[JFidddy]

Fitted.

The functionality is great, the quality seems good to.

The only issue I have is the background hum that goes up with the volume. Do I need ground loop isolators?

I'm not sure whether I didn't notice it, but it felt like it wasn't making a noise when I first connected it, but maybe something else I've done has caused it?

I removed the iPod connector thing from the glovebox, not sure if that matters...

 

[Jasonl]

I fitted the kenwood ddx9717 decent unit went with connects 2 for steering wheel controls.full fitting kit

 

[GrantC]

Has anyone tried the Kenwood DMX7018DABS? I see a few have installed the slightly older version. I am having it fitted on Wednesday to replace the concert unit. I'll post a review once I've used it for a bit

 

[JFidddy]

So, my quest with the Dynavin N7-TT isn't going so well.

It's all fitted, but I have an annoying background noise that I can't get rid of, I've tried the filter box they provided, and I've tried some ground loop isolators that I bought from Amazon. I could handle a small amount of neutral white noise, but there's an annoying high pitch constant quiet beep that is just about annoying enough that I can't live with.

The rest of the unit is great, the Nav is great, the fitment, the sound quality, the screen.

I'm hoping I can get this noise resolved but otherwise I'll have to change it because it can't be lived with.

Anyone got any suggestions on what I can try? I've seen suggestions that it's normal to have some noise with an aftermarket unit because of the way it interfaces with the Bose amp, is this true?

 

[Jasonl]

Mine is connected to bose amp and there is not a pip of noise outta mine on any radio, cd, usb or bluetooth

 

[JFidddy]

Mine is connected to bose amp and there is not a pip of noise outta mine on any radio, cd, usb or bluetooth

Did you use any isolators or anything?

 

[Jasonl]

No just used connect2 fitting kit and all is well

 

[JFidddy]

I went for a Dynavin N6 TT for the following reasons
1. No blanking plates needed didn't like the look of areas of plastic in the aperture
2. Wanted Parrot Bluetooth for phone
3. Sat Nav, iPhone/IPod connectivity
4. Rear camera connectivity
5. Unit described as built for Audi TT with plug & play connectivity

So in use a little slow to boot up when you 1st start up but like the Audi logo on screen

Radio FM is good and has 15 presets

Displays heater controls on screen when you adjust them

You can view car temps for oil & water and battery condition on screen

Reversing camera don't fit the Dynavin unit as it takes up one of the rear numberplate lights, I had one fitted mid way between both

Sat Nav doesn't take UK postcodes so is the only negative EDIT does take UK Post Codes

Has USB aux connection, you can Bluetooth iPhone music to it and it all works from steering wheel

Bernie, are you still active on this forum?

 

[SuperShires]

I've seen suggestions that it's normal to have some noise with an aftermarket unit because of the way it interfaces with the Bose amp, is this true?

Mine doesn't make a noise, not sure why that would be normal :?:
I think if I was going to drop a lot of money on an aftermarket head unit I wouldn't settle with some annoying noise haha

 

[JFidddy]

I've seen suggestions that it's normal to have some noise with an aftermarket unit because of the way it interfaces with the Bose amp, is this true?

Mine doesn't make a noise, not sure why that would be normal :?:
I think if I was going to drop a lot of money on an aftermarket head unit I wouldn't settle with some annoying noise haha

Yeah, they said they'll replace it, but I might just get it refunded.

I think the interference is coming from the front centre speaker, I can't hear it when I put my ear up against the door speaker, which makes me think there's some kind of interference, from the RCAs possibly...

It's annoying though because like you say, when you drop £600 on a HU you kind of expect it to be the dogs bollocks.

 

[SuperShires]

Yeah, they said they'll replace it, but I might just get it refunded.

I think the interference is coming from the front centre speaker, I can't hear it when I put my ear up against the door speaker, which makes me think there's some kind of interference, from the RCAs possibly...

It's annoying though because like you say, when you drop £600 on a HU you kind of expect it to be the dogs bollocks.

Huh, maybe install the OEM head unit and see if the noise is still there cause then you at least find out if it's the speakers or amps' fault.

