Alpine iDA-X100 Digital Media Receiver
Manufacturer: Alpine Electronics, Inc. Part number: IDA-X100
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- 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.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Alpine iDA-X100 Digital Media Receiver price range: $294.99
- Reviewed by: Antuan Goodwin
- Edited by: Wayne Cunningham
- Reviewed on: 12/18/2008
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.
When was the last time you walked into a store and purchased a CD? If it takes you a few moments to come up with an answer, you've probably made the jump to digitally distributed and stored audio. If so, Alpine may have the car stereo for you, the Alpine iDA-X100 digital media receiver.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In sum
Some will look at the Alpine iDA-X100 and see a receiver that won't play their CDs. These people will feel that they're not getting their money's worth by purchasing such an odd device.
Alpine lists the iDA-X100 with an MSRP of $399, but we've found it retailing for as low as $299. For a similar amount of money, one could have the Sony XPLOD CDX-GT920U, which features a fantastic-sounding CD player, but no iPod compatibility and sluggish browsing of MP3 devices over USB. The Alpine also features a more advanced audio processor that, with tweaking, makes the iDA-X100 sound better than the Sony XPLOD unit.
For those ready to completely embrace the digital age, the Alpine iDA-X100 may be the perfect device. It offers everything one needs to browse digital media quickly on the road: an ultrafast USB connection, a sharp and easy-to-read screen, and a simple and intuitive interface.User reviews
-
-
Why do i get charged more for so much less?
by espositozero on October 5, 2008
Pros: Looks nice, flashy display... good interface, lots of bells and whistles.
Cons: No CD player, no HDD, no remote, no fuse built into the deck. Accessories advertised for the equipment is expensive. Very pricey to get it to do everything it advertises.
Summary: I was disappointed when I opened the box and found so little came with my new deck. I get the fact that it's a media player, but it's ...
Summary: I was disappointed when I opened the box and found so little came with my new deck. I get the fact that it's a media player, but it's basically an expensive flashy box to play your iPod through. It doesn't have a CD player, so you'd better start ripping all your old discs to Mp3 and transferring them to your Mp3 player now. It doesn't come with a remote, so if you want to find a song, you'll be messing with the thumbwheel to find your tracks, which i imagine will be rather distracting while driving. You'll need to spend another $25.00 if you want a remote. There is no hard drive, so you'll need to plug in a thumb drive which means you have to disconnect your iPod. It's not something they really mention on the box, and they refer to it rather vaguely in the instructions... it all seems kinda cumbersome to me. Other decks at a lower cost have a blue tooth capability built in, but you'll have to drop another $200 plus installation to get that up. Same with the Sat Radio. I just don't get it. After removing the components for a CD player, you think there'd be room enough to fit the electronics for blue tooth, or a hard drive or something other than what they give you.
I know it seems a little silly, but the kicker was the fact that there's not a fuse built into the box. It's part of the harness. I've already had a deck professionally installed, so I thought I'd just hook it up to the old harness, but my last deck had the fuse built into the deck, so I had to replace the harness as well. Not a terribly big deal, but it's just another case of them sticking it to you. If you don't know much about electronics, that's even more money you have to spend to have a new deck installed.
All in all, if you've got plenty of excess cash to drop on the deck, installation, a remote and blue tooth and sat radio hardware, as well as plenty of free time, an iPod, and no need for CD's, then this is the deck for you. I'm taking my back and buying a Pioneer deck.1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Works great and does what its supposed to
by randomperson590 on October 8, 2009
Pros: looks good, sound quality is great even without imprint, easy navigation,keeps my ipod charged
Cons: sometimes the song will freeze when going to the next song (usually fixed by un plugging the ipod or shutting either the x100 or ipod down and restarting) other than that it works great
-
A total waste of money... Anyone want to buy mine?
by drbroom on August 4, 2009
Pros: It is very pretty...
Cons: It crashes very often, many of the features do not work properly such as the dimmer(to bright @ night), the radio reception is AWFUL!! and finally the iPod interface is so had to use that you have to take your eyes off the road to pick what you want.
Summary: When I went to my "professional" sales and installer location I requested 2 things... I wanted great radio because I listen to the local NPR station exclusively and I want ...
Summary: When I went to my "professional" sales and installer location I requested 2 things... I wanted great radio because I listen to the local NPR station exclusively and I want something that would interface with my iPod Touch and iPhone with out issue. The guy convinced me that Alpine was the way to go. Was he WRONG!!! Alpine has gone so far down hill that what I got was neither.
