Disappointed with Alpine

2011 Nismo#91 · 12-12-2012, 10:43 AM

So about a year and a half ago I bought a INA-W900BT head unit. Read all the specs and even read through the manual to see all the features. In the manual it has a section on streaming Bluetooth Audio from a compatible A2DP device, so I assumed since the setup was in the manual it was a feature. When I got this installed I had a cheap flip phone and assumed again it didn't work because of the cheap phone and the head unit showed up with the BTAudio menu.

Now I have a new smart phone with all the bells and whistles and it still wouldn't work. So I went searching the internet. In the end I found that Alpine had taken an old head unit the INA-W900 with out Bluetooth and put in their only Bluetooth module they had available at the time the high end KCE-400BT and released it as the BT version. When they developed the KCE-250BT with out A2DP support the sneaked it in there to save some money and make more off people who want to upgrade to have A2DP support.

Unfortunately for me they never changed any of their documentation and to this day their manual still says this unit supports A2DP even though it does not.

bb370z · 12-12-2012, 11:57 AM

Unfortunately Alpines build quaility is not what it was 10+ years ago. Some of you older guys know what i'm talking about...

NickTurnon · 12-12-2012, 12:05 PM

I NEVER recommend Alpine headunits to anyone

Unfortunately their display lacks any sort of quality to me. Their Ipod setup is inferior to both Pioneers & Kenwoods platform.

I am sorry to hear that they let you down!

bigaudiofanat · 12-12-2012, 06:19 PM

I never had any trouble with any alpine and I have never seen their build quality go down such as pioneer's have over the years.

OP, as a audio guy I highly do not recommend BT audio. Using a Aux input would give you much better sound quality over BT streaming. However the connivence factor does take a hit. I know what you mean with them not having the major support for newer devices in the BT market. However alpine really caters more towards the "I" market rather than android. BT is not something they even care for themselves being that the compression ration is so high.

If you MUST have BT streaming I recommend going with kenwood. However keep in mind your KBPS is going to drop. Take a look at these two articles.

Bluetooth audio quality (A2DP) - News - SoundExpert

Bluetooth audio vs. wires | The Audiophiliac - CNET News

bigaudiofanat · 12-12-2012, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickTurnon

I NEVER recommend Alpine headunits to anyone

Unfortunately their display lacks any sort of quality to me. Their Ipod setup is inferior to both Pioneers & Kenwoods platform.

I am sorry to hear that they let you down!

I have seen more pioneer screens fail than any alpine, kenwood use to be a very sluggish and delayed interface. They are finally starting to get better.

RonRizz · 12-12-2012, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bb370z

Unfortunately Alpines build quaility is not what it was 10+ years ago. Some of you older guys know what i'm talking about...

2011 Nismo#91 · 12-17-2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

I never had any trouble with any alpine and I have never seen their build quality go down such as pioneer's have over the years.

OP, as a audio guy I highly do not recommend BT audio. Using a Aux input would give you much better sound quality over BT streaming. However the connivence factor does take a hit. I know what you mean with them not having the major support for newer devices in the BT market. However alpine really caters more towards the "I" market rather than android. BT is not something they even care for themselves being that the compression ration is so high.

Yeah sound quality suffers but it's an ok compromise to not have to be fiddling with my phone while driving or finding and connecting it when I get in the car.

The biggest issue I have is Alpine downgraded the Bluetooth receiver and didn't tell anyone or change any of their documentation.

12-12-2012, 10:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
2011 Nismo#91 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 2,400 Drives: slowly Rep Power: 40569	Disappointed with Alpine So about a year and a half ago I bought a INA-W900BT head unit. Read all the specs and even read through the manual to see all the features. In the manual it has a section on streaming Bluetooth Audio from a compatible A2DP device, so I assumed since the setup was in the manual it was a feature. When I got this installed I had a cheap flip phone and assumed again it didn't work because of the cheap phone and the head unit showed up with the BTAudio menu. Now I have a new smart phone with all the bells and whistles and it still wouldn't work. So I went searching the internet. In the end I found that Alpine had taken an old head unit the INA-W900 with out Bluetooth and put in their only Bluetooth module they had available at the time the high end KCE-400BT and released it as the BT version. When they developed the KCE-250BT with out A2DP support the sneaked it in there to save some money and make more off people who want to upgrade to have A2DP support. Unfortunately for me they never changed any of their documentation and to this day their manual still says this unit supports A2DP even though it does not.

12-12-2012, 12:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
NickTurnon A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Scottsdale Age: 33 Posts: 1,636 Drives: 09 BS 7AT 370z Rep Power: 18	I NEVER recommend Alpine headunits to anyone Unfortunately their display lacks any sort of quality to me. Their Ipod setup is inferior to both Pioneers & Kenwoods platform. I am sorry to hear that they let you down! __________________ 2009 Brilliant Silver BASE 7AT \| TEIN S-Tech Springs \| K&N Drop Ins & z1 Maf Tubes \| AAM S-Line Short Tails \| 5% Tint \| 20MM Spacers \| Sport Spoiler NickTurnon's 370z Build

12-12-2012, 06:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I never had any trouble with any alpine and I have never seen their build quality go down such as pioneer's have over the years. OP, as a audio guy I highly do not recommend BT audio. Using a Aux input would give you much better sound quality over BT streaming. However the connivence factor does take a hit. I know what you mean with them not having the major support for newer devices in the BT market. However alpine really caters more towards the "I" market rather than android. BT is not something they even care for themselves being that the compression ration is so high. If you MUST have BT streaming I recommend going with kenwood. However keep in mind your KBPS is going to drop. Take a look at these two articles. Bluetooth audio quality (A2DP) - News - SoundExpert Bluetooth audio vs. wires \| The Audiophiliac - CNET News __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

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12-12-2012, 11:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
bb370z Base Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: TN Posts: 145 Drives: 2010 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 13	Unfortunately Alpines build quaility is not what it was 10+ years ago. Some of you older guys know what i'm talking about...