Yeah it's crazy, you'd think for that amount of money installation would be a breeze and without issues. I'm guessing you've already got in contact with customer support?

So what's your plan? get it replaced with the same model of refund and go for something different?

 

[JFidddy]

So my replacement Dynavin N7 unit arrived, and it makes exactly the same noises using A2DP. Also, Android Link doesn't work with my recently purchased Galaxy S9 Plus.

I've requested a refund, but truthfully I'm a bit disappointed, because it seems like there isn't a single option for the MK2 TT that is OEM-looking and made from high quality components. You either go Android and have sub-par audio, or go Pioneer/Kenwood and have non-OEM.

I'm stuck with which route to go down now.

 

[CurryMan]

Manufacturer: Alpine
Model: ILX-700
Purchased: December 2017
Retail Price: Discontinued now and replaced by Alpine 702D

Please find my review of the Alpine ILX-700 headunit installed on my Non-Bose Audi TT.

The Alpine ILX-700 is a CarPlay only unit which means it will only support iPhone's. The new Alpine replacement is the 702D (https://www.alpine.co.uk/p/Products/SingleView/iLX-702D) which supports both iPhone & Android phones and features other upgrades such Bluetooth, DAB, Customisable Buttons such as OEM Red etc. It's important to note you need a decent data plan contract as it uses data to navigate / play music.

CarPlay
The CarPlay interface has come a long way since it's release and now supports Apps such as Spotify, Waze, Google Maps, Amazon Music, Apple Music, WhatsApp, Tidal, BBC iPlayer, Audiobooks and many more. Apple are constantly allowing more and more apps to it's suite, to keep up-to-date on the latest CarPlay news, please find a link to a resource I use:
http://www.carplaylife.com

Look of the Unit Compared to OEM
This unit doesn't look Audi OEM but it blends in enough with the interior so it doesn't look out of place. Unfortunately you can't change the button illumination colour which remain white (as opposed to the OEM red) but they look fine in my opinion and doesn't scream chavy upgrade. This a premium headunit and as such looks premium once installed which you'd expect from a manufacturer such as Alpine.

Screen
The screen quality is superb and very clear with a good level of detail. It also auto-adjusts the brightness which means you don't have to fiddle with the brightness at night. It uses an in-built light sensor to detect how ambient the environment is and adjusts accordingly which works very well. The touchscreen also works well making scrolling quick and easy and is very intuitive to use. A HUGE advantage over the Audi RNS-E units which doesn't feature any touchscreen operation at all.

You can also customise the splash screen and I have made my own Audi image which helps it look very OEM on boot-up. Please find a link to my splash screen below which you can use if you wish. Please note this image is optimised for use on the ILX-700 headunit's screen size:

Some Info on The Integrated iPhone Dock
I have purchased and installed an integrated dock designed to fit in the ashtray, see this link for all the info you need with more pictures and installation instructions of the dock and headunit:
https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread. ... r-iPhone-6.

The dock works very well and is the perfect solution as opposed to connecting your phone and placing it in the glovebox each time your enter your car. I sprayed mine to match the black interior using Halfords own brand 'Matt Black' spray paint and it looks very OEM. In fact, people always comment on how OEM it looks and ask if it was an Audi option. Here's a link to where you can purchase the dock from:
https://www.shapeways.com/product/AYSKQ ... =affiliate

Here's a YouTube link of the dock in action:

From what I can see there are currently three dock versions available from Shapeways which are:

1) Audi TT ashtray dock for iPhone 5 / 5s / SE
https://www.shapeways.com/product/AYSKQ ... d=55528745

2) Audi TT dock for iPhone 6/6s/7 with Leather Case
https://www.shapeways.com/product/LEB5A ... d=56223209

3) Audi TT ashtray dock for iPhone 6, 6s and iPhone 7
https://www.shapeways.com/product/LLTYW ... d=43893929

Mic Placement & Audio Quality
I used the mic that was included with the Alpine headunit. I had it installed in roof trim just above where the the rear view mirror is mounted with the mic subtly pointing at the driver. It's very discreet and subtle and picks up my voice well even at high speeds. I've had people report it sounds clear when I make a call.

