Alpine Launches F#1 Status, Status Audio Systems In India

Alpine launched its new flagship audio system in India at a price of about Rs. 30 lakh. The new Alpine F#1 Status system is said to be the first unit in the market to offer full-spec high definition audio offering playback at 384kHz/32-bits. Alpine says that the system is only available as a full kit with components not available individually. Also launched was the lower-spec Alpine Status unit with lower quality HD audio (192kHz/24 bit) priced at about Rs. 8 lakh. Unlike the F#1 Status which received its own individual head-unit and only available as a complete set, the lower-spec Status can be integrated with existing OEM and aftermarket head units with components also available individually.

The flagship Alpine F#1 Status Audio system installed in a car.

The F#1 Status features a unique Master Clock Management System with a crystal oscillator placed within a temperature-controlled chamber. The system also gets a 64-bit quad-core processor set-up clocked to 1 Ghz to ensure optimum sound quality at all times. The speakers and tweeters are meanwhile all manufactured using carbon fibre re-enforced plastic to offer uniform sound. The system is available with a dedicated 1-DIN system and is not compatible with OEM or other aftermarket head units, though the company says it can be fitted alongside OEM units. The system is only available via Alpine's franchise outlets.

The Alpine F#1 Status Audio system will set you back by about Rs. 30 lakh.

A brief preview of the system in a show car revealed clear audio and little distortion to the bass even with the boot lid open.

The lower-spec Alpine Status unit with lower quality HD audio (192kHz/24 bit) is priced at about Rs. 8 lakh.

The lower-spec Status unit uses a simpler crystal oscillator clock generator and lower-spec amplifiers while also using carbonfibre-made speaker and tweeters for a more uniform audio.

.The new 7-inch, 9-inch and 11-inch head units support HD sound output and wireless Apple CarPlay support.

The company also introduced a new range of touchscreens in the familiar 7-inch, 9-inch and 11-inch sizes that it has offered till now. The new head units have been upgraded to support HD sound output, wireless Apple CarPlay support and a HD display.