Walkthrough / Review Of The Alpine ilx-702D Multimedia Head-unit

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Today we will be taking a quick look at the very popular Alpine ilx-702D multimedia head unit.
If there is a product you're interested in or would like us to review just drop a comment below and we'll be happy to take a look for you!

[@basilrazzle6118]

I had a Sony xav 5000 and swapped it to the Alpine 702d for the time correction. I have to say hands down the Sony’s sound quality is much better than the Alpine. Sony is detailed and beautifully neutral but the Alpine is like listening to music through a wet towel (compared to the Sony) I was most disappointed.

[@maralfniqle5092]

Unfortunately it sucks at Android, and I am having USB cable connection problems, it was sold to me as one of the best blah blah. Somewhat disappointed I can only listen to my music via Bluetooth

[@madrarua1246]

I had autobarn install this unit. Just fitted a new battery now it's locked out. Went back to AB and said whats the code. They said dunno. Wtf do i do now?

[@wassimklai1220]

Can you take a picture of the wires alone so that I can understand their functions well? Thank you

[@regjennings6695]

Really useful run through! Well delivered! I like your no bullshit approach very much, thanks for your effort.

[@TheFittingBay]

Reg Jennings Thank you! Stay tuned we’ve got heaps more coming :)

[@modis111]

Great run through, first review I have found that actually showed and explained the connection ports.

[@bop2958]

Thank you, great review, I have this unit in a Ford Ranger running Focal speakers and amps and very happy with it special when listening to FLAC files.

[@TheFittingBay]

Bo P Thanks for that! Wow what a good setup I bet it sounds insane

[@ioannisntovellos4110]

Thanks for your video . I ve been to a electrician to install a DAB antenna and I tooked and now the usb not working at all and navigation not working 😢. I m taking back to him what are you think it is.;

[@jelbo64]

Thanks for the review. I'm curently deciding between this unit and the Pioneer AVH-Z9200DAB. I've got an Android phone.

[@TheFittingBay]

Jelle Goosens Alpine is definitely better quality wise. Capacitive touch screen, made in Japan. Feature wise pretty much the same but the alpine unit is what I’d be going for. I’ll put a video up showing how you can customise the opening screen too :)

[@Tomidlo1971]

I have the same concern. This unit is very cool, but Pioneer has removable screen to avoid stealing the whole unit :). Does Pioneer has an access code as Alpine?

[@kelvinyim4402]

Is the android auto function only available through the USB connection? If so, is there another Alpine unit that does it through bluetooth?

[@TheFittingBay]

Kelvin Yim Only available through USB. No one has a wireless solution for Android Auto yet but as soon as it’s released I’ll put a video up :)

[@robyl1085]

I have an iPhone and would like to watch music videos on KZbin, do I need the original Apple hdmi adapter?

[@claudiofalkiner237]

I can’t get HDMI connection with my iPhone can you help me please?

[@gauravlal8539]

Hi..have upgraded to alpine ilx 207 from alpine 265bt..i had connect2 module for steering wheel controls which had a 3.5 mm jack for connectivity with the headunit..however i am not able to connect with 207 as it doesnt have 3.5mm jack...can u pls guide for connectivity ?

[@TheFittingBay]

Gaurav Lal Hello! The 265BT has the 3.5mm plug on the back of the unit. The 207 has a different harness / plug. It’s a small white plug, the plug has a few wires / inputs coming from it. I’ll put a picture below. I’ve also circled the exact plug you need to plug into. So basically the small white plug goes into the unit then you can plug the connects2 3.5mm directly into one of the input.

[@TheFittingBay]

I can’t post a photo here. But here is a link to the unit photos. Have a look at the plugs coming from the unit. One of them (brown plug) has SWC INPUT. That’s what you need Link - www.crutchfield.com/S-c65wJOs194D/p_500ILX207/Alpine-ILX-207.html

[@markjohnston5234]

Is it possible to change the splash screen? There are numerous videos showing how to do it for example on the ILX-700 but that procedure doesn't work on the 702D.

[@TheFittingBay]

I have a video showing how to do it and it works on a 702D 100%

[@markjohnston5234]

@@TheFittingBay yes I had the file slightly off size, it works.

[@feralhunt]

You said in your review that the HDMI input supports mirroring. Have you tried this? Because I cannot get my phone to display on the unit using a HDMI adapter. Not sure if it's my phone or the unit. Thanks.