Regarding audio quality, the difference in sound compared to stock is very noticeable and makes the speakers really come alive even in my non BOSE car. This is especially noticeable at higher volume.

Audio Loom / Adapters I Used
The looms and fascia I used were from a company called 'Enfig' based in the USA. They were able to supply me all the correct looms and fascia to fit my alpine ILX-700 unit and ship them to in good time. I was also able to keep the steering wheel controls with the additional box they supply which works flawlessly, not one wire was cut. Check out this page and the picture below of the different wiring looms used - these references are all taken from the Vortex forum I linked earlier:
https://enfigcarstereo.com/RADIO_AUDI_TT_07.html

Some Photo's of the ILX-700 Installed

Some general feedback I've found using the ILX-700:

Positives
- Sirri works really well and you can do pretty much anything without pressing a button when you say "Hey Sirri". You can ask it it do some useful things such as "play a song by xx" or "call xx" "check my calendar / messages" "what's the weather / news" or "navigate to the nearest Starbucks" etc ... Thought it was a gimmick at first but I actually use it a lot.
- Good clear screen and good size
- Touchscreen works well easy to scroll
- Supports Waze which means all the latest alerts when driving including Speed Cameras! :mrgreen:
- Integrates perfectly with MFI if you purchase the correct loom enabling you to terminate calls, skip tracks, control volume all from the steering wheel controls. You have to use the correct looms to achieve this and mine were all from http://enfigcarstereo.com - worth the extra ££ compared to cheaper branded looms in my opinion.
- Fast enough boot up time and hardly any delays in switching between apps
- Fully customisable splash screen and I have created my own Audi one
- Greatly improves audio quality over the standard 'Concert' OEM head unit especially in the bass / clarity department using standard speakers
- Radio reception is very clear using correct Enfig booster and no loss in quality. In fact I'd say it's better than before!

Negatives
- Doesn't integrate with DIS
- Only works with iPhone's which have to be plugged in hence why I went for the integrated dock
- Radio isn't DAB (but still good enough in my opinion and you can use BBC iPlayer for DAB stations if desired)
- Can't change the button illumination colour to OEM red - white only
- No Bluetooth on the unit, an iPhone must be connected to make & receive calls
- Currently no 'Torque' app support which can be used to check engine fault codes etc

Hope this helps when making a decision on what's out their. As you can probably tell I'm more than pleased with my Alpine headunit which really helps modernise the whole experience compared to the original unit

 

[happychappy]

Fantastic concise review of a well renown product/company.

Do you know if the dock is available for later phones?

Thanks

 

[CurryMan]

Fantastic concise review of a well renown product/company.

Do you know if the dock is available for later phones?

Thanks

Thanks HappyChappy!

Yes there are 3 versions available. I have updated my original post to include links to them for you.

 

[happychappy]

You're welcome!

Drat and double drat, seems there is no version for an iPhone 8 [smiley=bigcry.gif]

 

[CurryMan]

You're welcome!

Drat and double drat, seems there is no version for an iPhone 8 [smiley=bigcry.gif]

Could be worth sending the chap who designed them a message to see if he has any plans to? His aviator is 'Flux_Capacitor' and you can send him a message using this link: https://www.shapeways.com/shops/flux_capacitor

Keep us posted on what he says and fingers crossed for you.

 

[happychappy]

Consider it done.

update

Just heard back but I can't make head nor tail of the advice, seems they confirm they make three models, but do not state if one of them is for an iPhone 8.

Worryinglythey want me to download a file for the model I require to be made, they have more confidence in my ability than I do!

 

[Nidana]

Option 3 seems to be the way forward but considering you have already approached them you maybe in some temporal loop now.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CurryMan]

Consider it done.

update

Just heard back but I can't make head nor tail of the advice, seems they confirm they make three models, but do not state if one of them is for an iPhone 8.

Worryinglythey want me to download a file for the model I require to be made, they have more confidence in my ability than I do!

How strange, I presumed the link above would message him directly. I don't think he works for Shapeways, he just used them to produce his product from his CAD drawaings. I have his email address I think, I'll email him and direct him to this thread. Perhaps he'll respond on here directly.