I am in two minds about which headunit to purchase! I definitely want an IPOD Alpine headunit and have 2 to choose from. Just wandering if anyone has any experience with either...more importantly the ipod interface as i want it to be easy to use when driving!

It's either IDA-X305 or the CDA-9886R ... the only problem with the X305 is that it has no CD player, but then the color screen with ipod like interface is a bonus... Also which one would you think would look better in a black interior...??


IDA-X305 Link


CDA-9886R Link

Also does the kce-433IV cable come included with either, as some people have had one in their box with the unit.

Cheers

 

I have the 305 installed... i can post pics later tonight.


I enjoy it... works great with the ipod... i am just waiting to installed the blue tooth module for it in the next few weeks.

 

I have the 9886 and I recommend getting the IDA. You won't touch a CD anymore. The 9886's iPod interface works really well but the IDA series is a better option IMO.

You're looking for the wrong cable. You need the KCE-422i unless you're buying a CDE-102 head unit. My 9886 came with the KCE-422i.

 

I got the 9886. I went to fry's, bought a 6 foot usb adapter, and have it going through the back to the passenger's side. I bought mine from my brother used, but he said it didn't come with the $30 iPod cable.

 

If you could post pics that would be great!! I was really considering the X305 but was just worried about the CD thing. In my old car i had a multimedia unit (Alpine IVA-D106R - touchscreen unit, as pictured)



and was just worried that i couldn't adapt or find the new ipod interfaces difficult to use...

 

sorry, I don't mean to hijack, but I was also considering the x series from alpine, will these hook up to an iphone 3g?

 

I have the first generation IDA-X001 and love the interface. It came with the USB cable (I believe the 305 will as well), and you'll want to use that connection as it sends the digital stream to the HU's D/A converter, whereas the "full speed" cable used on the other Alpine head units is an analog connection, utilizing the DAC in the ipod. Not every ipod is compatible with the USB connection, but most seem to be. And while it's not officially supported (don't think it was even out yet), I have used my 3G iPhone with the HU. The 305 specifically mentions iPhone compatible, though I think you'll still need the bluetooth module to use it for calls. I prefer to use a dedicated ipod for music and just use a headset if I need the phone.

I would suggest importing all of your CDs in Apple Lossless, which will give you full CD resolution from your ipod. as takeshi said above, you won't be missing your CDs.

Also consider the Modifry DCI to utilize your factory dash controls (volume, source, track skip and pause via the mute button is what I basically get out of it) and his plug n play harness for Alpine. Makes install simple.

 

how much is the DCI and can it be sent to the UK??

Def think i am going to go with the x305!!

 

It's 90$ plus an adapter..

As long as you never use the dimmer on the HU you will not have any problems... as stated by Modifry.

and yes it shows that you can ship to the UK.

 

I'm also considering the ida-x303 or ida-x305, would love to see pics of them installed. Also... both of these head units (2009 models) are iPhone compatible and will say so on the box.