[@TheFittingBay]

Bob Bob Haven’t seen it on this unit. Have seen it work with the Halo 9 and they are the same platform. Make sure the HDMI cable in plugged into the input of the unit. And you’re changing the screen on the unit to HDMI. Then plug in your device.

[@vladimiroskaratzidis1609]

MY car has a USB port of its own and this unit is compatible with it. The question is can I connect a USB splitter so I can listen to music from a USB flash drive and use my phone for android auto?

[@TheFittingBay]

No it’s one at a time :)

[@superphilschneider]

Hey, great review - thanks! I wonder if this unit can take an input from an in-car video camera, since I would like to use this to monitor a rear-facing baby carseat. Have you done an install like that? I guess this could be done via the HDMI input or maybe the CAN I/F connector?? Any advice you can offer is appreciated.

[@yozu2651]

Have they got Waze working properly on these yet with iOS? Might buy this later this week.

[@TheFittingBay]

Yozu Yes Waze works fine with iOS now 😊

[@SSx700]

Hi, thank you for the review! I just had this unit installed in my old car yesterday. I notice that mine does not show the clock display. Neither does yours. Is that because the GPS signal was not connected to to unit?

[@TheFittingBay]

SSx700 No it needs to be setup in the settings 😊

[@SSx700]

@@TheFittingBay Can you show me how to do it please? I tried to find it in the owner's manual but it only has 2 options for Clock Display (12/24 hr format) and Time Adjust (which requires GPS signal port connected). On my unit's upper right corner, where the clock should be displayed, it keeps blinking "Searching for GPS" (of course because I bought my unit used so it didn't come with the GPS antenna). Thanks!

[@MrTerryTurtle]

i have a nissan qashqai 2018 st does this unit support sterring wheel control

[@TheFittingBay]

MrTerryTurtle Yes it does 😊

[@robertanderson5796]

When I shut down I get a whirring sound. Is this a cooling fan. I saw something in the video where you showed the rear of the unit. Is that a fan on the left hand side.

[@TheFittingBay]

Robert Anderson Yes it does have a fan. Is the whirring sound very light? (Not loud) and definitely coming from the unit (not speakers)?

[@robertanderson5796]

The fitting bay it’s almost inaudible. It has to be really quiet to hear it.

[@TheFittingBay]

Robert Anderson it’ll be the fan 😊

[@juanjoariza]

Thank you by the vídeo. I try update the firmware donwloaded from Alpine support web but unit doesn’t reconize the pen drive in the USB port. In the screen show “no music on Usb” Do you know where are my error?

[@snapshotian]

Does this unit have usb playback? As in mp3 on usb stick?

[@TheFittingBay]

Ian Larter yep 👍🏽

[@regnbean67]

Dear Nathan Advice please. I have a Alpine iLX-702D factory/dealer installed in my newly purchased Fiat Ducato campervan. The problem I am having is that when using Apple Car Play via the USB cable the signal and map image randomly and momentarily drops out. It usually restores itself but sometimes the iPhone needs to be unplugged and then plugged back in. I have tried several USB leads and two iPhones but the problem persists. I don’t believe the issue is a physical one insomuch if I drive over a pothole there is no break in the signal. Can you advise what the issue might be? PS - according to the Alpine Instalation Mausl for this unit a GPS antenna is supposedly included but there is nothing fixed to my dashboard. Might this be the issue and how do I identify if the GPS antenna is fitted, perhaps beneath the dashboard, without removing the head unit. Thanks in advance 👍

[@dchapps]

I know its an old video, but where abouts is turn on remote wire for amplifiers

[@TheFittingBay]

On the harness :) one of the blue wires

[@Thunder-cat]

you can play Netflix or KZbin in this unit with your iPhone?

[@TheFittingBay]

Yep VIA HDMI IN

[@zenscape]

Hi Thanks for the great review. Hope you can help me. I am now using an Alpine IVA 520E and am thinking of upgrading to this iLX-702D. I was wondering if this can fit in. Also, the iLX-702D manual mentions that Alpine has tested iPod Generation 5, 6, 7 and the function of earlier iPod cannot be guarantee. I have an iPod Classic 160 GB for the IVA 520E and do you think the iPod classic is compatible? The UK Alpine website states all ipod / iphone are compatible except iphone Gen 1 and 2.

