Re: Alpine X305 Fitment
I have the x305 installed. The only gotcha I noticed aside from the previously mentioned wiring bug is that the alpine case that the deck clips into can not sit flush in the center console. If you line up the case normally the deck will be recessed too far, so make sure to flush it out evenly before you bend the tabs or screw it down.
FWIW there are four tabs on the top of the case that when bent properlly allow you to use the existing screws that hold the console together to hold the deck case in place. (run the screw between two tabs)
Regarding the deck, it works decent for ipod integration and on paper sounds like its very versatile but turns out quite expensive if you want to utilize those functions which are technically sold seperately. Considering I bought the unit soley for streaming audio I am left feeling like I did not do my homework.
The biggest kicker for non i-pod users is that it has an advertized aux input but this is not possible without losing the "Versatile-Link" input (Versatile Link Audio Adapter - KCA-121B 15.00) or the "bluetooth" input (KCE-237B $25.00), unless you buy the KCA-410 adaptor for $140... note that the bluetooth adaptor has been discontinued but can still be found online third party vendors.
HD Radio adaptor - TUA-T550HD 230.00
Bluetooth Interface Model - 140.00
Sirius Sat Radio - 80.00
Imprint Audio Processor - 180.00 (required to use the equalizer/crossover and other sound tuning functions)
I found the best solution is to buy an ipod if you want this deck period...but I had an old external hard drive enclosure laying around so I'm using that for now through the usb input (which is the only thing actually included with the deck) FWIW I had to format to FAT32 in order for the deck to recognize the drive...which limits you to 32GB.
I also found it strange that the deck has a "color" setting for the led and display is limitted to red and blue...(no green)...so it looks a bit out of place in the xf.
One final note is that the x303 comes with a nice insulated hard shelled carying box for the detachable face but the more expensive x305 only comes with a fabric pouch...