Save 85% on The Economist today!Alpine CDA-9857
Manufacturer: Alpine Electronics Part number: CDA-9857
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Alpine CDA-9857 is a solid but unspectacular single-DIN car stereo. It really gets interesting when expanded through its convenient AI-Net port and dedicated iPod connection.
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CNET editors' review
Alpine CDA-9857 price range: $199.99
- Reviewed by: Wayne Cunningham
- Reviewed on: 09/25/2006
- Released on: 01/05/2006
The good: The Alpine CDA-9857 offers AI-Net and integrated iPod support, making it very expandable. Its navigation interface is good, especially for large music sources, and its accompanying KCT-100BT Bluetooth module supports A2DP.
The bad: The unit took a minute or two after we hooked up large music sources before it would allow navigation. Its Bluetooth module won't allow for a really integrated-looking installation.
The bottom line: The Alpine CDA-9857 is a solid but unspectacular single-DIN car stereo. It really gets interesting when expanded through its convenient AI-Net port and dedicated iPod connection.
Flip-down face
The front of the CDA-9857 stereo holds a two-line monotone display, a large volume/selection knob that can recess into the unit, and navigation and function buttons. The CD slot sits behind the faceplate, which must be flipped down to access the slot. This arrangement has become pretty standard on aftermarket car stereos and presents little hassle. The faceplate feels solid as it flips down, and you can remove it easily to discourage theft.
Three buttons sit to the left of the volume knob that control searches through music sources. These buttons work in concert with the volume knob, using it for rotary selection. The button structure works well for navigating sources with large amounts of music. With an iPod, the buttons and knob navigate by playlist, artist, album, or song. On a WMA or MP3 disc, the buttons navigate folders or files. The preset buttons for the radio also help navigate the iPod.
Six buttons, lit up in blue, sit to the right of the volume knob. These encompass standard play and skip track functions and control source and menus. The buttons are nicely accessible, but the more frequently used play button should swap places with the menu button.
The KCE-422i iPod cable uses a dedicated plug in back of the head unit, so an installer will have to find a convenient spot to run it into the cabin of the car. Likewise, the KCT-100BT Bluetooth module plugs into the back of the unit and presents a more difficult installation, as it is comprised of a square black case, a wired remote, and a wired microphone. The main part of the module, the black case, has a blue LED on top that indicates when it is in Bluetooth reception mode. The downside of this design is that the module should be mounted visibly in the car cabin, where it will stick out.
The back of the CDA-9857 unit has leads out for four speakers and generates 18 watts per channel. It also has three sets of RCA jacks for output to speaker and subwoofer amps.
Streaming cell phones
Our test setup allowed a good array of music sources, such as iPod, CD, and radio, but the most interesting was the A2DP (sometimes referred to as Bluetooth 2.0) connection between the KCT-100BT Bluetooth module and a cell phone. For our test, we used the Sony Ericsson K790A phone, which also supports A2DP. Once we established the Bluetooth connection, the CDA-9857 head unit worked as a hands-free speaker for the cell phone and also amplified MP3s played on the cell phone through our test-bed speakers. Even better, the radio preset buttons on the head unit can play, pause, or skip tracks on the cell phone. The manual for the Bluetooth module says that not all phones will have this degree of integration.
The head unit's single slot reads normal, MP3, and WMA CDs, and the monochrome display does a good job of displaying song information. Its two lines can show artist and album or album and song with the simple push of a button. Beyond normal navigation through folders and files, the unit has a quick-search feature. Holding down the search button brings up the quick-search display, which lets the user navigate all tracks by turning the volume/selection knob. Unfortunately, this mode doesn't display song titles.
iPod navigation was generally more convenient than with CDs. With the iPod, we could navigate based on artist, album, song title, or playlist, as opposed to the file and folder navigation of MP3 and WMA CDs. The quick-search mode is also available for the iPod, and as an added tool, the radio preset buttons help navigate. The preset buttons work by dividing up the songs into six proportional sections. Pushing each button navigates to the beginning of its sixth of the iPod's library.
Along with such common features as repeat mode, the CDA-9857 has a M.I.X. mode that works the same as shuffle or random. With an MP3 or WMA CD, the M.I.X. mode can shuffle through the entire disc or a select folder.
The CDA-9857 allows for a good degree of customization. Its menu button leads to settings for sound levels, display, and date. The sound level settings allow subwoofer adjustment (if present) and simple equalizer-style control of treble and bass. The head unit features BBE, Alpine's sound-processing algorithm, which is intended to make up for deficient speaker arrangements by broadening the sound and making it more immersive. On our test-bed system, BBE did make for a considerably broader audio experience and seemed worthwhile.
