Alpine PXA-H701

The only game in town

Not much else out there that you can still buy new right now that can do what the H701 can.

I don't use the surround decoding feature, I use it to run 3 way front end plus sub.

Bottom line, this has 8 independent channels that each have full adjustable Xovers for high pass, low pass and bandpass with selectable slopes from 6 to 30db.

You have independent Graphic EQ or parametric EQ for left and right pairs. So each output has it's own EQ.

You can also set time alignment for all 8 outputs, including the sub outputs, this is something most units won't allow you to do, assuming your subs will automatically be the farthest, this isn't always true.

Other great features are you can switch the phase on each output as well as adjust the gains for each channels.

Cons are few, you can't use both the GEQ and PEQ at the same time, as well as the PEQ won't allow you to chose frequencies that are to close. You can't for instance boost both 60hz and 80z.

It doesn't need to much ventilation, mine is hidden away and has gone threw one hot summer and no problems at all.

This is the processor of choice, it does it all.

I use the RCA inputs (not the optical) and it's not noisy at all as long as the volume on the RUX C701 controller isn't to high.

This is the best tool to adjust for the challenges found inside a car to create a great sound stage.

This unit is very easy to use if you know what the settings do and how they work, however it's not for the amateur, a "newbie" could get easily lost and thats the only reason it's not 5 starts all around.