The iDA-X100 eschews physical media in favor of a purely digital approach. Music is played back over a USB pigtail that features full-speed iPod connectivity. An intuitive interface makes it easy to find the song you want, and advanced audio controls ensure that your digital music sounds as good as the day you ripped it.

Alpine iDA-X100 Design

The first thing you’ll notice about the Alpine iDA-X100 is the huge knob in the center of the faceplate. The Double Action Encoder, as the instruction manual calls it, is twisted to adjust volume, navigate menus, and choose songs. Pushing the large select button in the knob’s center makes selections in menus and enters the search mode when a digital-audio source is selected. The outer ring of the knob can be pressed and rotated for the Percent Search mode, which is used to quickly jump through long lists. If, for example, you want to quickly get to an artist beginning with the letter Q, you can press, twist, and hold the outer ring to quickly jump from A to B and so on, instead of endlessly rotating the dial and scrolling through all of the artists on the device. The Percent Search is also used to jump between radio presets and MP3 folders and playlists when not in search mode.

A full color LCD display fills the right third of the receiver’s face. Here you’ll find song and menu information and, if connected to an iPod, album artwork. Buttons flank the center knob and fill the left third of the front panel. The Alpine iDA-X100 cannot display video content from a connected device, but at 2.2 inches diagonal, it’s probably too small for comfortable viewing anyway.

The iDA-X100 lacks an optical media player, so if you’re the type of user who listens to many CDs or burns MP3s to disc, then this is not the player for you. In place of the disc slot, the iDA-X100 gains a full speed USB connection for lightning quick access to music stored on MP3 players, iPods, and other USB mass storage devices. The iDA-X100 plays back MP3, WMA, and AAC files and can even handle DRM protected digital audio.

Alpine has curiously decided to make the faceplate only partially detachable. The user is able to remove the left two-thirds of the faceplate, which includes the buttons and the center knob, but the LCD screen stays in place. The faceplate’s buttons and the LCD screen feature blue edge illumination and backlighting, which can be changed to red illumination through the menu.

Alpine iDA-X100 Features

Outputting an average of 18 watts into four discrete channels (50 watts per channel max) the Alpine iDA-X100 represents a notable upgrade in volume and sound quality over most stock car stereos. For those wishing to further tweak the sound, the receiver features three 2-volt full-range preamp outputs with a third dedicated subwoofer preamp output with level controls for adding additional amplifiers and speakers.

An advanced equalizer and the Imprint audio processor allow users to fine tune the dynamic range, staging, and individual speaker delay to meet the needs of their unique vehicles and optimize the sound for the full vehicle or specifically for the driver’s seat. So that you don’t waste all of that processing power playing back compressed digital audio, the receiver also features a Media Xpander (MX) setting that helps correct information lost at time of compression. The MX can also be applied to analog sources, such as FM radio, to boost sound quality, but it sounds best with digital sources.

The iDA-X100 is also upgradable via external modules for additional functionality. Satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth hands-free, and an external CD changer are among the modules that can be connected to and controlled by the iDA-X100 through its proprietary Ai-Net connection. When connected to the Bluetooth module, the iDA-X100 also gains the ability to stream music from A2DP Bluetooth-enabled devices.

When connected to Alpine’s HD Radio receiver–the TUA-T550HD–and an Apple iPod, the iDA-X100 gains the ability to iTunes-tag songs. If the HD Radio broadcast contains artist/song information, holding the center select button stores the song’s metadata onto the connected iPod. Later, when the iPod is reconnected to iTunes for syncing, a playlist is created under the Store heading called “Tagged.” Users can then listen to a 30-second preview of the song or purchase the song for downloading.

Alpine iDA-X100 Performance

We tested the iDA-X100 with a 16GB iPod Touch. Upon connecting the iPod, the iDA-X100 began scanning the device. After about a 10- to 15-second search, the receiver started playback. The receiver picks up playback wherever the iPod left off, so if you were listening to a song or podcast as you entered your car, the iDA-X100 would resume at the exact spot you paused.

The full-speed iPod connection allows for extremely quick navigation of artists, albums, genres, and podcasts–nearly as quick as the iPod itself. The direct connection to the iPod means that the iDA-X100 can play back any format that an iPod can, including MP3, AAC, and Apple Lossless. We’re very happy about that last one, as most iPod-compatible receivers don’t play the lossless format.

When connected to a USB key, we were able to browse folders full of MP3s just as quickly as with the iPod. The center knob and its Percent Search feature make it very easy to jump from folder to folder without drudging through menus.