The display controls let the user choose from three background videos, which aren't too impressive in the monochrome display, and select from two font types. The date and time can also be set, plus you can input your birthday, on which date, the display will show a happy birthday message. Given that it's pretty easy to input dates, Alpine should expand on this function, allowing for the input of scheduled oil changes and other important dates.
Slow search
One issue we found was that search was initially inoperative on both CDs and our iPod. It seemed as if the unit needed a moment to scan the library before it would let us navigate all the tracks, although the quick-search mode worked right away. After a minute or two, we were able to navigate through our entire CD and iPod.
As a midlevel head unit, the Alpine CDA-9857's main strength is its ability to easily connect to other Alpine components that can extend its capabilities. Many of its features are fairly run-of-the-mill, but we do like its construction and navigation interface. The lack of any front-panel inputs is a drawback. Its accompanying KCE-422i iPod cable offers a seamless connection and very good iPod integration. The KCT-100BT Bluetooth module works well but is a little cumbersome and won't integrate well with many car interiors.
User reviews
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The Perfect Mobile iPod Solution
by wood148 on April 9, 2006
Pros: Great iPod seaching capabilites, good looking, easy to use
Cons: Needs more remote buttons for song selection, more audio tuning options
Summary: If you are thinking of buying the Pioneer iPod adapter or an iPod FM Transmitter, DON'T! I have used both and they are terrible solutions compared to this new ...
Summary: If you are thinking of buying the Pioneer iPod adapter or an iPod FM Transmitter, DON'T! I have used both and they are terrible solutions compared to this new deck. I waited a month for this model to come out, and it was well worth it. The problem that iPod deck adapters from last year had such as limited display text (pioneer) and very slow response or no response at all has been solved with this unit. Scolling through playlists, artist, songs, or albums is a breeze. The only complaints I have is that it is a little more difficult to scroll using the deck if you are used to a remote like me. Also, compared to Pioneer, the audio tuning is a bit limited, but the sound is still great.
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Better than the competition but lacking some features
by Reznuel on May 12, 2007
Pros: HD Radio & Satellite-ready, great quality, sound, and faster iPod search feature verus competitors at this price.
Cons: weird ipod search function, no song memory feature, 2-band EQ
Summary: Overall its the best in-dash CD/MP3/WMA + iPod on the market at the price level for the iPod but maybe not for the rest. It's audio quality is ...
Summary: Overall its the best in-dash CD/MP3/WMA + iPod on the market at the price level for the iPod but maybe not for the rest. It's audio quality is awesome thanks to Alpine's BBE technology but simple and includes 3 separate RCA channels for amps and subs but only has a treble and bass EQ (wimpy compared to Pioneer's or Sony's EQs) and a fader. The LCD bright-white text is pretty cool and makes text easy to see during the day and includes an automatic dimmer mode for night. Artist Info can be displayed during CD and Radio playback.
The percentage feature of the iPod is very intuitive for Alpine making good use of what it had available. The 6 preset radio stations on the bottom of the deck act as "1/6 sections" for your iPod library. Instead of having to scroll from the beginning to get to the middle of your music, you simply press the 3rd preset button during iPod mode and it takes you there right away and then you can scroll up/down. Nobody else has that feature and the scrolling is already faster compared to sony's and pioneers decks.
Alpine includes an AI-net feature that lets you add on all sorts of stuff like bluetooth connectivity, CD changers, satellite-radio, etc. I've never added any of these on so I'm sorry I dont have a rewiew available for that. As of now there is no i-personalize available for this deck either.
The bad: During iPod navigation, there's no back button or song memory so if you accidentally picked the wrong song you have to start all over from beginning of the Playlist/Artist/Album/Song menu. Notice there is no Genre browsing available. Also, there's a reset period during your iPod library search, meaning if you take too long to choose a song (about 5 seconds from your last input) it resets back to the song info and you HAVE TO START ALL OVER!!! probably the most annoying thing. So if you're listening to a song and a friend wants to pick a different artist make sure the song is about to end before they search for it. otherwise they can keep toggling back and forth for a little while, lol. If you push to eject a CD during tuner/iPod playback the music pauses as it switches to CD mode and then back. Annoying for anyone who's an audiophile, which I imagine you are if you're looking to buy an iPod compatible deck, right? Also some of the dedicated iPod buttons only work during regular playback mode, meaning if you have it set to shuffle songs or albums you have to turn off the shuffle feature before you can browse your music.
