Alpine 'Full Speed' iPod Connection

[Tallpaul]

i see Alpine have finally released, what they claim to be, a full speed interface between the HU and iPod:

http://www.dvbcaraudio.co.uk/product/Alpine_CDE-9850Ri.html

I'll be investing shortly. Anybody know if the whole of the 2006 model range will support this direct connection? Rather fancy some touch screen action.

 

[ZBOYD]

They are planning to release a few models running this direct, i know of at least one other besides this model with full speed iPod connection, though that one is the more expensive, DVD headunit. More info about it on Alpines webby.

http://www.alpine-europe.com/alpinefullspeed/

 

[ZBOYD]

A few more models mentioned on the US site, but take that with a pinch of salt at this stage, because some of those products may not be coming to Europe or available for Europe.

http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/products/series.php?category=AV_HU

Double Din kit looks nice, especially for those with the newer Alteas, Leons and Toledos. Quite fancy one of those if i buy a new Leon myself in the future.

 

[Tallpaul]

well i'm too damn impatient. Off to my local Alpine dealer to try it out, if that 9850 is as fast as they claim, i'll be buying one next week.

 

[SAPD]

Getting one fitted tomorrow. Will be able to let you know on Wednesday just how well it copes with my 60gb Pod...

 

[Tallpaul]

Getting one fitted tomorrow. Will be able to let you know on Wednesday just how well it copes with my 60gb Pod...

I tried one out with my 20gb iPod a couple of weeks ago. Wasn't impressed at all. It certainly isn't 200% faster than the previous version - worth buying if you don't have any sort of iPod interface but not worth upgrading.

The really annoying thing is that on the previous version, you turned the volume dial to get to the track/playlist you wanted then pushed it in to select it - easy and simple when you are driving. On the new one you still use the volume to move between tracks but have to press a seperate, fidly (sp) little button to select it, genius!

 

[SAPD]

Well, having never had an iPod compatible HU to upgrade from, I can certainly confirm that the sound quality is better than running myPod thru a tape adaptor.
The only issue I have is with the time it takes to scroll through albums/songs/artists. Suddenly, that Zero 7 album doesn't seem like it's worth listening to... But, once you've trawled through the lists, the songs load up quickly and I like the artist - album - track display.
Am yet to get too deep into the sounds settings but it all seems relatively simple.

Oh, I nearly forgot, I'm not too impressed with the 'red' illumination either. Seeing as the plastic for the buttons is blue, the effect of putting a red light behind them merely means that I end up with a distinctly PINK looking HU. Arse. That doesn't match my dashboard glow...

 

[SAPD]

Disappointed.
Can anyone tell me why the iPod feed makes all the songs sound 'muddy'?
The bass is fine but there doesn't seem to be much treble at all. I thought it was the way that my system was set up (it requires some fettling at the mo) but the CD and Radio sources sound fine.
I understand the way MP3s trim the highest and lowest frequencies but I thought that was only the sounds that are barely audible(?)
I'm gonna experiment with higher bit rate MP3s etc but just wondered if anyone could shed any light on why my iPod sounds so crap through this new HU...

 

[Tallpaul]

MP3 can never sound as good as CD. It's not something i notice as, generally in the car, the quality of the MP3 isn't the limiting factor - it's the speakers/their position/road noise.

I do notice it at home through my Hi-Fi, but then again i connect my iPod to it by a simple line-in so the quality is never going to be great.