[@hitominagisa92]

Really liked your review as I'm looking to get this head unit for my S13. I have a power antenna currently wired to the power antenna output on a much older alpine unit and it will only activate the power antenna when the radio is selected do you know if these units function the same with the power antenna connection ?

[@TheFittingBay]

Emily Harwood Yes they do. Alpine units generally use the same plug. In this case, it has the blue power antenna wire which only gets power when radio source is selected. They have another blue wire with remote out put (usually for an amp) this wire gets continuous 12v when the unit is switched on. Just make sure you connect the wire that suits. The remote can be used at antenna, antenna will stay up as long as unit is on :)

[@hitominagisa92]

The Fitting Bay Awesome ^.^ perfect for what i need :) . Thanks so much !

[@Kalib.m]

Is there a way to get onboard navigation without the use of phones?

[@TheFittingBay]

Kalib Muir Hi mate! Not with this exact unit. However Alpine have units very similar to this with on board navigation + the same great features. Keep in mind they are about 1k on top of this price

[@joelpham4624]

Hi. I'm wondering if there's any other head-unit having the same single din at the bottom back like this at the moment?

[@TheFittingBay]

Hmmmm good question. Maybe one of Sony’s XAV units. You could look at the Halo 9 or the XAV-AX8000? Floating screen style?

[@blindlyscambaiting2427]

Hi, thanks for the review. Do you know if this will fit inot a Hyundai IX35 2013 model?

[@TheFittingBay]

Marco Curralejo Yep it sure will. You’ll need a couple bits and pieces: Facia, steering wheel control retention. Antenna adapter. RVC retention if applicable. And then just needs fitting 😊

[@saneth123]

Can you bypass the parking brake on these by connecting wire to ground?

[@TheFittingBay]

Saneth Wijekoon you sure can :)

[@saneth123]

@@TheFittingBay awesome! thanks!

[@teonguyen4872]

Great Video Nathan! so great that i actually ordered one to install in my Cu2 accord euro. Would you be doing a complete fitting guide/install video for this head unit by any chance?

[@TheFittingBay]

We will do one ASAP :)

[@teonguyen4872]

@@TheFittingBay thank you Nathan, can't wait to check it out when it drops much respect to you brother 🤙

[@chrysincognitio3751]

Thanks heaps for the informative review. I'm thinking about upgrading from my Alpine CDE-w265ebt. When I bought that unit, CarPlay only existed on a couple of very expensive units. The problem I'm facing is that I'd love to load up a 500gb drive with some of my lossless music and be able to play from that while also using navigation (for example, Waze in CarPlay). I can't find any documentation that confirms this, but I'm assuming when CarPlay loads, any other audio source like USB or radio is automatically stopped? It would be a big help if you could let me know if this is the case. The only other way of doing it seems to be with a wireless HDD connected to the iPhone and Vox fetching those files for CarPlay playback which seems asking for problems, or buying a $2k iPhone with maxed out storage.

[@TheFittingBay]

Caconym Protagonist Hi mate, no problem at all. Yes I understand what you mean. If you’re playing radio and click CarPlay, radio will continue to play. The only way the current source of music stops playing is by pressing music, Spotify, podcast etc from CarPlay . It will then play the selected source. So the short answer is no. When you load CarPlay the current source of music will not stop. However. For CarPlay you need to use the USB port to plug in and this Alpine unit only has 1 USB input.

[@chrysincognitio3751]

​@@TheFittingBay Brilliant, thanks for your answer. Yeah, I realised this one only has one USB after I commented; I've looked at so many units it's hard to keep them straight in my head. I'm thinking I'll go with a Kenwood DMX8019S, or one of the higher models with capacitive screen if I can justify the extra expense. Five Star Car Stereo actually have a video explaining that you can play other sources with CarPlay on Kenwoods, just like you described. Now the only worry is making sure I get a unit that won't bog down on a 500GB or larger FLAC library.

[@TheFittingBay]

Caconym Protagonist no problem at all. Good idea, Kenwood make some great units. You should go to an auto part store with your hard drive and just test a few of the units 😊. That way you can determine which will support your hard drive before ordering something!

[@chrysincognitio3751]

@@TheFittingBay Yep, gonna do that today. Then I can have a play with the resistive screens and see how they feel too.