The biggest factor for me when I was deciding which one to buy was the iPods speed/connectivity, sound, and looks. I was able to get to the song I wanted faster with this deck compared to anyone else at this price level. I didn't want to justify making one-hundred playlists like all of my other friends have to. While the audio quality is great, its 2-band EQ is hardly justifying. The manual-flipdown faceplate is stylish and removable and comes with a hard case. The rotary volume knob extends either out or in so its flush with the face if you prefer and it still works. Forget about the remote, it's useless but I've never used one that wasn't. Hey CNET, this is my first review and if you like it, I would love to work for you guys! love the site, keep up the good work!Updated
Sorry, I accidentally chose 7 when I meant to choose 8 out of 10. It's not perfect but it's better than the rest at this price.
Currently trying to decide whether to purchase Alpine's iDA-X001 that just came out but the lack of a CD player is holding me back.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A must have for Ipod users! A great head unit !
by mikeg922 on June 13, 2006
Pros: Full speed Ipod link cable available, although some shops include. All in all a great all arround stereo with all the options needed.
Cons: A bit tricky to use at first, but picked it up pretty quick. May be over some peopls heads as far as all the setting opions.
Summary: Exelent head unit with great options! May be a bit hard for some users to set up and use. Most will pick it up quick. A great buy.
Summary: Exelent head unit with great options! May be a bit hard for some users to set up and use. Most will pick it up quick. A great buy.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great sound, Easy navigation, Intuitive controls.
by SnarkyOne on August 22, 2007
Pros: Great sound, Intuitive Ipod controls
Cons: Equalizer could be better but still not bad.
Summary: I installed a JVC KD HDR1 at 11:00am, and by the time I got back from a doctor appointment I knew that I hated it, the Ipod navigation sucked, ...
Summary: I installed a JVC KD HDR1 at 11:00am, and by the time I got back from a doctor appointment I knew that I hated it, the Ipod navigation sucked, it was an accident waiting to happen. I went back to the store and saw this unit, talked to a rep and told of my complaints and that I didn't want the JVC deathtrap and I was told how easy this was to navigate through the Ipod and my decision was made simple for me. The store only had a wall model left and I bought that one with NO MANUAL and I figured out the controls in like 10 minutes, that's including setting the date and time, equalizer and Bass Engine! That's what every audio equipment maker should strive for! I love the Ipod functions, and navigation, and intuitive controls, it is the best I have seen for any price. I bought this system specifically for using my Ipod and am not disappointed in the least. If your looking for the best way to use your Ipod in your auto, you just found it.
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Alpine could do better
by riveraudio on April 16, 2007
Pros: Build quality, ipod interface, display, ease of use
Cons: Tuner reception, Blue leds at night , lack of features.
Summary: I have owned many Alpine units over the years and I brought this unit primarily based on my previous units.
Although it's not a bad head unit and has ...Summary: I have owned many Alpine units over the years and I brought this unit primarily based on my previous units.
Although it's not a bad head unit and has good ipod features and if that's all you're after I'd probably rate it higher.
My main gripes are;
1/ Tuner is pathetic the reception and quality for an Alpine unit is well below par.
2/ The blue leds at night are way to bright and almost dangerous. I wonder if anyone at Alpine actually has tried this in their vehicle at night. Loose the blue and go back to Alpine green or at least give us the option to change the colour.
3/ Midbass control would be nice and at least 4v preouts.
On the plus side the ipod connection is good the display is good and the cdp is ok could do with the upgraded 24 bit converter though.
Overall it's only 5/10 for me but maybe 7/10 if ipod is your main concern.
Oh and if anyone from Alpine reads this can you please bring back the 9835 or similar best head unit I ever owned. -
Flexibile head unit with add-ons
by alrock on March 4, 2007
Pros: Good 2 line screen, works well with XM
Cons: Bit pricey; bluetooth option too expensive
Summary: Had to upgrade to this when my last head unit got jacked. Very good screen with a 2 line display, visible even in direct sunlight. I've got an iPod ...
Summary: Had to upgrade to this when my last head unit got jacked. Very good screen with a 2 line display, visible even in direct sunlight. I've got an iPod adapter and XM unit attached, and it works them both well. Would like bluetooth but not for $200.
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Very Nice Ipod Feature
by fictionalfv on February 1, 2007
Pros: Ipod Integration, Sirius Integration, everything that I was looking for!!!!
Cons: Lack of Scrolling Ability with Remote Control
Summary: I did some research on a new Ipod integrated stereo that also has Sirius compatability. When I found this stereo, I was very happy until I started to read some ...
