Audio Head Unit with Aptx?

[Dockhead]

I'm finding it really difficult to find a new head unit for my boat to replace my old Alpine iXDA 100M.

I'm not that picky -- it doesn't need to be a "marine" model at all. Don't need any mechanical drive.

But what I do need are:

* Aptx Bluetooth. Ideally Aptx HD.

* DAB digital radio

* Ability to play FLAC files

* Decent built-in four-channel amp, as I don't plan to use an external one.

* Ipod control

* More than one USB input


Would be great if it had an optical (Toslink) input, but I think this doesn't exist.

I am surprised to see that a certain number of older models have AptX, but their newer updated models don't have any kind of AptX. Licensing issues?

Not a single one I've seen has AptX HD which is a real shame -- as my boat computer and soon to be new phone both have it.

I'm trying to cut down on the huge nest of wiring on my boat, and I think that Aptx Bluetooth is going to be the best way to connect different devices. I might well just start using my phone as a preferred playback device.

I am not quite clear as to how the Bluetooth codec interacts with the audio file type -- a FLAC file might be transmitted in that same form, and so Aptx would be superfluous?

I will be grateful for any tips or recent experience from anyone.