[@mazdare9835]

Awesome video mate really great and simple delivery. I just purchased the same head unit and I am going to install an aftermarket camera, can you please put up that video of your hard wiring from the camera to the alpine plug?? Cheers.

[@TheFittingBay]

JonosMazda RE Consider it done. I’ll have it up for you this week.

[@mazdare9835]

@@TheFittingBay Awesome, looking forward to it, thank you much appreciated.

[@TheHooon84]

I have this unit factory fitted in a UR BT-50. DAB has never worked and it wont recognise my android device when connected via HDMI. can you shed any light @thefittingbay

[@darylrobert3673]

great video, do you have to click "accept phone" everytime you plug in or start the radio or does it do it automatically?

[@TheFittingBay]

Yeah have to click it :(

[@darylrobert3673]

I just got mine today, auto would be good but its not bad. They could easily update the firmware.Also i am not using the sub out RCA's i will use them for the REVERSE & AUX input.

[@2ndchanceinlife]

Sweet!!! Would this unit sit perfectly flush for a Brz ?

[@TheFittingBay]

2ndchanceinlife Yep 👍🏽

[@mattb3367]

Informative video! Came across your channel while researching a new receiver, this unit was on my shortlist along with the Pioneer AVH-Z9150BT / AVH-Z9250BT and the Kenwood DDX9018DABS / DDX9019DABS. Is there much difference between the three, and what's your preference?

[@TheFittingBay]

Matt B Hi there! There is so many units to choose from! Honestly I’d go with the Kenwood DDX9019DABS: loaded with features, has wireless CarPlay which is the new big thing and also has a true capacitive touch screen. Next in line Alpine iLX-702D. The alpine unit is the one id pick almost every time : made in Japan, capacitive touch, all the great features but the newly released Kenwood DDX9019DABS is a game changer. It literally has everything and Kenwood is also a reputable brand.

[@mattb3367]

Thanks for the recommendation! I had a play with the Kenwood unit and compared it to the Pioneer and Alpine units. The interface runs much smoother and has a lot of options to customize the UI, so I'm set on the Kenwood :). I was also looking at getting a Blackvue DR900S-2CH, do you know if it's possible for the Blackvue to output to the Kenwood screen?

[@TheFittingBay]

@@mattb3367 Awesome! two really good picks in my opinion. You'll be impressed with the Kenwood unit. The BlackVue along with most other popular dash cams do not have a video output, so short answer is no unfortunately. I guess the question came up because you might have seen the Kenwood made dash camera? That is the only dash cam that will work with a head-unit and specifically a Kenwood head unit. The BlackVue is still 10x better option. Just thinking out loud you could buy the Kenwood WiFi dongle and hook that up which will give you complete phone mirroring and then use the BlackVue app on your mobile as usual and it will be displayed on the Kenwood screen :).

[@thereserae3135]

The Fitting Bay e

[@regnbean67]

Hi question for Nathan - if I want to add additional cameras (far view camera, side cameras) to this head unit do I have to add/purchase the Alpine camera interface or is there a way to add additional cameras? Hope to hear. TIA 😎👍

[@TheFittingBay]

You will need Alpine Camera interface :) or third party interface but Alpine will be better quality.

[@regnbean67]

Many thanks for the prompt reply. Keep the great videos coming 😎👍

[@regnbean67]

Hi Nathan - following up on my earlier question, I have purchased the Alpine multi camera (3 cameras) interface - Product Code/Model KCX-C250MC but cannot see how this connects to the head unit Alpine iLX-702D. I was expecting to be able to just plug the interface into the head unit and then, using the Alpine phono Alpine direct adapters, connect the cameras to the interface. Can you advise or help? Hope to hear. TIA 👍

[@OscrW]

Where exactly do you plug the mic in?

[@TheFittingBay]

OscR The small plug next to the main power plug labeled s.remote, has two 3.5mm female plugs. One for the SWC module and one for Mic :)

[@sammuirhead190]

Hi. Nice review. Does this unit support reverse sensors?

[@TheFittingBay]

Sam Muirhead Hi there, if you have optical parking sensors. You can use this head unit through the RCA input or the HDMI input . You will also need a third party module to retain the sensors and send the signal through said RCA Or HDMI.

