Are you looking for a car stereo system to help take your drive to the next level? If you are aiming for the top shelf, check Alpine’s iLX-F511.
This powerful audio and video interface system offers plenty of features to customize your ride’s sound and visuals.
Whether bumping those beats from your smartphones or accessing contacts hands-free, this little unit packs a big punch.
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In this review, I will take an in-depth look at what sets the Alpine iLX-F511 apart from its competitors.
Alpine’s iLX-F511 (link to Amazon) is a digital media receiver that boasts an impressive 11″ floating touch display, all while fitting in most single-DIN (2″ tall) dash openings.
The screen has a high resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, ensuring that your media and information will be clear and focused. The iLX-F511 also has improved responsiveness for quick delivery of information and images.
One of the standout features of the iLX-F511 is its compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
This allows you and your passengers to enjoy messaging, mapping, tune selection, and more from your smartphone without touching a radio screen.
Both platforms work with voice commands, and those you can activate by speaking a keyword or pressing the dedicated “Voice” button on the stereo’s bezel.
In addition to its compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the iLX-F511 also offers a range of other media options. There are dual rear USB inputs for attaching your smartphone or a thumb drive with your favorite music or video files.
There is also a rear HDMI connection for hooking up to an optional CD/DVD or Blu-Ray player and an auxiliary input for connecting another audio source.
In addition, the iLX-F511 has camera connectivity, with inputs for a rear-view camera and Alpine’s advanced HD dash cam/rear-view cam combo, which provides all-over coverage of your vehicle.
There is also the option to add Alpine’s HCE-C2100RD multi-view camera, although the 2-camera switcher is not included.
When deciding to buy this radio, remember that the camera inputs are only compatible with Alpine cameras, but Alpine does include a composite video adapter for connecting a non-Alpine camera.
One of the key advantages of the iLX-F511 is its compatibility with the iDatalink Maestro module, which allows you to keep your factory features while using the radio. This is especially useful for those who want to retain their vehicle’s original look and feel.
Overall, as you can expect from the flagship, the Alpine iLX-F511 is a top-notch digital media receiver with a large, high-resolution screen and various media options.
Its compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and the iDatalink Maestro module make it a versatile and convenient choice for drivers.
Key Points:
- 11″ floating touch display
- It fits in most single-DIN dash openings.
- High resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels
- Improved responsiveness
- Compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Dual rear USB inputs
- Rear HDMI connection
- Auxiliary input
- Camera connectivity
- Compatibility with iDatalink Maestro module
Pros:
- Large, high-resolution screen
- Compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wide range of media sources
- Camera connectivity
- Compatibility with iDatalink Maestro
Cons:
- Camera inputs are only compatible with Alpine cameras.
- The iLX-F511 does not have a built-in disc player.
- The iDatalink Maestro module is not included with the radio and must be purchased separately.
- The screen may be too large for some users, blocking access to specific dash controls or obstructing the view of the road.
Summary
Despite these cons, the Alpine iLX-F511 remains a solid choice for drivers looking to upgrade their car’s audio system.
Its large, high-resolution screen and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay make it a convenient and functional option.
While the lack of a built-in disc player and the need to purchase the iDatalink Maestro module separately may be drawbacks for some users, these features can be outweighed by the benefits of the iLX-F511’s other features.
And while the screen may be too large for some users, its adjustability and the pressure-tilt mechanism allow for a high degree of flexibility in finding the perfect viewing angle.
FAQ
What size is the screen on the iLX-F511?
The screen on the iLX-F511 is an impressive 11 inches. This is a perfect size for a car radio, as it provides plenty of space for displaying media and information clearly and vividly.
The large screen is also useful for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing a spacious interface for accessing your phone’s apps and features.
Does the iLX-F511 fit in all single-DIN dash openings?
The iLX-F511 fits in most single-DIN dash openings. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the dimensions of your dash opening and the iLX-F511 to ensure it will fit properly.
The iLX-F511 has a 2″ tall chassis, so it should fit as long as your dash opening is at least this size.
Is the screen on the iLX-F511 high resolution?
The screen on the iLX-F511 has a high resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.
A high-resolution screen ensures that your media and information will be displayed clearly and sharply, with no blurriness or pixelation. The high resolution also makes reading text and seeing small details on the screen easier.
Does the iLX-F511 have improved responsiveness?
The iLX-F511 has improved responsiveness for quick delivery of information and images.
The radio responds quickly to inputs and commands, so you won’t have to wait for the screen to catch up.
The improved responsiveness also makes it easier to navigate through menus and access different features on the radio.
Is the iLX-F511 compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?
The iLX-F511 is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
You can use your phone’s apps and features on the radio’s large screen without picking up your phone.
Both platforms work with voice commands, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road while using them.
What media options does the iLX-F511 have?
The iLX-F511 has a range of media options to choose from.
There are dual rear USB inputs, which allow you to attach your smartphone or a thumb drive with your favorite music or video files.
There is also a rear HDMI connection, which allows you to hook up to an optional CD/DVD or Blu-Ray player.
And if you have an old-school portable disc player or another audio source, you can use the auxiliary input to connect it to the iLX-F511.
Does the iLX-F511 have camera connectivity?
The iLX-F511 has inputs for a rear-view camera and Alpine’s advanced HD dash cam/rear-view cam combo.
Having connected camera provides all-over coverage of your vehicle, giving you an extra set of eyes while driving.
The iLX-F511 also has the option to add Alpine’s HCE-C2100RD multi-view camera, although the 2-camera switcher is not included.
Remember that the camera inputs are only compatible with Alpine cameras, but Alpine does include a composite video adapter for connecting a non-Alpine camera.
Is the iLX-F511 compatible with the iDatalink Maestro module?
The iLX-F511 is compatible with the iDatalink Maestro module. This is an excellent feature for those who want to retain their vehicle’s original look and feel while upgrading to a new car radio.
The iDatalink Maestro module allows you to keep your factory features, such as the steering wheel controls and the display in the instrument cluster while using the iLX-F511.
This way, you can have the best of both worlds – the convenience and functionality of a new car radio combined with the standard features of your vehicle.