We only ran into one consistent glitch during our test of the iDA-X100. While listening to audio stored on an iPod, if we powered the unit off while leaving the iPod connected–for example, to step away from the vehicle–upon restarting the car and the receiver, the iDA-X100 would forget that a device was attached and require that we disconnect and reconnect the cable to rerecognize. The glitch didn’t occur with music stored on a USB key, so it may be more of an issue with the iPod’s firmware than the iDA-X100, but it was annoying nonetheless.

Alpine iDA-X100 final verdict

The good: The Alpine iDA-X100 features a full-speed USB/iPod connection for speedy browsing of songs with the large search knob. Percent Search mode allows for quick scrubbing through long lists. Alpine Imprint audio processing allows drivers a great deal of freedom to adjust audio for best possible sound.

The bad: The iDA-X100 occasionally forgets that an iPod device is attached if the vehicle is started or stopped while a podcast is playing. The lack of an optical disc player can be a bit of an inconvenience for some users.

The bottom line: The Alpine iDA-X100 is a great receiver for people who transport all of their music on an iPod or MP3 player. The unit offers fantastic digital-audio integration without the need for a separate adapter, but should you ever want to just play a CD, you’ll be out of luck.

Alpine iDA-X100 Digital Media Receiver user review

And here is the creation of the new Alpine …. and a real I-pod to car … all-digital … WARNING possibility of Bluetooth connection, however, is not available for all versions of phones as it needs of the Alpine KCE-300BT.Grazie i-pod controller to navigate through folders Ankora is easier and faster …
Included is delivered to the processor PXA-H100 IMPRINT Audio connected to the device which eliminates the distortions of the interior of a resolution allowing superb sound quality.

In addition to mobile phones and i-pod, can be connected to device anke usb pen drive thanks to the entry with FULL SPEED anke function that allows high speed transfer of data from pen drive even if its brand new nos.
I forgot … the fold and pull;)

I enclose the overall product data sheet:
* Power: High Power Amp 50W x 4
* Display: TFT color display
* Control: Dual Action Encoder
* Color: Gunmetal
* Key Illumination: Red / Blue
* PreOut: 3 PreOut
* PreIns: PreIns 2 (duplex)
* DAC: 24-Bit DAC
* Versatile Link: Versatile-Link Ready
* AUX-In: via Full Speed
* Steering Wheel Control Ready
* OEM Sub Display Ready
* Removable Front Panel
Dimmer Input *
Service * Power antenna
* Power Output Amplifier
* Audio Interrupt Input
* Built-in Audio Mute
* Remote control: preparation.

Alpine iDA-X100 Digital Media Receiver video review

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The Alpine iDA-X305 is an in-dash head unit that is designed to provide seamless control of your iPod, iPhone and other digital devices over your car stereo. The high resolution 2.2-inch color TFT display allows you to view your iPod album art and displays song and track information, and also has a large clock display. The large double-action rotary knob gives maximum control of functions like QuickSearch for finding sound and adjusting volume. This knob is removable for anti-theft purposes, and there is an option of blue or red illumination. The superfast USB connection, with included cable, provides ultra-fast digital data transfer with newer iPods, and a 24-Bit D/A converter with a signal to noise ratio of 105 dB ensures great quality sound. The Alpine iDA-X305 has expandable options to add other media sources such as HD Radio, Satellite Radio, DVD changer and other auxilary sources. Other optional system upgrades include iTunes tagging, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and steering wheel remote control.

Design

The most prominent aspect of the X305’s interface is the control knob that sits just left of its center. Alpine calls this the Double-Action Encoder, for reasons we’ll mention below. The knob can be twisted to perform such actions as adjusting the volume or scrubbing through menu options and media.

Selections are made by pressing the large Enter button in the center of the knob. Reversing through menus is accomplished by hitting the back button to the left of the knob.

Pressing in on the outer ring of the encoder and twisting activates the second action in the Double-Action namesake: QuickSearch. People can chose between either Percentage search (which jumps to a specific part of a list in 10 percent increments) or Alphabet search (which jumps through a list in order of initial letter). Search modes are easily chosen with a tap of the F button between the knob and the screen, and allow for quick navigation of large digital media libraries.

To the right of the control knob is the 2.2-inch, full-color TFT display. Here you’ll find iPod album artwork and menu information. The entire faceplate is backlit in cool blue light, but can be changed to red if that better suits your ride’s color scheme.

The left side of the faceplate is home to additional buttons for skipping tracks, pausing playback, and power/selecting audio source. A phone button answers incoming calls or activates voice-activated dialing when the iDA-X305 is paired with the Alpine KCE-400BT Bluetooth hands-free module. For security purposes, the iDA-X305 features a partially removable faceplate, so you can take everything except the 2.2-inch screen with you when you leave your car.

Features

The iDA-X305 is a mechanical-free device with no moving parts. That means no CD-slot and no tape player. With the exception of the AM/FM radio, the X305 subsists on a completely on a digital diet.

