Alpine ILX-207

7″ Mech-Less Audio/Video Receiver

Alpine ILX-207 Review

Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Pinterest
Tumblr

If you’re looking to upgrade your car’s sound system with the latest in mobile friendly technology, it doesn’t get much better than the Alpine iLX 207.

For a few decades now the folks at Alpine have been making some of the best automobile focused sound equipment in the industry. The iLX 207 is a big leap forward, particularly when it comes to combining the power and connectivity that mobile devices with a traditional aftermarket sound system.

Connecting your mobile device (running Android or iOS, it makes no difference) to the Alpine iLX 207 extends its functionality big time. You can do so through your charging cable or via Bluetooth, something will dig into a little bit more in just a second, giving you total control over your mobile device as well as your multimedia features built into the Alpine iLX 207.

To learn a little more about everything that this head unit brings to the table let’s dive a little deeper.

What’s in the Box

Right out of the box you get a Double DIN head unit from Alpine that includes:

… And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The entire unit comes pre wired and ready to be installed in any Double DIN ready vehicle, but it also includes an owner’s manual, trim ring, camera input adapter, 5 foot USB extension cable, and antenna designed to work with GPS units, self-adhesive mounting pads, and all of the hardware you need to screw this unit into your vehicle.

Best of all, the entire unit is effortless to install from top to bottom even if you haven’t ever installed aftermarket sound equipment into your vehicle before.

The folks at Alpine are renowned throughout this industry for making installation process as easy as can be. It might take you 60 minutes (or maybe just a little bit longer) to get everything ready to go even if this is the first time you’ve tackled this kind of project.

The prewired components and integrated wiring harness set up really streamline the installation process quite a bit.

Key Features

One of the biggest reasons the Alpine iLX 207 is so popular is that this receiver works so well with such a wide array of mobile devices.

People are going to be able to easily connect their Apple or Android device directly to this receiver with no difficulty at all, taking full advantage of either the built-in Bluetooth connectivity or hardwired/charging cable connectivity that really makes this receiver something special.

Once you are connected Apple Car Play or Android Auto are immediately fired up and ready to be taken advantage of. You’ll be able to easily access these applications thanks to the 7 inch VGA capacitive touchscreen that acts as the central hub of the Alpine iLX 207, but you’ll also be able to use the standard Alpine applications if you choose to go in that direction, too.

The 7 inch capacitive touchscreen really feels like a tablet permanently installed in your vehicle. You’ll be able to swipe, pinch, and tap away at the screen of the Alpine iLX 207 the same way that you use your phone or tablet regularly. That makes the learning curve in using this hardware almost nonexistent.

Tight integration for voice control helps to separate the iLX 207 from the rest of the pack as well.

Again, Car Play and Android Auto tools can be used with the voice control/navigation features. You’ll also be able to use text to speech capabilities, voice command options, and the voice control features of your smart phone or tablet through the Alpine iLX 207, too.

This means you can make calls, send texts or emails, find your favorite music, or use your navigational system all without having to take your hands off the wheel – or your eyes off of the road.

While the iLX 207 does not include a built-in CD player you are going to have access to pretty much any digital media source imaginable. The built-in high definition radio tuner comes in crystal-clear while on the go, but you also have the opportunity to play media from your phone (including streaming media) with AUX and USB inputs.

The iLX 207 is also is ready for Sirius XM straightaway (though you’ll need a subscription to use this feature), making it easy to get set up with your favorite music, sports, and entertainment from this satellite radio platform.

HDMI input and output options are available, dashboard camera and reverse camera features are built right in, and you’ll have the opportunity to tie the navigation of this receiver directly to your steering wheel controls (like OEM equipment) with no difficulty, too.

Lastly, the aftermarket accessories you can purchase direct from Alpine to extend the capabilities of your new iLX 207 are second to none.

Alpine external accessory controllers, camera modules, CD/DVD player features and so much more can all be used with this receiver. Everything from Alpine (and most options from third-party accessory manufacturers, too) are plug and play kinds of accessories that don’t require a lot of installation time, either.

Specifications

Apple / Android Compatibility

The real star of the show with the Alpine iLX 207 has to be the tight integration of both Apple and Android automotive software systems.

Apple Carplay is one of the most universally beloved automobile accessory operating systems on the market today, and for good reason. It works wonders with iPhone and iPad devices on the go, but it also features and uncluttered and easy to navigate user interface that works a lot like those beloved Apple devices, too.

Android Auto has come a long way over the last 10 years or so and is now right up there with Car Play from Apple as far as features and usability are concerned. You’ll have access to all your favorite applications and all of your mobile device capabilities through this tight integration, making the Alpine iLX 207 a breeze to use even if you are installing it in your first car ever.

The voice control and command components that integrate with your mobile device through these compatibility options help to separate the iLX 207 from the rest of the pack. Being able to easily navigate through the Alpine iLX 207 system and use your phone or tablet to send texts, emails, or make calls without ever taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road is a game changer.

FAQ

As long as you can accept a Double DIN receiver in your vehicle you shouldn’t have any trouble installing the Alpine iLX 207 in your car, truck, or SUV.

100%! Streaming music through your mobile device over Bluetooth, USB, or AUX connectivity options is a breeze. You’ll need a mobile data plan if you’re streaming from the cloud, though – though you can stream music saved to your mobile device without an active data plan, too.

You can use the 7 inch capacitive touchscreen on the iLX 207 to watch TV shows and movies, though if you want to watch DVDs or Blu-ray discs you’ll have to purchase an extra accessory (and maybe even get the extra HDMI input/output adapters if you’re using the solo connection already).

There is full support for GPS navigation through the Alpine iLX 207, with all the wiring included to use Alpine navigation, Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze right out of the box.

Final Verdict

At the end of the day, you get a lot of value for the money when you choose the Alpine iLX 207 to be the heartbeat of your car’s sound system.

Pros
Cons

Featuring brand-new, cutting-edge automobile audio and multimedia technology not featured anywhere else, top-tier engineering and a beautiful 7 inch touchscreen – all combined with the legendary reputation Alpine has for durability, reliability, and support – this is easily one of the best car receivers on the market today.

Combine all of that with the fact that it is (relatively) inexpensive when compared to its closest competitors and you’re looking at a bit of a no-brainer decision here. Throw in the tight integration with Apple and Android devices as well as the ease of installation and there may not be a better receiver on the market today than this one.

Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Pinterest
Tumblr

More to explore:

JVC KW-Z1000W Review

JVC KW-Z1000W JVC KW-Z1000W: Ultimate car entertainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and stunning 10.1″ capacitive touchscreen. Check Latest Price

Read More »

JVC KW-V960BW Review

JVC KW-V960BW JVC KW-V960BW Built in Wi-Fi for Wireless CarPlay Android Auto, CD/DVD 6.8″ LCD Touchscreen Display, AM/FM, Bluetooth, MP3 Player, USB

Read More »