII, which one would be recommended?
4. Is there any other option?

Your help would really be appreciated.

Originally Posted by Epic

Hello everyone!

I am in the process of installing a SQ setup in my Polo 1.6 and eventhough I have already confirmed all the equipment, I am looking at possibly upgrading my current P80RSII to a 2DIN which should be equally good or better than the P80RSII.

Now the two options I have come across are:

1. Alpine IVA-W520R
2. Pioneer AVH-P8490BT

Among the two, I am more inclined towards the Pioneer specifically because; it is a Pioneer and more user friendly and most importantly not very expensive at 30k. The Alpine on the other hand would still require the IMPRINT kit which would be an additional cost and I expect that to be almost 50k total.

My questions are:

1. Are the above two choices worthy to be compared to the P80RSII?
2. Will I get the same sound signature, if not better than that offered by the P80RSII?
3. If the above are a worthy option to the P80RSII, which one would be recommended?
4. Is there any other option?

Your help would really be appreciated.

Ok guys!! After doing alot of research and also based on the replies I have got on this topic, I have decided to stick to my current P80RSII. I believe the only 'true upgrade' would be the 99PRS which I not only feel is pretty expensive at the moment but would be an overkill for my current setup.

However, I must say that I was more confused than convinced in the process and hence played it safe and stuck to my current P80RSII as everyone had their own point of views, some being rational and others just not making sense to me. For example :

- I was recommended the Pioneer 8490 to be a replacement (not upgrade) to the mighty P80RSII. Ofcourse, this was because I wanted a 2DIN but I don't know how it was compared to the SQ ability of the P80RSII.
- I was recommended the Alpine 520e. This was probably in par if not better (maybe better) than the P80RSII provided we use the IMPRINT kit. This was turning out to be very costly almost 45k I think. Another 5k to 10k would probably fetch me a 99PRS.
- The 80PRS - this confused me the most. As some told me that even though the build quality was not as good as its preceedors, it was better than the P80RSII specifically because it has a 24 bit DAC per pre-out. Others said it was just a P80RSII with direct iPod and Bluetooth.

Now the reason I have written this is not to question anyone's opinion or judge anyone by their opinion but to try an understand the above points and which hold true.

[Epic]

Hello everyone,

I have come across the new Alpine ICS-X8 headunit. Looking at the specs, it seems to be the only 2DIN in the audiophile league.

Here is the link http://www.alpine-asia.com/product/Audio-Visual

[Epic]

Hello everyone!

After doing alot of research on the different headunits available with features and SQ euqal to if not better than the P80RSII, I have finally purchased the Alpine ICS-X8! Main reason being that it has great functions - USB, GPS, Advanced Tuning Functions, Time Alignment, etc which are better than the P80RSII. Most importantly it is a 2DIN. What I really need to check is the SQ of this headunit but I have no doubt that it would be atleast in par if not better than the P80RSII. Will keep you guys updated once the install is done. A few pics of the unit.

[Epic]

Guys! Finally all equipment in place. Install expected next weekend.

Headunit : Alpine ICS-X8
Fr Comps : Gladen Zero 165
Rr Coaxials : Audio Systems CO 165 G Plus
4ch Amp : Mosconi One 120.4
RCAs X 02 : Gladen Zero Cinch 5
Speaker wires (15 AWG) : 25m
Single Amp Kit : Monster MPC P400 BAP1500

[mempheS.D]

Originally Posted by Epic

Guys! Finally all equipment in place. Install expected next weekend.

Eagerly waiting for the pics, epic!!!

[niv26]

How much is alpine unit cost ?

[jatinpatel]

Eagerly waiting for your setup review

Do let us know how do the Gladen 165 compos perform
and how much for the compos and the HU ?

[Epic]

Hey guys!

Finally got the time to upload the pics of the install so here it is.

Install happened in two stages which took two of my precious Sundays. We installed the HU and routed the wiring and left it loose for connection of equipment in the second stage. During this time the HU was connected to the stock speakers so that I am not left without music.

The second stage covered the damping and install of the amplifier and speakers.

[Epic]

So after a good one month with this install I must say that I am totally impressed with the outcome. I spent the last week in spending some time tinkering with the system and have seemed to get it right for myself.

I set the gains of the amp by using a digital multimeter and then used the parametric settings available online on the Alpine website to sort out the tuning and TA. All filters are 'Off' on the amp. The entire set up is running on the 'Flat' option but sounds awesome. I am getting the detail and mids and the crisp bass that I wanted. I am convinced that a sub is not required and I am extremely happy and satisfied with the outcome.

[tjacob]

looks like a sweet setup, congrats man. I doubt it but did u get all this hardware within the 60 -70k budget you've mentioned ?

[Epic]

Originally Posted by tjacob

looks like a sweet setup, congrats man. I doubt it but did u get all this hardware within the 60 -70k budget you've mentioned ?

Come on man! This is TBHP for God's sake! Budgets are always blown out of proportion here

The entire set up costed my a good 1.7 lakhs including install.

[bottle]

Wow thats a lot. One thing for you to check, recently I saw the 12v socket wasn't working and VW said that it happens with aftermarket installs if not done properly. Was yours ok ?

[Epic]

Originally Posted by bottle

Wow thats a lot. One thing for you to check, recently I saw the 12v socket wasn't working and VW said that it happens with aftermarket installs if not done properly. Was yours ok ?

Yes, I too feel that 1.7 lakhs is too much for a setup of just a headunit, 04 speakers and an amp. I do feel I went overboard with alot of stuff especially the wiring. Small additions kept increasing costs. For example, we had to get the distribution block as we realized that the 0 gauge wire would not go directly in the amp. Now this had to be imported and even though it didn't cost that much, but it still was an additional cost. The headunit was the most expensive among all the equipment but is a gem of a piece. So I have no regrets as in the end its all good.

Yes my 12V socket is fine as I used it just yesterday. I doubt there is a possibility of the socket failing due to an aftermarket ICE install. Its probably VW trying to pass the buck for a faulty part or maybe just a loose connection.

[97_Octane]

Congrats on the setup Epic! Glad to know that you're satisfied. (After spending 1.7l, you better be )

Can we have the price breakup? And why did you opt for damping by Focal?

[Epic]

Originally Posted by 97_Octane

Congrats on the setup Epic! Glad to know that you're satisfied. (After spending 1.7l, you better be )

Can we have the price breakup? And why did you opt for damping by Focal?

Lol!! Yeah I am glad I am satisfied too. I would kill myself if I wasn't

Price breakup is on page 3 but posting it again for your convenience. Prices are MRPs before discounts.

Headunit : Alpine ICS-X8 - 43k (purchased from Dubai. Costs 70k in India)
Fr Comps : Gladen Zero 165 - 28k
Rr Coaxials : Audio Systems CO 165 G Plus - 7k
4ch Amp : Mosconi One 120.4 - 33k
RCAs X 02 : Gladen Zero Cinch 5 - 2.4k
Speaker wires (15 AWG) : 2.5k for 25m
Monster Single Amp Power Cable - 16k
Xscorpion Distribution Block : 3.5k
Dynamat Xtreme : 7k
Focal BAM XL : 14k
Installation : 7k

The Focal BAM XL damping is meant specifically for door pads as they are spongy like acoustic foam but also have aluminium sheet in it. If used on the doors, they will probably absorb water.