New CDA-105 and CDE-102 Receivers Join Line Up
The industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., presents four high-performance CD receivers this year that deliver high-quality music playback and multiple options for digital connectivity, including seamless iPod and Bluetooth integration. The line up includes two new 2009 model head units, the CDA-105 and CDE-102, which join the CDA-9887 and CDA-9886.
All four CD head units offered in 2009 are optimized for iPod use, answering the wildly popular demand for a fully integrated iPod experience in the car. Enhanced features sure to delight the iPod enthusiast include full iPod access and control from the head unit, on-screen display of song information and the Percentage Search function, which takes the iPod music library and divides it evenly into six groups for quick, easy file navigation.
“Alpine’s 2009 CD head units are really in-dash connectivity hubs that give consumers the flexibility to build great sound systems that fit their needs,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing, Alpine Electronics. “Every unit in the line up delivers the best sound quality for CDs, iPod or MP3 playback, and these models match many in-vehicle lifestyles and budgets.”
As “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” devices, the new CDA-105 and CDE-102 feature full iPod and iPhone support. The CDA-105 also boasts convenient iTunes Tagging functionality when used with the Alpine TUA-T550HD HD Radio Tuner (sold separately). When users hear a song they like on an HD Radio station that is broadcasting metadata, they can “Tag” the song by pressing and holding the “Enter” button on the head unit. Information about these Tagged songs is transferred to the iPod. When the iPod is connected to the computer, iTunes automatically presents the songs in a new Tagged playlist so the user has the option to preview, buy and download the songs from iTunes, if desired.
Consumers can also add Bluetooth hands-free calling to any of the four Alpine CD head units by adding on the Alpine KCE-400BT Bluetooth Interface Module (sold separately, additional cables may be required). The KCE-400BT is powered by Parrot and lets consumers conduct hands-free phone conversations that are played through the vehicle’s sound system, making it safer and much more convenient to make calls while behind the wheel. Users can view and control their phone book and call information on the head unit’s display. All four head units can also support cellular or portable devices that stream music over Bluetooth wireless technology.
The KTP-445 Head Unit Power Pack (available April) can be added to any of these head units, providing higher power output and more dynamic response. The KTP-445 fits behind the head unit in the dash of most vehicles. It amplifies the head unit’s power output, resulting in a 150 percent power increase over the head unit’s built-in power. The KTP-445’s advanced digital design provides a clean power output with very high efficiency, making the bass tighter and the highs clearer.
CDA-105
The new CDA-105 is a full-featured CD/MP3/WMA/AAC receiver that is ideal for those who want to build a custom sound system that is fully optimized for iPod and iPhone use, but still want to play CDs. The CDA-105 uses a digital USB connection for high-speed iPod/iPhone file access and data transmission (Alpine KCU-440i cable required). It has full iPod search capabilities, including search by Artist, Album, Song, Genre, Podcasts, Audiobooks and Composers. USB thumb drives and hard drives can also be connected to this USB input.
Built on Alpine’s proprietary Ai-NET platform, the CDA-105 can connect to a wide variety of digital entertainment options for a robust, custom audio system. Available sources include HD Radio with iTunes Tagging and multicasting, and satellite radio. (Separate tuners, adapters and subscriptions required.) The built-in “Phone” button on the head unit offers easy one-touch access to a paired Bluetooth phone for hands-free phone calls. (Alpine KCE-400BT Bluetooth Interface Module required, sold separately.) Discerning audio enthusiasts can also enjoy better sound, faster, with the addition of the Alpine PXA-H100 IMPRINT™ Audio Processor (sold separately).
The CDA-105 boasts a multi-bit DAC for premium sound quality even when using iPod as a source, as well as a built-in 18W RMS x 4 amplifier (at CEA-2006 Power Ratings), HP crossover and three sets of pre-outs. It also has a two-line dot matrix LCD display.
CDE-102
 |
The new CDE-102 CD head unit features a front panel USB port for memory sticks and portable hard drives, as well as a front panel auxiliary mini-jack 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. “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” connectivity, as well as Bluetooth hands-free calling with a convenient “Phone” button on the head unit, allows for easy integration of these must-have portables into the vehicle’s sound system. (Separate cables and modules required.) 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.
CDA-9886
 |
In addition to the two 2009 CD head unit models, Alpine continues to offer the CDA-9886. The CDA-9886 is a high-performance CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA head unit that can connect to various digital media sources and formats, including iPod, Bluetooth hands-free calling, HD Radio, satellite radio and USB mass storage devices for a truly integrated in-car digital experience. (Separate cables, tuners, adapters and subscriptions required.)
The CDA-9886’s three pairs of 4V pre-amp outputs make it easy to build a fully amplified system. The unit also features a built-in 18W x 4 RMS amplifier (at CEA-2006 Power Ratings), HP crossover, blue illumination and backlit buttons. Using Alpine’s own BioLite™ display, the CDA-9886 displays animated icons for each source that is connected to the unit, along with two lines of text.
CDA-9887
 |
The CDA-9887 is a CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA receiver and the first aftermarket head unit to fully incorporate Alpine’s IMPRINT sound engine processing, resulting in better sound, faster, in the vehicle. (Alpine KTX-100EQ IMPRINT tuning kit required.) The CDA-9887 is also ready for iPod, Bluetooth hands-free calling, HD Radio and satellite radio. (Separate cables, tuners, adapters and subscriptions required.) It has three pairs of 4V pre-outs and a built-in 18W x 4 RMS amplifier (at CEA-2006 Power Ratings).
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY:
Alpine head units are available at authorized Alpine dealers.
CDA-105 CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA Head Unit
Availability — March; Suggested retail index — $230
CDE-102 CD Head Unit
Availability — January; Suggested retail index — $180
CDA-9886 CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA Head Unit
Availability — Now; Suggested retail index — $350
CDA-9887 CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA Head Unit
Availability — Now; Suggested retail index — $450
ABOUT ALPINE ELECTRONICS
Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics manufacturer that supports drivers in over 60 countries and provides the world’s leading auto makers with audio, video, navigation and driver assistance products. The company specializes in system integration solutions with innovative vehicle entertainment and information technologies.
Alpine’s R&D and manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, Europe and North America ensure that all products address the real world requirements of drivers in each market. The company is committed to developing products that are safe, comfortable and eco-friendly for the automotive environment.
For more information about Alpine Electronics, visit www.alpine.com. For more information about Alpine’s aftermarket products, visit www.alpine-usa.com.