Summary: I did some research on a new Ipod integrated stereo that also has Sirius compatability. When I found this stereo, I was very happy until I started to read some reviews. The reviews have been mixed, especially on the Ipod Integration. Some people loved it, some people hated it. After much contemplation, I decided that I would go out and try it. I was floored by how easy it was to use. I have a 60gb Ipod and the system pulled up the information with no problem. At that moment, I decided to get the stereo and have the Ipod integration and Sirius installed on this stereo. I absolutely love it. It sounds great and I could not be happier. I would highly recommend getting this stereo if you want to run your Ipod and Sirius radio through your stereo face instead of fiddling around with various components!
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Try the controls before buying!!
by Jkneer on December 4, 2006
Pros: Good sound, clean appearance
Cons: Lousy ipod controls
Summary: If you have a lot of songs on your pod, this unit makes them hard to come by. The controls must have been designed by someone that has never operated ...
Summary: If you have a lot of songs on your pod, this unit makes them hard to come by. The controls must have been designed by someone that has never operated a motor vehicle.
I suggest you take YOUR ipod to the store, plug it in and try it first. If you are used to wheeling through your ipod menu and being able to navigate easily.... well then you are going to hate this thing.
Other than that, nice unit. -
Crystal clear sound and all the whirly gigs to boot!
by ewestet on September 14, 2006
Pros: Wide linear amplifications range, easy to navigate, beautiful deck and finish
Cons: Haven't explored all the options that this deck has to find its weaknesses
Summary: I bought this deck after I purchased a $300 Kenwood. It only took me about 5 minutes to realize that there was something odd about the Kenwood deck sound. It ...
Summary: I bought this deck after I purchased a $300 Kenwood. It only took me about 5 minutes to realize that there was something odd about the Kenwood deck sound. It was muddy and ringy, and all the sound controls on it could not make it sound better! I've had an Alpine before in another car so I was used to their particular sound. I realized I took it for granted. I went right back to the store and had them rip out the Kenwood and replace it with the CDA-9857. The difference was amazing! It made the rest of my stereo sound better than it ever had. Everyone is different and likes different features in stereo equipment. As an electrical engineer, the only thing I care about is how good the guts are. Any stereo or amp can claim to amplify or produce power, but how well and over what range? Amplifying distortion isn't good! If you like to listen to CD's, this deck met and exceeded my expectations. It has a warm and clear sound that sounds awesome when you crank it up. All the bells and whistles on some of these new decks are fooling people to think that they're better at a cheaper price. There is no substitute for good circuitry and that's because the technology hasn't really changed a whole lot in the analog portion of these decks. If you want good sound in a stereo, you have to pay for more expensive components that are put in the amplifier and CD portions of the unit. I think the satellite radio and IPOD features are cool, but I beleive that if the basics aren't good, novelty items just don't make up for the lack of good audiophile sound. And as I found out with the Kenwood, you can have all the sound control you want and it has no real effect on the quality. Also, I'm using this particular Kenwood as my personal example and do not think they make all junk.
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Needs mid-range control, not enough characters displayed for SIRIUS
by spyder180 on September 12, 2006
Pros: iPod control, power, sound
Cons: lousy AM/FM tuner, not enough characters displayed for SIRIUS, no mid-range control
Summary: Very good sounding, but my beefs with the unit are:
1. When using the SIRIUS option the display does not show enough info about the artist and the song. Needs ...Summary: Very good sounding, but my beefs with the unit are:
1. When using the SIRIUS option the display does not show enough info about the artist and the song. Needs to have more characters per line to do justice to the text that SIRIUS is transmitting. My old JVC standalone and my cheapie (don't remember the brand but it's the one that you can flip the display) displays all the info. Hard to believe that for what this unit costs it does not display as much text as my old units.
2. Cannot save favorite songs when using the SIRIUS tuner. My JVC receiver allows me to save up to 30 favorite songs so when they are playing on any of the streams in SIRIUS then I get a message pop up on the display that shows me the title of the saved favorite songs that is now playing somewhere on SIRIUS and would I like to listen to it.
3. The tuner does not have a "back" button so you can go back to the previously listened to station (or SIRIUS stream). Mighty handy when you are listening to a station (or stream) that is not one of your pushbuttons.
4. The AM/FM tuner sucks!!!! Using the stock OEM antenna I can't get a signal strong enough to even want to listen to the regular radio. Hard to believe that the OEM radio using the same antenna has an awesome tuner, but this unit does not. Sometimes you have to hear those traffic reports during drivetime.