First off the radio does not pick up anything well and to make matters worse the unit does not lock into the station I have selected so if there is anything "near by" it will wonder over to that. I have tried two different antenna and have had the electrical system check out (not by the installer by the way but by my race mechanic).
As to the iPod connection the unit fails so often on the USB connection that I had them sell me the second iPod connector. If one fails I trade over to the other and that will work for a while. The interface is the next real issue. The unit state up as soon as you plug it in; unless you pick your playlist first it start off with the first song in your library every time. This is a default and can't be changed in settings.
Now you may think that this was just my radio, however, I have had the unit replaced two times (I am on my 3rd unit) and everything I have described is still happening. I made sure it was installed with all the bells and whistles by a AUTHORIZED Alpine dealer. I called Alpine to ask if there was some sort of software update (we will not discuss their customer service or lack there of). All in all I am taking the unit and using it as a door stop, because that is what it would be best as!
The short story...
I spent (just on the radio unit, accessories & installation) over $600 and all I can say is it was a total waste of money. I have spoken to other people with Alpine units, many have complained about similar experiences. Alpine was ones THE unit to purchase in aftermarket radios now they are the unit to stay far far away from!!!
Anyone want to buy a iDA-X100 with bluetooth and all the cables? -
The Good, The Bad
by candidly09 on February 20, 2009
Pros: Intuitive navigation makes browsing the music from your iPod simple, comes "ready" for a lot of features including bluetooth, clear display and bright illumination, imprint feature is great for adjusting volumes and gain on treble, bass, sub, etc.
Cons: The plastic scratches very easily (even microfiber scratches it). The "case" for the faceplate is a little rag that will also scratch it. The accessories to use "ready" features retail at a premium (I.E. $299 to fully integrate bluetooth).
Summary: The software on the unit is great. You can set your own background if you upload the picture on your iPod and download it on the unit. Eliminates having CD'...
Summary: The software on the unit is great. You can set your own background if you upload the picture on your iPod and download it on the unit. Eliminates having CD's all over the car. But honestly, I expected better quality material for the price tag. Alpine definitely cut corners to save on production costs. Also, the clock is hideous. Why Alpine chose an old-school flip clock with yellow when there is no other yellow on the unit baffles me. Someone from marketing and product development needs to be cut. I would not recommend the purchase.
-
Good So Far - Paid Too Much ($350)
by daniel_a_ash on January 25, 2009
Pros: Easy to use.
Cons: 1) Bug when iPod Touch is on and start car, audio is muted. Have to power cycle iPod Touch and start car. Did not happen with salesman's iPod classic.
2) Does not talk to my 2nd generation iPod. Get device error.Summary: Has some bugs and does not work with my older iPod.
I paid $350 at a local dealer (AMS in San Jose). I could have done better, but it was ...Summary: Has some bugs and does not work with my older iPod.
I paid $350 at a local dealer (AMS in San Jose). I could have done better, but it was an impulse buy. -
If you want an ipod receiver, look no farther
by Theoilman16 on January 6, 2009
Pros: No Cd's=No skipping songs, Easily Connect your ipod with the fast adapter. Easy to navigate the menu.
Cons: No cd player?
Summary: Great Product for a Great price. Last Ipod receiver you will ever own.
Summary: Great Product for a Great price. Last Ipod receiver you will ever own.
-
Best in car ipod solution
by michael kaldezar on December 25, 2008
Pros: Great sound quality from my 160gb ipod (minimum 320 rip) and relatively easy to use interface. Other reviewers have complained about lack of cd support? Why contemplate this unit if you want to play cd's? Love the clock!
Cons: Still not a patch on the ipods interface but head and shoulders above any competing units. memorised FM stations are stored as their fm frequency rather than name which makes life more difficult. Very uninformatiive manual.
Summary: Only game in town if you want to get the best out of ipods in cars.
Summary: Only game in town if you want to get the best out of ipods in cars.
-
overall great, but the glitches are a little annoying
by seannydeez on December 19, 2008
Pros: Love the ease of use, the HD radio ready, the looks, and the ipod controls are awesome, just like using your ipod. I dont know for sure, but I think there is an adaptor to watch ivideos too
Cons: The glitches.
Summary: If it weren't for the glitches this unit would be awesome. I am on my 3rd one because the dealer thought it was a problem with the unit since ...
