Actually, I am finally going to get a chance to hear the system for the first time tomorrow morning. I probably wouldn't have chosen the same unit if I wasn't going to go the surround sound route. The HU doesn't have a "surround" processor (ie DTS, Dolby Digital, etc) built in, so you have to add one on. Currently the system is using the PXA-H510 (Doby Digital) processor, but I was told the new PXA-H700 is in transit to my installer and that will decode Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II. Ccondo has the same system installed (TME 760 and 7996) so maybe he can comment...

 

First off - I love this head unit. I really like the XM, I like the fact that it is a XM/CD/DVD/MP3cd/CDvideo player.

The only downfalls I feel is that it doesnt have any kind of onscreen interface for when listening to regular cds or mp3 cds. Something would have been nice.

The only other thing is the lack of a surround sound processor. Although you can get an external, it would have been nice for at least basic dolby pro logic or something built in. This is not that big of a deal to me though, because other than the sunglasses container, I cant really think of a good place for a center channel.

I give it 9.5 / 10.... so far.....

 

those of you that have the Alpine LCD screen, just wondering if u guys are using the LCD's speaker.
cuz when i installed everything for my friend, i found out u can use the lcd as a center channel. Hook up all inputs to the main brain then hook up the audio output(from main brain) to your HU. If you guys havnt done that, go do it!

 

Speaker IN the monitor????

I did see it has a volume control - but no speaker? - I might be wrong?!?!

HUH... Need to check into that - that would be perfect for a center channel.

 

Yea, the alpine 760 has built-in speaker.

 

yes its got a speaker...but I found it wasnt nearly loud enough.

I had the dealer install an alpine amplified external speaker so I can hear my NAV over da Bose.

BTW...center channel? DVD? in a Z??? what gives?

 

my friend has nothing thats hooked up to the screen yet, but the other day i hooked up a xbox in there jus for fun. and i accidentally found out u can use the lcd speaker along with other speakers. so y waste it when u can use it as a center channel.

 

Looks like there are alot of Alpine fans driving Zs these days. I just got mine back with almost all Alpine setup. I had 2-10' MTX subs so I did not buy new ones....yet! I have the 7996 HU also. Along with the 510 sound processor, and the 760 monitor. A 450 -5 channel amp pushes SPR176 components upfront, SPS170s in the back plus the 2 subs.

I gotta agree with previous comments about the video interface between the HU and the monitor...there ain't none unless you have a DVD in. Would be nice to be able to spice up your MP3 with a little video goin'on without having to save all your MP3s as MPGs, and not getting as many on a disc.

Someone asked about Alpines security...are you talking about not being able to watch DVDs while driving? Only with the parking brake on? Someone broke it, 'cause mine works fine while driving, not that I would ever do it of course! And heck no, the speaker in the monitor is nowhere good enough to use as a center channel.

 

The alpine LCD comes with a single wire...u just connect that to the harness and hook it up to the ground. Thats how you break the "sercurity". The alpine LCD provides that wire for you. Yes the lcd speaker isnt great, but i m just saying why waste it when u can use it. All you gotta do is connect the audio RCAs. (that only works when you have a HU with audio input, cuz i m guessing all indash DVD players have direct output to the speakers already, u will not connect the audio RCAs to the main brain)