Alpine iXA-W404 2-DIN Digital Media Receiver

The iXA-W404 is Alpine’s first touch-screen digital media receiver. Designed to deliver a
fully integrated iPod®/iPhone® experience in the car, the receiver has no CD
mechanism. The iXA-W404 meets Apple Inc.’s specifications for the “Made for iPod” and
“Works with iPhone” designations, and features a dedicated USB input for optimal
iPod/iPhone connection and superior digital sound quality. The USB input also enables
connection to USB memory devices. The iXA-W404 can also play iPod/iPhone video
files.

The 2-DIN iXA-W404 gives users two ways to navigate and access their iPod music via
their in-dash head unit: the double-encoder knob and the vibrant 4.3-inch QVGA color
touch-screen monitor. The unit’s intuitive user interface and search menu are very
similar to the iPhone/iPod Touch interface, so that users can continue the familiar iPod
experience in the car. The unit’s ultra-responsive touch-screen lets users quickly browse
through their file collection by lightly dragging the on-screen album covers with their
finger. The current album is shown in the center of the screen, with the previous two
albums/songs and next two album/songs on either side of the current selection. Users
can also navigate through files alphabetically via an alphabet bar shown on the right side
of the screen.

For those who want more from their aftermarket head unit, the iXA-W404 delivers. It is
enabled for integrated Bluetooth connectivity so that users can conduct hands-free
phone conversations through the car’s sound system. (Separate Bluetooth module
required.) The iXA-W404 can also connect to a variety of additional sources, such as HD
Radio™ with iTunes® Tagging and multicasting, satellite radio, navigation and more.
(Additional products and subscriptions required.) Discerning audio enthusiasts can enjoy
custom sound processing with the addition of a separate Alpine IMPRINT Audio
Processor.

The iXA-W404’s suggested retail index is $TBD.

Alpine iDA-X305 Digital Media Receiver

The iDA-X305 represents Alpine’s third generation of mech-less Digital Media Receivers. It
has “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” connectivity and is designed to deliver a fully
integrated iPod/iPhone experience in the car. It features a dedicated USB input for optimal
iPod/iPhone connection and premium digital sound quality.

The iDA-X305’s crisp 2.2-inch color TFT screen displays artist, album and song
information, as well as album art. The unit’s double-action encoder knob enables maximum
control over all iPod/iPhone music search functions, including search by playlist, artist,
album, song, genre, podcasts, audiobooks and composer. Quick Search and Alphabet
Search make it fast and easy to navigate the largest of music libraries.

Built on Alpine’s proprietary Ai-NET platform, the iDA-X305 can connect to a wide variety of
digital entertainment options for a more enjoyable driving experience, including hands-free
Bluetooth; HD Radio with iTunes Tagging and multicasting; and satellite radio. (Separate
tuners, adapters, subscriptions and cables required.) The head unit’s dedicated USB input
also allows connection of USB MP3/WMA players and USB mass storage devices.
Discerning audio enthusiasts may enjoy customized, superior quality IMPRINT sound with
the addition of the PXA-H100 Audio Processor (sold separately).

The iDA-X305 features a built-in 18W RMS x 4 amplifier, three pairs of pre-outs and a 24-bit
DAC. Users can also choose blue or red illumination.

The iDA-X305’s suggested retail index is $TBD.

Alpine CDE-102 CD Receiver

The CDE-102 head unit features a front panel USB port for memory sticks and portable hard
drives, as well as a front panel auxiliary input. It is ideal for consumers looking for an
integrated solution for music playback from a memory stick, portable hard drive or portable
music player.

The CDE-102 also has “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” connectivity, which is
available through the KCE-433iV Full Speed Connection for iPod/iPhone cable (sold
separately). Both offer fast access to music files from the head unit and on-screen display of
song information. The Percentage Search feature divides music libraries into six sections
that can be accessed via six preset buttons on the head unit, making file navigation quick
and easy.
When used with the KCE-400BT Bluetooth module (sold separately), the CDE-102 allows for
hands-free mobile phone use with full phone book access, as well as calling information
displayed on the head unit’s screen. The built-in “Phone” button on the head unit offers easy
one-touch access to a paired Bluetooth phone. Users can also enjoy streaming music from a
Bluetooth device equipped with A2DP or AVRCP protocol.

With a built-in 18W RMS x 4 amplifier (at CEA-2006 power ratings), HP crossover and two
sets of pre-outs, the CDE-102 offers flexible opportunities to build a complete Alpine sound
system.

The CDE-102’s suggested retail index is $TBD.

  The Fusion CA-IP1500 is the first (that we know of) car stereo to have its own ipod dock built right into the unit itself.  The faceplate on the Fusion folds down to reveal a slot where the iPod slides in.  The stereo then controls the iPod with scrolling menus like you would expect.

The unit works with just about every iPod, but no word of iPhone.  We would assume the iPhone is included as the iPod touch is in the list.  The question then remains if there is a bluetooth option for phone calls

The Fusion CA-IP1500 is around $300 and will need to be shipped from overseas.  Hopefully Alpine, Pioneer or one of the other domestically sold car stereo manufacturers would use this idea in their next revision of products.

[Fusion]

[via Crunchgear]

  When the original iPhone was released I had no problems charging it on any iPod designed dock or device I had already owned.  Now that the new 3g iPhone has come out and is USB charging only. I had the need to go searching for a new Source Unit for my car that would not only interface using Apple’s proprietary connector, but would also allow charging.  The other requirement would be that I have to have a Cd player.  Cd’s just sound more full and rich and add more emotion to the listening experience.  This could be that our brain has to do less work to fill in the gaps of compression, or it could just be me.  Either way that was my requirement I had set for myself.

