Alpine CDE-178BT: reviews, a review, instructions

To realize car sound today it is possible with the help of a quality player, supplemented by a wide functionality. The central direction of development of such systems are communication opportunities, the spectrum of which is regularly updated with new options. In particular, manufacturers endow hardware with compatibility with mobile devices and their applications, which opens up opportunities for broadcasting music from Internet radio stations.

At the same time, the quality of sound characteristics at different frequencies does not stop. One of the most successful developments recently was the car receiver Alpine CDE-178BT, the creators of which worked well over its internal stuffing and did not forget to take into account the nuances of operation in conjunction with the car. The main advantages of the system are in its options and functional content. The filling can not be called revolutionary, but in combination with a clear and simple interface and high-quality sound, it looks especially attractive.

General information about the model

Alpine has recently released a lot of interesting head units that are easy to use, multifunctional and have good sound quality. The top segment of the company represents several models, but the role of the flagship can be taken away only by Alpine CDE-178BT. The processor recorder provides the ability to synchronize with smartphones Android and iPhone, supports working with the application Alpine TuneIt App, etc. For sound quality meet the technology of DAC 24-bit and BassEngine Pro.

As for the compatibility in terms of the interface, the CD receiver is organically combined with the interface buttons of the remote control on the steering wheel and the on-board display. Another aspect of the interaction with the machine is also interesting. Unlike many car receivers Alpine CDE-178BT does not stop its work even when the car stops. At a price this model also looks decent, given the wealth of domestic equipment and ergonomic dignity. You can buy this receiver for 16-17 thousand rubles. This price level refers to the middle segment, but the functional and overall quality of the device's performance put it on a higher position.

Specifications of a radio tape recorder

The model has standard dimensions, but at the same time it differs favorably from typical radio tape recorders with wider means of communication, installation and connection. The manufacturer endowed the head unit with an FM tuner, a USB connector and Bluetooth technology. This significantly increased the comfort in the operation of the Alpine CDE-178BT model, the characteristics of which are reviewed below:

• The size of the device is 1DIN.
• Weight - 1,5 kg.
• The output voltage is 2 V.
• The permissible angle of inclination during installation is 35 °.
• Dimensions - 17.8 cm in width, 5 cm in height and 16.2 cm in depth.
• Output power - the cumulative maximum is 4x50 watts.
• Sensitivity of mono-sound is 0,7 mkV.
• The signal-to-noise ratio is 65 dB.
• The initial frequency level is 5 Hz.
• The upper frequency level is 20,000 Hz.

In addition to technologies that improve the sound quality, a whole set of auxiliary solutions is provided, aimed at the optional expansion of the capabilities of the Alpine CDE-178BT in the process of operation. In this group of additions can include a high-pass filter, automatic time synchronization, decoders, attenuator, spectrum analyzer and means of tuning sound sources.

Features

For starters, it's worth highlighting the possibilities of working with tuners. The main place in this direction is the receiver of radio stations with automatic recording of frequencies in memory. There are several modes for searching stations, among which you can mark the scanning of local channels and the connection of maximum sensitivity. In addition, let's say about RDS technology, which is also vested in Alpine CDE-178BT. Auto sound can be adjusted with the Bass Engine Pro system, which allows you to adjust subwoofer levels and perform phase switching. The work of the equalizer is also envisaged. And you can choose the mode of this function by music genres - from Pop to Classical. With the 9-band parametric equalizer, the user can easily and efficiently adjust the sound with the necessary corrections in the frequency spectrum.

A lot of useful in the performance of the head unit was made by Bluetooth technology. A car enthusiast can use several profiles to his taste. For example, the operating mode of HFP will free hands from the need to directly control the functions of the device. For operation against the background of overlapping with other devices, the HSP mode is provided. There is an Alpine CDE-178BT and an advanced audio profile A2DP for audio transmission. If remote control of multimedia functions is required, you can refer to the AVRCP profile.

Menu and interface

In the recorder, the Setup menu is implemented, through which you can control the basic settings and select modes of visual representation of the interface. So, in the General mode, items for setting the clock, selecting the sound source, the format of the calendar view, as well as some playback parameters are available. In Display mode, the user can customize the characteristics of the text displayed on the display, adjust the backlight and brightness of the Alpine CDE-178BT. The instruction notes that the possibility of scrolling text that accompanies reproduced musical compositions in some parts of the screen may be absent. Specially for general settings of the sound played from the FM-receiver, Tuner mode is provided.

A separate format for operating the head unit is also designed for USB. In this case, the user's work is easier when selecting folders with music files. For example, you can set the skip parameter for files or folders of several units. In general, I must say that the menu with the interface is implemented quite well - both the visual part and the controls are ergonomic, which is very important for complex multifunctional head units.

Installation and connection instructions

The installation begins with the introduction of the mounting basket into the dashboard. Further, the workflow depends on whether it is possible to use a bracket to secure the device. If the car has such a possibility of fixing, then it is necessary to fix the block by means of a screw with a rubber cap. In other cases, you will have to use a special plate for installation. After that, the position of the locking pins is checked - if they are located correctly, then you can connect the Alpine CDE-178BT through special terminals.

