Just to clarify. The kit that goes wit the 9887R is different to that which goes with the Add-on unit that works with the majority of other Alpine HUs (9886, xDA-305 etc).

 

Yea so it seems like the 9887 has a built in imprint processor and it only needs to be tuned... whereas the other head units that are imprint ready need the actually unit installed for it to work. So in my case, I have an IDA-x305... I was right.

 

I don't think so, or I may have misunderstood.

The 9887 has the Imprint module on board, and therefore only the
Alpine KTX-100EQ setup kit is required in order to do the measurements and upload the Curves to the 9887R. One kit can be shared amongst a few folk, as we did in the UK, or if a dealer owns it, he can do the setup for you.

All other alpine Imprint capable units (like the 305) require you to buy and install the PXA-H100 Imprint Audio Processor in order to access the Imprint (and full manual EQ and time alignment features).

In addition to that, you'll also need the KTX-H100 Imprint Sound Calibration Kit in order to do the measurements and upload the curves to the PXA-H100 that is connected to your 305.

So, if you all have 9887, you can share the KTX-100EQ between you and have a meet.

If you have other HUs, you will all need to buy a PXA-H100 each, but can share a KTX-H100EQ between you.

Hope that's clear

 

I just had my HU with the 2 imprint profiles installed (along with a set of focal components and an Alpine amp), and here is my mini review, as it was a SHORT drive home in this Southern California downpour. Switching from the standard settings to the mulit-eq (Imprint) is a night and day difference. The sound is MUCH clearer, bass is used to complement the sound perfectly, and no matter what type of music I play (had ipod on mix, so I heard songs from Gym Class Heroes, Westside Connection, Alkaline Trio, Bon Jovi, Game, and Blink 182) and all came out excellent. I didnt have to switch around profiles to get a sound I liked, as the Imprint setting the previous owner installed was perfect for all genres. The second setting is definitely only for acoustic rock music.
All in all, if I had to pay for imprint tuning as oppossed to having it preinstalled in the headunit I picked up from the classifieds, I would, as IMO it REALLY enhances the sound quality if properly programmed

 

No imprint here, but a lower end equivalent. My Pioneer DEH-P800PRS has a 16-band EQ with automatic mic-based settings and time alignment. It's probably the 80/20 of imprint since 16 bands << whatever imprint uses. But it takes 6 minutes and tunes the system with an included mic, and it does a really good job--it completely transformed the stock speakers until I had their replacements. It wasn't quite perfect; I had to dial in a few of the settings, but unlike imprint, I can overlay EQ curves on top of the auto-EQ/TA . Also, unlike imprint, I can't see what the settings were. I'll probably do a top down curve manually when it's warmer as I also can't auto-set 2 completely different curves.

Anyways, regardless of whether your speakers are great or just mediocre, the S seems to really benefit from a good equalized tune. It seems like the harmonics of the cabin are all over the map, and better quality speakers at a certain point won't make nearly as much improvement as tuning to compensate for the poor acoustics of the car.

 

Imprint is something like 500 EQ bands I think.

You can adjust basic "Bass" and "Treble", as well as "Subwoofer Level" with the Imprint on, or you can switch it off and use your own EQ settings.

And yes, the cabin of the S is not a good place acoustically, mostly I think because of the high glass ratio.

The UK folk are lucky that we live in a small-ish country, and that I am generous with my time and Imprint kit

 

Ahhhh, I think I get it. There does not appear to be enough room for the unit attached?

 

Sorry, not sure what you mean there?

If you have an "Imprint ready" HU i.e anything other than the 9887, you'll need to hide the PXA-H100 box somewhere in the car (under a seat or the dash perhaps?)

PS. The next UK Imprint meet is the 28th Feb. I'll post up new curves then.

We're going to be doing 4 cars again this time.

 

For the s2000, with the factory wiring from alpine, is there enough room under the dash to put the imprint setup or do you have to go under the seat or to the trunk?

Thanks!

 

factory wiring from alpine?