Using the included USB pigtail, listeners can plug in a portable USB drive or MP3 player for complete access to the file structure. Compatible file formats include DRM-free MP3, AAC, and WMA.

In a nice tip of the hat to iPod users, Alpine has included a short, black dock connector cable with the X305, which looks cleaner and keeps us from having to carry our stock white cable back and forth.

New in the X305 is full “Works with iPhone” compatibility, so no longer will you get a nag screen when connecting your iPhone 3G. Additionally, the X305 will also charge your iPhone while you listen, something that the X100 didn’t do.

While the iDA-X305’s feature set is essentially limited to radio and digital audio playback, it is capable of being extended and expanded with Alpine’s line of add-on modules. We already mentioned the KCE-400BT, but the X305 is also compatible with Alpine’s TUA-HD550 HD Radio tuner with iTunes tagging functionality.

Simple iPod navigation and control

The big jog dial in the middle works just like an iPod’s click wheel. Turn it a little to access Search mode, then scroll line-by-line. Turn and hold the knob to move to Alphabet Search mode — now you can scroll through the alphabet to blaze through your lists of artists, albums, or songs. The current song keeps playing, so you won’t interrupt the music while you’re searching. The convenient “Back” button lets you backtrack through the menus, instead of starting over from the top.

Play your other digital files, too

Put your favorite MP3, WMA, and AAC files on a thumb drive, and you’ve got an easy way to stock up on tunes for your next road trip. Or play another USB-equipped music player through the USB slot.

Flexible system-building options

This versatile stereo works with all of Alpine’s peripheral gear, including satellite radio, auxiliary input adapter, add-on USB input, or CD changer. Add an HD Radio™ tuner, and you can “tag” songs you hear on an HD Radio broadcast for purchasing later in iTunes®. With Alpine’s optional KCE-400BT Bluetooth® interface, you’ll be able to answer or place a call with a touch of a button. You can also stream music from a music phone or Bluetooth-capable music player.

Three sets of preamp outputs simplify setting up a system with external amplifiers and subs, and you’ll appreciate the ability to control the subwoofer’s output level from the stereo. For the best possible sound quality, add Alpine’s PXA-H100 IMPRINT sound processor and KTX-H100 tuning kit — the IMPRINT measures your car’s acoustics and adjusts the stereo’s settings automatically to create a perfect audio environment.

Performance

The internal amplification receives a 5-watt per channel boost from the X100 to the X305. However, while power is now rated at a peak output of 50 watts by four-channels, average power output remains at 18 watts per channel.

The character of the audio can be tweaked with a two-band (bass/treble) equalizer with a loudness function. Those who need more control can add the IMPRINT audio processor for an additional charge to custom tune the audio to their particular vehicle.

Additional power can be had by way of the upcoming headunit power pack, which boosts average power to 50 watts per channel, with an unstated max, or by adding external amplifiers using any of the three 5-volt preamp outputs (including a dedicated subwoofer output, with its own gain control).

General features:

• digital media receiver (no built-in CD player)
• built-in amplifier (18 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
• plays MP3, WMA, and AAC music files from external sources
• 2.2″ full-color TFT display
• detachable face
• iTunes tagging with Alpine’s optional TUA-T550 HD Radio™ tuner
• optional remote control

Audio features:

• 2-band parametric equalizer
• Burr-Brown 24-bit digital-to-analog converter
• compatible with Alpine’s PXA-H100 IMPRINT audio processor and KTX-H100 tuning kit

Expandability:

iPod control: direct connection to USB input for newer iPods (older iPods will need Alpine’s KCE-422i interface cable) compatible with Alpine’s HD Radio tuner, Bluetooth adapter, CD changer, satellite radio
inputs: USB input
outputs: 6-channel preamp outputs (front, rear, subwoofer) — subwoofer output has bass level control

In sum

Everything that we liked about the X100 is back and better than ever in the iDA-X305, so our recommendation of this receiver for people with large digital audio collections is a no-brainer. We also like the extendability of the X305 through Alpine’s collection of add-on modules and the freedom it gives us to build our cabin tech experience one piece at a time.

However, while many users have successfully made the jump to a completely device-based approach to their music collections, many more still depend on physical media. If you can’t break your addiction to CDs, perhaps this isn’t the receiver for you.

Pros:

• digital iPod control
• quality 24-Bit Burr-Brown DAC
• includes a remote control
• Bluetooth ready (requires add-on)
• Quick Search for large song volumes
• DVD & HD/Satellite radio ready (requires add-ons)

Cons:

• poorly implimented knob
• cheap build quality
• most functionality requires add-ons to be purchased separately
• no CD player

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