Alpine Works With iPhone

Alpine Electronics is putting a big push behind the consumer launch of its latest head units that offer full compatibility with Apple's iPhone and the various iPod models. The CDA-105Ri is the latest to be rolled out in the UK and adds radio, CD and audio file playback via USB, as well as the iPod and new iPhone compatibility.

The CDA-105Ri is designed to offer full control over all music stored on iPhones and iPods, from 4th generation models onwards. The head unit offers a similar function to the iPod itself when searching for music - this includes album, artist, song, play list, genre, audio book and composer - giving quick, convenient control over all your songs.

Compatibility covers the iPod 4G-5G, iPod nano 1G-3G, iPod classic, iPod touch and the iPhone. In addition, the new 105Ri allows you to connect a USB memory stick via a port on the rear of the unit. MP3, WMA and AAC file formats are all covered. Songs are automatically arranged in alphabetical order for ease of selection. A USB cable and iPod adapter are included.

The player's built-in amplifier provides the now standard 4 x 50W (max) output, but there's also a full compliment of no less than three pairs of line-level outputs (2V PreOuts) for system building. There's also a high-pass filter (HPF) and Subwoofer Level Control, so those looking to add an external amp and subwoofer are well catered for. The 105Ri is also equipped with CD Changer control functions and can be controlled by an optional remote control handset.

Integrating comms into the stereo system functions is becoming a popular feature. The 105Ri is Bluetooth Ready and can be upgraded with the new Alpine Bluetooth interface (made for Alpine by Parrot, one of the leaders in the field), offering you full hands free mobile phone access and wide phone compatibility. The module can also be updated to support future phone models and features A2DP music streaming.

The CDA-105Ri has Alpine's Ai-NET connection facility and can be plugged straight into Alpine's PXA-H100 for full IMPRINT sound optimisation and Bass Engine Pro sound tuning. With IMPRINT, specifically designed software is used with a microphone to analyse the car’s inherit acoustical problems and automatically tunes the system for optimal sound processing. This can help to considerably improve the staging, tonal balance and definition of the music.

The display screen is a two line LCD Dot Matrix with white alphanumeric characters, while the front panel illumination comes with the choice of four colours – blue, red, green or amber. The system also offers a vehicle display interface and steering wheel remote control option. The CDA-105Ri is available from all Alpine Electronics' authorised stockists at around £300.