The Alpine PXE-C80-88 OPTIM8 8-Channel Hi-Res Digital Sound Processor Amplifier is a powerhouse of a component, representing the pinnacle of in-car audio engineering. Think of it as the heart and brain of a high-fidelity sound system, orchestrating every beat and note with surgical precision. It’s a sophisticated device that combines the functions of a digital sound processor (DSP) and a multi-channel amplifier into a single, compact chassis, thereby saving space and simplifying installation. The unit boasts an impressive output, delivering a total of 50 watt x 6 channels at 2O for the main speakers and a beefy 300 watt x 2 channels at 2O for subwoofers, consequently providing an abundance of clean, dynamic power. This dual-role capability ensures that your music isn’t just louder; it’s also clearer, more detailed, and more true to the original recording. Furthermore, the Alpine PXE-C80-88 OPTIM8 8-Channel Hi-Res Digital Sound Processor Amplifier is designed to handle high-resolution audio, which means it can process audio files with higher sampling rates and bit depths than standard CDs, offering a listening experience that’s rich with nuance and texture, much like an artisan’s brushstrokes on a canvas.
Beyond its impressive power, the Alpine PXE-C80-88 OPTIM8’s true magic lies in its digital sound processing capabilities. This unit acts as a master sculptor for your audio, allowing you to meticulously shape the sound to your exact preferences and the unique acoustics of your vehicle. The integrated DSP provides an extensive suite of tuning tools, including a parametric EQ, time correction, and crossover filters, thus giving you unparalleled control over your soundstage. For example, you can adjust the timing of each speaker to ensure that the sound from all channels arrives at your ears at the exact same moment, creating a perfect, cohesive soundstage as if you were in the front row of a concert hall. Additionally, the unit can be controlled via a dedicated app, making the tuning process intuitive and accessible, whereas in the past, such fine-tuning required complex, specialized hardware. Subsequently, the Alpine PXE-C80-88 OPTIM8 8-Channel Hi-Res Digital Sound Processor Amplifier turns your car’s interior into a private sound sanctuary, where every instrument has its own space and every vocal is rendered with breathtaking clarity.
Ultimately, the Alpine PXE-C80-88 OPTIM8 8-Channel Hi-Res Digital Sound Processor Amplifier is more than just a piece of audio equipment; it’s an investment in an unparalleled listening experience. It’s the conductor of your automotive orchestra, guiding each section to play in perfect harmony. In conclusion, while many amplifiers simply make music louder, this device elevates it to an art form, revealing layers of detail you may have never noticed before. It works tirelessly to correct the acoustical imperfections inherent in a vehicle’s cabin, transforming a potentially muddy sound into a crystal-clear sonic tapestry. Therefore, if you’re a true audiophile, this unit is not a luxury, but rather a necessity, because it allows you to truly hear and feel the music as the artist intended, without compromise.
FEATURES:
– Hi-Res Audio Playback (96kHz/24Bit)
– Built-in 8-channel Class D amplifier
– Automatic and manual sound tuning
– 5-minute self-tuning with phone app
– Anti-EQ for OEM system correction
– Auto-EQ with Acoustic Power Volume Density
– 31-band parametric and graphic EQ
– Time correction on all 8 channels
The Alpine PXE-C80-88 OPTIM8 is an 8-channel Hi-Res Digital Sound Processor Amplifier. It features a built-in Class D amplifier that delivers 50 watt x 6 and 300 watt x 2 at 2O. The unit supports Hi-Res Audio playback up to 96kHz/24Bit. It offers both automatic and manual sound tuning, including a quick 5-minute self-tuning process via a phone app. The device also includes Anti-EQ to correct for factory system equalization and an Auto-EQ feature with Acoustic Power Volume Density. For fine-tuning, it provides a 31-band parametric and graphic EQ. Additionally, the processor offers time correction on all 8 channels for precise sound staging.
– Perfect for BMW E60 upgrade
– Restores sound to subs
– Improves overall speaker sound
– Works with stock speakers
– Laptop app for setup works well
– IPhone app for auto-tuning works well
– Auto-tuning gives great results
– Made in Japan, not China
– Can be used with a 6-channel amp
– Addresses wiring changes in car
– Proprietary software is not available
– Remote control screen doesn’t work
– Difficult to tune and modify settings
– Auto-tuning can’t be modified
– Underwhelming subwoofer power
– Instructions are not very clear
The Alpine PXE-C80-88 OPTIM8, an 8-channel Hi-Res Digital Sound Processor Amplifier made in Japan, is specifically designed for vehicles like the BMW E60 and can be a great upgrade for improving overall speaker sound while restoring sound to subwoofers, even with stock speakers. The device offers both a laptop app for setup and an iPhone app for convenient auto-tuning, which provides excellent results, though these settings cannot be manually modified. While it works well with a 6-channel amp and addresses some car wiring changes, it has some notable drawbacks, including an underwhelming subwoofer power, unclear instructions, and the fact that its proprietary software is unavailable. Furthermore, the remote control screen does not function, and manually tuning or modifying settings is difficult, contrasting with the successful auto-tuning feature. Read more…

The Alpine OPTIM8: A Closer Look
The image shows a person’s hands. The hands are holding the Alpine PXE-C80-88 OPTIM8 processor. The person is holding it over a gray surface. The surface has a simple pattern. The OPTIM8 is a car audio product. It is a digital sound processor. It is also an amplifier.
An Alpine car amplifier
This image shows the rear view of an Alpine car audio amplifier. The amplifier has several connection terminals and ports. It features a 40A fuse, a power input section with BATT and GND terminals, and output terminals for two subwoofers (SUB W.1 and SUB W.2). There is also a white connector for outputs 1-6. In addition, the amplifier includes several RCA ports labeled 1 through 8 for input or output connections.
Rear view of a digital sound processor for car audio
This image shows the rear panel of a digital sound processor. The model number is PXE-C80-88. It has various connection points. The connections are for inputs, outputs, and control. It has a high-level input. It also has a low-level input. There is a controller port. A USB port is also present. This device is not a subwoofer but it could be used to fine-tune the audio signal for a product like the Klipsch 12″ High Excursion Sub.
Back panel of an audio amplifier
This image shows the rear panel of a Klipsch audio amplifier. It features multiple input and output connections. The connections include analog RCA inputs, high-level inputs, and a microphone input. There are also connections for power, external Bluetooth, and a coaxial input. The labeling indicates that it supports both low-level and high-level audio signals. This amplifier is likely designed to be used with a subwoofer, like the Klipsch RP-1200SW Premiere Sub, to provide it with power.
New Alpine OPTIM8 Digital Sound Processor Amplifier
The image shows the Alpine PXE-C80-88 OPTIM8. It is an 8-channel digital sound processor and amplifier. The device is compact. It features a sleek design. The OPTIM8 is shown with its packaging. This product is for car audio enthusiasts. It helps to improve sound quality. It also provides powerful amplification.