[@MarstaJNZ]

Can you use the Carplay through bluetooth or does it have to go through USB

[@TheFittingBay]

MarstaJNZ Hi mate! Needs to go through USB. Alpine ILX-107 does wireless CarPlay

[@MarstaJNZ]

@@TheFittingBay Thanks. Might look into the ilx-107 . is that pretty much the main upgrade between the 107 and 702D.

[@TheFittingBay]

MarstaJNZ Nah 702D has way more features. The 107 has Radio and wireless CarPlay that is all.

[@MarstaJNZ]

@@TheFittingBay Thanks for the quick replies. And awesome videos

[@TheFittingBay]

MarstaJNZ no worries and thank you :)

[@greyphantome2617]

Hi where is this unit actually made?

[@TheFittingBay]

This one in Japan

[@greyphantome2617]

@@TheFittingBay thanks , how does this compare against INEW997D?

[@TheFittingBay]

@@greyphantome2617 INE has on board nav. So if you will use that, its better. Other than that they are basically the same.

[@liamedwards3049]

Would this head unit fit in a VE SSV?

[@TheFittingBay]

Yep :)

[@vSymezy]

Hi there, trying to decide between the ilx-702d or the ilx-w650e, could you please suggest which one you’d go for? Cheers

[@TheFittingBay]

Callan 702D all day. Can change splash screen on it, has DAB+ and better UI. Also it’s more expensive so it’s like the model up from the 650e. The 650 is great but for a little extra money this wins all day

[@miclewis55]

Thanks for the review...... Finally I have found someone giving info about the gps antenna. I'm still unsure though. Alpine say it is able to receive gps + glossnast signals so I was assuming it had an on board gps receiver with a socket for an external aerial . However you say it only has a gps aerial . So the iphones on board gps receiver automatically finds and uses the Alpine gps aerial whenever it is plugged in via usb ? Am I correct in this understanding ?

[@TheFittingBay]

miclewis55 Yes I believe it receives both signals through the GPS antenna provided (definitely GPS) but the unit does not have On-board Navigation. This is how it works: Your device is plugged in and you’re using Maps, you come into a low reception area, normally the map would freeze or work intermittently (on the phone itself). With the Alpine GPS antenna it will not do that as the unit will use GPS to help track the vehicle and direction. However if you loose reception completely you’ll also lose Maps. So it is more of an aid in picking up GPS reception.

[@miclewis55]

@@TheFittingBay Thanks for the reply .. I’m about to splash the cash on a carplay receiver .It’s an expensive unit so I’m thankful for your review .

[@jimmieblackmon7993]

I have this radio, do you know how I can connect headrest TVs to it ...or could you do a video on it ..thanks

[@TheFittingBay]

jimmie blackmon Hi there, what kind of head rests do you have? It’s a tricky one. The alpine head unit has HDMI input so your head rests needs HDMI output / if it has the HDMI output then it’s as easy as running a cable. This unit doesn’t have RCA (yellow, white, red plugs) input. And most headrests use the RCA for video and audio. So check it out and let me know - or give me the model number of the headrest and I’ll check for you

[@jimmieblackmon7993]

O have the rockville rhp7 headrest.

[@TheFittingBay]

jimmie blackmon Yeah these headrests only have RCA. You could try this m.catch.com.au/product/simplecom-cm401-composite-av-cvbs-3rca-to-hdmi-video-converter-1080p-upscaling-437639/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgqXfqebL4gIV1wRyCh04LwaYEAQYBCABEgLgqPD_BwE&offer_id=501733 This a product I found on google, never tried it so can’t say 100% if it will work but it’s worth a shot 😊

[@jimmieblackmon7993]

Last question, do I need to get the alpine hdmi cable or could I use any hdmi cable

[@TheFittingBay]

jimmie blackmon you can use your own HDMI cable. Just make sure the plug itself is small because it’s a tight fit in the unit.

[@kar130980]

Hai, between w650 and 702d which one to go for.The 702d pre out is too low to 2v and again feauture rich which one is better. am also looking into kenwood 9018.kindly suggest ur opinion

[@TheFittingBay]

Karthick Ramu Kenwood is the winner in this case. 2v output ?? I’ll double check that

[@frenchy2050]

Hey; great video! Does this support Spotify on the iPhone?

[@TheFittingBay]

Yep it does :)

[@alexandersandor7315]

tx good review