Summary: If it weren't for the glitches this unit would be awesome. I am on my 3rd one because the dealer thought it was a problem with the unit since it happened with 4 ipods. I was one of the first to buy this unit. Last time I went back, the dealer told me it's becoming a very common and annoying complaint. Alpine claims they are working on a fix which will be incorporated into an ipod software upgrade, have yet to see it though Baiscally, the unit will stop playing the ipod when it chooses to I'll be driving listening to my ipod and suddenly it will stop and say NO USB, or I get an error code. I then have to reset my ipod and hook it back up which doesn't alwasy work. The other bug is that if you have your ipod on shuffle and hook it up, regardless of what song you were on, the deck will always start at the same 1 song everytime and it doesn't do a very good job at shuffling songs, not sure if that's the ipod or the deck though. I had an older alpine deck with a flip out screen that used a regular ipod adaptor, not a usb which was fairly fast and never had an issue. That being said, you can also hook up this unit the old fashinoned way as well, but you dont get album art and it's not as fast. I did do that and there weren't any issues so the bugs must lie somewhere in the usb connection. Overall though, it's a good unit and makes ipod use easy. One thing I wish they would incorporate for later models is full ipod control with a remote.
-
Great media player!
by magicat777 on October 3, 2008
Pros: Great sound, iPhone 3g works, lots of options and extras
Cons: Navigation is difficult, settings obscure and hard to find, limited out of the box, needs a lot of add-ons to get full use
Summary: I purchased this a week ago in order to be able to listen to my iPhone 3g without all the static that comes from the FM transceivers/car adapters. It ...
Summary: I purchased this a week ago in order to be able to listen to my iPhone 3g without all the static that comes from the FM transceivers/car adapters. It supports almost all manner of iPods, but technically doesn't support the iPhone.The good news is that we tested it in the store and it works fine...handsfree and all (if you buy that add-on).
The stereo itself is basically a media adapter head-unit with an AM/FM receiver. No CD player built in so you'll either need to buy a CD-Changer of use the AUX input for a different source.
I had the installers run two cables to my arm rest...one for the iPhone and another AUX mini-jack for all my other non-iPod MP3 players. The USB adapter works for thumbdrives and the iPhone and iPod cables...but does not work for other MP3 players. I tested this with an iRiver and a Zune and neither were compatible with the headunit (the devices locked up).
Navigation is pretty quirky and the interface isn't very intuitive. The ability to switch the colors of the face on the fly was very nice however.
Finally, there are a lot of add ons to this head unit. Stock steering wheel audio control compatibility, bluetooth and handsfree, Alpine "Imprint" technology, and any other device that you can think of.
All in all, this head unit has great sound, lots of features, and really amped up the music in my X3. I love it! -
The best automobile iPod solution
by mkmpanic on March 29, 2008
Pros: Navigation, audio quality
Cons: no CD player
Summary: the predecessor, ida-x001, worked horribly with the 5 & 6th generation ipods. i decided to try the new the new ida-x100 and am glad i did.
Alpine improved the layout ...Summary: the predecessor, ida-x001, worked horribly with the 5 & 6th generation ipods. i decided to try the new the new ida-x100 and am glad i did.
Alpine improved the layout of the control keys in the x100.
the unit works wonderfully with the new iPod Touch (32 gig). Album art is cool
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
- Part number: IDA-X100
- Description: Marketing description is not available.
General
- Product Type Radio / digital player
- Recommended Use Car
- Form Factor Full-DIN - In-dash unit
- Width 7 in
- Depth 6.3 in
- Height 2 in
- Enclosure Color Gunmetal black
- Faceplate Type Detachable
Audio System
- System Control Bus Ai-NET
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Equalizer Yes
- Amplifier max output power / channel qty 50 Watts x 4
- Audio system built-in display TFT
- Multicolor display Yes
- Button backlight color Red, Blue
- Clock Yes (digital)
- Additional features iPod ready
Radio
- Type Radio tuner - AM/FM
- Supported RDS functions PS, TA, TP, PTY
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Digital player device type Digital player
- Digital player supported digital audio standards AAC, MP3, WMA
- Digital player ID3 tags support Yes
- Digital player response bandwidth 5 - 20000 Hz
- Digital player signal-to-noise ratio 105 dB
Display
- Type LCD display
- Display (projector) technology TFT active matrix
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB, 3 x Audio line-out, Audio line-in
Manufacturer info
- Alpine Electronics, Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Alpine Electronics, Inc. products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.alpine1.com/
- Phone: 310.326.8000