Each device has its own type of connector - it can be USB, input for the interface cable iPhone, AUX, etc. Also, you should think about the place for installing the microphone. The problem in its connection is that it can only be used if the driver's voice is available. In this case, the fixation should not assume corrections in the position of the microphone - so as not to distract the user from driving.

Setup Instructions

The volume can be adjusted for each source separately. The same applies to the rest of the sound settings, although there are special options that allow you to adjust the individual parameters of the Alpine CDE-178BT. Tuning through the Media Xpander function, for example, is responsible for playing the vocal parts. In this case, the source can be a player, a radio, and a disc. Due to the optimal tuning, it is possible not only to increase the purity and softness of the reproduction, but also to minimize the effect of third-party noise on the broadcast of the track, which is inevitable when the car moves.

The Spatial function is designed for playback settings against the background of a changing acoustic field. The option provides two different effects, each of which makes its own sound tones. For example, the car owner can mute the sound of the front speakers, which will expand the overall playback range. Conversely, the delay of the signal from the rear speakers provides the effect of sound separation while maintaining its clarity and intelligibility.

Necessity of some corrections is caused also by non-standard arrangement of Alpine CDE-178BT speakers. The sound setting in this case aims to create a positive effect of the equidistance of the devices reproducing the signal. The fact is that the speakers can be from the listener at different distances. To optimize and smooth this difference, use the time correction function. Its essence lies in the fact that the signal of the speaker arrives with some delay, eventually organically entering the rest of the acoustic ensemble.

Positive reviews

The manufacturer is known for a responsible approach to the implementation of devices that provide a clean and balanced sound. And users of this model confirm this. And high-quality reproduction is attributed not only to the direct function of the music player, but also to work with adjacent equipment. There is a stable and legible broadcast via Bluetooth, as well as a good study of streaming audio tracks when working with connected mobile devices.

Separately, the owners praise a lot of settings, due to which it is possible to minimize the negative factors of reproduction during the movement of the car and in general to adjust the radio tape recorder for individual requests. In addition, the quality of the Alpine CDE-178BT assembly is also emphasized. Reviews, for example, highlight the strength of the materials used, thanks to which the pleasant appearance of the head unit is achieved, and its reliability during operation. Here it is worth noting a convenient interface. In many respects due to the thought over menu at the majority of users there are no problems in the course of tuning of the radio tape recorder and its connection to other gadgets and multimedia facilities.

Negative feedback

The model has received not so many negative reviews, but without them it did not. Still, audio training is positioned by the company as a flagship, and therefore the requirements for it are appropriate. So, among the negative opinions is to highlight problems with the operation of the Bluetooth module, interruptions and interruptions in the synchronization process and the lack of Russification in some functions and applications of the Alpine CDE-178BT. Reviews of this kind are rare and may be related to the presence of marriage in the radio.

Anyway, for the bulk of users this device causes, rather, positive impressions. This is a rare case when, in terms of sound characteristics, functionality and quality of the menu, the device does not cause frank rejection. The only drawback of the system can be attributed except that its value, but there is not all that unambiguously, if you pay attention to the products from other companies.

Competitors of the model on the market

A fairly successful combination of functions and sound quality pushed many representatives of the price segment 15-20 thousand rubles to the second plan. Nevertheless, fans of Alpine devices are in habit of turning to its long-time rival in the market - the company Pioneer. And in this case, you can ask which model is preferable - Pioneer DEH-80PRS or Alpine CDE-178BT? We must immediately note that the comparison is not entirely correct, since the first version is available on the market with a price tag of 24-25 thousand rubles. If to compare on other parameters the difference will be not so obvious.

Alpine has the advantage of sounding, but with a clever installation and the addition of a head unit with suitable acoustics, the DEH-80PRS version also provides a good result. By the way, among the strengths of this device in terms of sound can be identified accurate and full study of the bass.

In practice, it was noticed that this model also benefits from the high speed of reading from USB. But the option from Alpine differs more ergonomic menu, a wide range of audio settings and quality assembly. Therefore, for fans of good sound, stylish design and functional wealth, it is worth recommending the offer from Alpine.

Conclusion

On the market you can find more solid models that offer a lot of modern options and communication capabilities. Against this background, the Alpine CDE-178BT will look like a device with rather mediocre characteristics. If we consider the lineup of premium processor car receivers, then the presence of Bluetooth, additional settings and the ability to interact with gadgets will become a basic condition. But in this context, the price tag of the device at 16-17 thousand rubles is already an advantage. There are a lot of similar models for 10 thousand, but most of them are not able to provide even close in quality sound.

In turn, the version from Alpine pleases and other advantages. It is convenient to use, without any problems adapting to the characteristics of any cabin - and this applies not only to the installation conditions, but also acoustic parameters. But best of all the sound of the radio tape recorder is revealed in cars with a soundproof soundproofing.