Hi folks!

I have a 2004 Coupe and want to upgrade my factory fitted CD radio to the Alpine X305 and 400BT bluetooth unit.

I had somebody mention to me the other day, that the factory fitted stereo in the Crossfire looks like it's running on a low speaker input, and might be a problem getting a connector to change it so that the current speaker/sub system works with the Alpine unit.

Having sifted through many posts on this forum, people don't seem to be having a problem changing the head unit, indeed, the Alpine X305 has been mentioned a few times.

Do I take it that there won't be a problem fitting this unit into the car afterall?

Many thanks,
Nick

 

I have seen a few different setups using similar models (the marine version and somebody has a x303 i believe) without any problems. The harness needs to be wired up in a particular way but that seems to be the only "gotcha" if you will.

This Thread has a good step by step and instruction on the harness and entire install. If you order from crutchfield the included documents also have special instructions for the crossfire.

This thread talks about the stock amp being 4 channel and how to wire it up to control the subs/fronts independent.

I will be installing my own X305 this weekend and will post up my results/process in This Thread. I Have a couple questions outstanding (most likely due to the length of the post ) but I have it all pretty much figured out.

 

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...

 

Thanks very much for the replies. I plan to use the X305 with my Iphone 3GS. Hopefully the info you both have provided will help the guys who are going to install it!

Nick

 

Is this a fact? I did not see this anywhere else (guess I really wasn't looking, just assumed it would be like almost all other receivers) and I was planning to limit the front to >125 and the subs to <125 using the built in settings. I assumed these settings would be available on the pre outs without needing anything extra.

 

Bit of a delay in the response but to clear things up take a look at the online manual/pdf that explains the additional components needed to utilize the advertised functions:
http://support.alpine-usa.com/produc...DA-X305_EN.pdf

Hopefully this will clear up any confusion/misrepresentation from the marketing guru's.