5. The display is too bright at night. I even attached to the dimmer wire on my light control in the car and still can't get the display to get dim enough at night. (Yes I enabled that option on the Alpine unit).
6. The Alpine web site sucks when it comes to tech support. Not enough info about this unit online, and there is now way listed on the site to contact tech support by e-mail. You have to waste your time with them via telephone and during their normal business hours. I'm working those hours so it is difficult for me to find free time to call them.
7. The iPod control is a bit cumbersome, but better than most.
But on the good side:
1. It sounds good, almost great.
2. You can adjust the frequency where the bass and treble are centered. You can also adjust the "bandwidth" of the spectrum around the selected bass center frequency.
3. The BIOLITE display is easy to read in the daylight, even in bright light.
4. Comes with a wireless remote control, but does not allow you to search SIRIUS satellite radio. For that you must use the controls on the radio.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Alpine Electronics
- Part number: CDA-9857
- Description: The all-new CDA-9857 goes beyond traditional radio, with Full Speed Connection for iPod, SAT Radio ready, HD Radio, BlueTooth, and Windows PlaysForSure compatibility. Make room for plenty of music. In addition, this head unit is specially designed with Full Dot-Matrix Biolite for a sleek, easy to read display. Start off your sound system with this essential head unit, and expand is within your reach. Remote Control included.
General
- Product Type Radio / CD / MP3 player
- Recommended Use Car
- Form Factor Full-DIN - In-dash unit
- Width 7 in
- Depth 6.4 in
- Height 2 in
- Weight 3.5 lbs
- Faceplate Type Detachable
Equalizer
- Equalizer type Parametric
- Equalizer band qty 2 bands
- Equalizer center frequencies 120 Hz,
80 Hz,
100 Hz,
60 Hz,
7500 Hz,
10000 Hz,
12500 Hz,
15000 Hz Audio System
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Sound Effects BBE
- Equalizer Yes
- Controls Treble,
Bass,
Fader,
Volume,
Mute,
Balance - Max Output Power / Channel Qty 50 Watts x 4
- Continuous Power / Channel Qty 18 Watts x 4
- Amplifier Output Details 18 Watt - 4 Ohm - THD 1.0 % - 14.4V DC - 4 channel(s)
- Button Backlight Color Blue
- CD Changer Control Yes
- Clock Yes (digital)
- Additional Features ID3 tags support ,
HD radio ready ,
CD Changer control,
Satellite radio tuner control ,
Title scroll,
Flip-down console,
Telephone mute ,
Rotary encoder multi-control,
WMA compatible,
iPod ready,
CD Text capable
Radio
- Type Radio tuner - AM/FM
- Preset Station Qty 18
- AM Preset Station Qty 6
- FM Preset Station Qty 12
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 65 dB
- Additional Features DX/LO switch
CD System
- CD system type CD / MP3 player
- CD system form factor In-dash unit
- Media load type Slot-load
- Digital audio standards supported WMA,
MP3 - CD system response bandwidth 5 - 20000 Hz
- Signal-to-noise ratio 105 dB
- CD system total harmonic distortion 0.008%
- CD system dynamic range 95 dB
- CD-R compatible Yes
- CD-RW compatible Yes
Accessories
- Garmin nüvi 2370LT - GPS receiver (34825549)246.99
- Pioneer AppRadio SPH-DA01 (34668319)277.50
- Garmin Nuvi 660 (32078943)299.00
- Alpine PXA-H100 - audio signal processor (32957687)128.88 - 149.99
- Alpine Type-R SWR-1043D - car subwoofer driver (34108226)118.98 - 219.99
- AudioControl LC8i (34107903)174.95
- Alpine CDA-9857 (31732933)199.99
- Alpine CDE 126BT - radio / CD / MP3 player / digital player (34465942)199.00
- Alpine CDE-123 CD MP3/WMA Receiver (34714588)59.99 - 259.00
- Alpine Type-S SPS-600C - car speaker (32906151)69.99 - 118.98
- Alpine Type-S SPS-610C - car speaker (34640917)75.00 - 140.00
- Alpine Type-S SPS-619 - car speaker (34640913)55.89 - 119.99
- Alpine MRP M1000 - amplifier (32853918)239.95
- Alpine MRP M500 - amplifier (32855748)144.49 - 319.99
- Alpine X-Power MRX-F30 - amplifier (34639577)167.95 - 299.99
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Alpine Electronics products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Alpine Electronics
- Address:
19145 Gramercy Place, Torrance, CA 90501 - Phone: 1-800-257-4631