  There are only a few pre-existing Source Units that provide charging via the USB pins on the connector.  Alpine makes the X001 and current revisions which I have read charge the iPhone and I have confirmed in testing.  There are also a couple of offerings via other companies such as JVC that have USB 5v charging.  I decided to settle with Pioneer as my choice for iPhone 3g compatibility.  At first it was unsettling as I have had mostly used Alpine’s since I can remember.  I am happy to say I made the right choice.

  The Pioneer Premiere DEH-P600UB (DEH-P6000UB is the same non-premiere version) is the choice I decided to go with.  The DEH-P600UB offers a CD player, USB connection for almost any USB storage device and also offers an iPod adapter, all included in the box.  

  The DEH-P600UB plays MP3, WMA, WAV, and iTunes AAC and uses a 1-bit D/A Converter files from the USB or CD player.  The unit has six 4-volt pre-outs, front, back and subwoofer for connection to an amplifier. It also has a 50W x4 power output.  

  The overall design is simple and pleasing to the eye.  It is much better looking in person than even the best pictures can portray and this I find true of most companies offerings.  Pioneer offers most of their Source Units with a bright blue display and the DEH-600UB is no different.  It uses a Full-DOT OEL Display and has adjustable brightness when it is just too bright on the eyes as I had found.  There is a rotary commander which is quite intuitive once you learn your way around.  The Premiere unit also comes with a remote that does most functions and allows for quick change of your preset stations.  When you need to insert a CD you push open and the face slides down and out automatically.  The face also does this on its own when you turn off your car and offers you the faceplate for removal to stow in the provides case.  This feature can be turned off if you have no such need.

  The control of the unit took a little getting used to coming from an Alpine.  Th main rotary controller can be spun for volume or selections.  It also can be pressed up, down, left ,right and directly in, in order to make your selections.  There are only 9 face buttons which helps keep the face clean and simple.  There are 2 buttons on the far left for changing your source from Tuner to CD or iPod.  There is also a Band, Random, and Subwoofer adjust button.  There is also a S.Rtrv button which I will explain later.  The 3 remaining buttons are self explanatory; clock, list and open. 

  Regardless of your opinion on 1-Bit or 24-Bit decoders the DEH-600UB delivers superb sound of your lossy or lossless music.  Built into the player is what Pioneer calls the “Advanced Sound Retriever”.  The idea behind this technology is not new, but what it does is try and fill the gaps where the sound starts to sound lossy.  This is done by restoring music all the way up to 20kHz.  This is the function of the S.Rtrv button.  When pressed there are 3 settings; off, Level 1 and Level 2.  Each incrementing level brings the highs back to life and in testing it seems to function better than most others I have heard.

  The setup and navigation of your music and settings work well.  When an iPod is connected, all you need to do is hit the list button.  This will display your normal iPod list that includes Artists, Playlists, Podcasts, etc.  You simply turn the rotary commander like you would scroll an iPod and push in to select or  go right in the menu you by push right. To go back you push left.  To make your final song or podcast selection you do have to push in on the rotary commander.  The rest of the options function in the same way and when you have an advanced menu a little up, down, left, right arrow appears on the screen in the upper right.  The filled in arrows show you your options as far as going deeper into the menu.  One of the best features is the ability to control your iPod or iPhone from its own interface with what Pioneer calls passenger mode.  The remote also offer a similar rotary dial, only without the spinning.  

The interface of the iPhone 3g is no different from any other iPod when plugged in.  The iPhone 3g is charged when connected and when you receive a phone call the sound fades and you can use a headset or the optional bluetooth adapter to answer.  The one good or bad thing, depending on your view, is if your phone is pass code protected you must unlock it prior to use.  I found that it would find no content until it was unlocked.  The other nice thing is you can use all functionality of the phone when plugged in, such as GPS.  The Pioneer connection does not lock down the whole player, only the iPod menu. 

There are many adjustments and menu options to customize the display and sound to your liking.  The background can be changed from a graphic equalizer to jumping dolphins to palm trees on an island.  You can turn off your internal amp to save power and boost the signal to the amps via the RCA outs.  You can also set the levels for each of the spectrums of sound for Lows, Mid and Highs.

The build quality of Pioneer is top notch.  The rotary knob on front has the nice rings left from the lathe machining and adds a touch of quality and craftsmanship to the face.  The buttons feel solid and very tactile.  The plastic is as good as any other and so far seems quite scratch resistant.  

The sound quality of the DEH-600UB is as good, if not better than any I have heard.  The menu offers many adjustments for your own taste.  The bass is spot on and highs sound great as well.  I know some will differ in opinion, but for this price range of this player at $270.00 Suggested Retail, It is definitely at the top of the list. That being said it offers great value without having to purchase a separate cable for your iPod or USB device as some other companies force you to do.  
 

There are many options you can connect to the DEH-600UB.  The options range from Bluetooth, Sirius and XM modules to fit whatever you listen to.  There are other options as well totaling 10 different accessories all for extra cost.

The only downsides I can find for the DEH-600UB is there is no pause button directly on the unit itself.  I find myself using pause a lot when listing to podcasts or audiobooks. When I do not want to miss something and have to make a quick stop or answer a call I pause the audio.  Instead you have to go into the menu to access the pause feature, although it is only 2 clicks away.  The remote does offer the pause feature and also presents the downside of having the only quickly accessible presets for your radio.  Other than these two minor issues I can find no fault in the DEH-600UB.  

  If you are looking for a great value, iPhone 3g charging and great sound, the DEH-600UB should be on the top of your list. 

For More Information visit Pioneer [Here]

I really do have the DEH-600UB in my Car.  A 2003 Toyota Corolla S.  Taken with my iPhone 3g while plugged in and playing music.