The Alpine iDA-X100 digital media receiver relies solely on the digital approach when it comes to playing music. The device is supported by USB that supports full speed iPod connectivity. The huge knob in the center of Alpine iDA-X100 is eye-catching. The device has a Double Action Encoder that has volume buttons and navigation menus. The knob can be used for a variety of purposes like song selection, Percent Search mode, jump through song menus, artists menus etc. The user can use the Percent Search to jump between radio presets and MP3 folders and playlists.
The device features a full color LCD display. The display lists song and menu information. If the player is connected to an iPod, album artwork is also displayed. But the device cannot display video content from the iPod. Those users who like listening to many CDs at a time or like to burn MP3s to disc, the iDA-X100 is not the recommended device as it lacks an optical media player. Instead of the disc slot, the iDA-X100 contains a full speed USB connection that allows immediate access to songs stored on MP3 players, iPods, and other USB mass storage devices. The iDA-X100 supports MP3, WMA, and AAC playback. The player can even support DRM protected digital audio.
The Alpine iDA-X100 is an excellent upgrade in volume and sound quality over most other car stereos. It gives an output that averages 18 watts into four discrete channels. The device also sports a three 2 volt full range preamp outputs. An optimized sound is provided through a combination of advanced equalizer and the Imprint audio processor. An additional feature, a Media Xpander (MX), can be applied to analog sources, like FM radio, to boost sound quality. Through the Ai-Net connection of the device, HD Radio, Bluetooth hands free, an external CD changer, and satellite radio can be controlled. The Bluetooth module allows the user to stream music from A2DP Bluetooth enabled devices. The Alpine’s HD Radio receiver, when combined with an Apple iPod, helps in tagging songs in iTunes.
