Modern cars are no longer perceived without a good sound system. It helps not only to have a good time on the road, but is also a good addition for mobile devices, whether it be smartphones, tablets or navigators. One of these universal radios is the Alpine iDE-178BT. Thanks to well-thought-out functionality, it is able to perform a large number of tasks, and be not just a “hurdy-gurdy” for playing a couple of radio stations. Let's take a closer look at what exactly this radio can do and why many drivers love it so much.
Model in brief
Although this speaker system was launched on the market back in 2013, it has not lost its relevance even now, after 5 years. Already at that time, the manufacturer tried to maximize its functionality. One of the most outstanding features at that time was the synchronization with mobile devices on iOS and Android operating systems. Thisthe function made it possible to turn a simple radio into a full-fledged multimedia center, which became an assistant for the driver while driving.
Key Features
The radio is installed in a standard DIN-socket, and is quite compact, which allows efficient use of space on the car panel. The output power of the amplifier is 50 watts per channel, of which there are only 4. Thus, two front and two rear speakers can be connected to the radio, assembling a classic quadraphonic acoustic circuit.
When developing the design, the manufacturer focused on left-hand drive cars, placing all the main controls on the left side of the radio panel. Thus, it should be easier to control playback while moving, since there is no need to reach into the far corner. The right side of the Alpine iDE-178BT is occupied by a monochrome display, which is informative enough to display all the necessary information, whether it is the name of the track, data on parameter settings or the name of the selected radio station.
Audio inputs
4 different inputs can be used as signal sources. The first and most common is the radio. With an antenna connected, it can detect and store up to 30 local radio stations. Scanning and saving occurs automatically. To improve the sound quality, an advanced noise removal system is used, due to which even whenwith poor reception, the user will not hear annoying crackling or hissing.
The second input is a classic line AUX. You can connect any device to it, from an old player to a tablet or laptop. With this assembly, the radio works like a simple amplifier, and all sound parameters are set directly on the connected device.
The third source is the built-in Bluetooth module. Here, the functionality of the Alpine iDE-178BT radio is fully revealed, since not only high-quality digital stereo sound can be transmitted through it, but also messages from common instant messengers with output to the radio display. Also, as long as the smartphone is connected to the radio in this way, the speaker system can be used for hands-free phone calls.
The last, fourth option is to play music from a Flash drive. Here, in this matter, the manufacturer miscalculated a little, since the radio tape recorder only supports USB flash drives with a capacity of no more than 8 gigabytes. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will be able to download your entire collection of your favorite music. As a result, you either need to carry a few small flash drives with you, or get by with a small number of tracks.
Parameter setting
Thanks to the detailed instructions for Alpine iDE-178BT, its initial setup will not take much time. Among the main parameters that affect the sound quality, we can distinguish an equalizer with presets and a surround sound system. It is recommended to make personal settings that will please both the user,and match the specific speakers installed in his car.
As for the appearance parameters, the display color remains unchanged, but the backlight value of the controls can be changed to taste. Colors such as amber, red, blue and green are available to the user. You can choose the color that best suits the surrounding interior and will not interfere with night trips.
Sync with iOS
Special attention deserves the ability to connect new devices from Apple using a standard Lighting-cable. After the connection is established, the user will have access to the entire library of audio recordings in the memory of a smartphone or tablet, and they can be controlled directly through the radio.
With this connection, you can search for tracks by alphabetical and percentage indexes, as well as create your own playlists. If you install the vTuner application on your iPhone, then if you have broadband Internet access, you can listen to online radio stations, also controlling them through the radio system.
Positive feedback about the model
In order to fully assess the quality of the car audio system in question, you should analyze the reviews of those who have already used it for a long time. Drivers in their reviews of the Alpine iDE-178BT most often note the following positive points:
- High sound quality. The purity of sound andprocessing at the software level makes it possible to fully immerse yourself in the world of your favorite music without interference and distortion.
- Possibility of connection of the steering panel. The Alpine iDE-178BT is equipped with a steering wheel interface to make it more convenient for the driver.
- Availability of modern communication protocols. Working with many phones and smartphones via Bluetooth facilitates the use of the radio and expands its functionality.
- Sync with Apple devices. Now car audio becomes a full-fledged extension of the mobile ecosystem, allowing you to more comfortably use your iOS mobile phone while driving, without breaking the rules.
- Built-in audio input. The ability to work as a simple amplifier allows you to connect absolutely any sound device.
- Separate subwoofer output. You can connect an active subwoofer without unnecessary difficulties, simply by removing the signal from the corresponding connector on the rear panel.
As you can see, the Alpine iDE-178BT has received quite an impressive list of accolades. However, there is something to reproach her for. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the shortcomings before buying, so that later they do not cause disappointment.
Negative points in reviews
Among the minuses there are no critical moments. They are mainly related to the fact that, according to some parameters, it would be possible to add convenience in using the radio. So, she can't remember the track she left off on.playback, and each time it starts playing the playlist from scratch. In order to synchronize the Alpine iDE-178BT via Bluetooth with another phone, you need to go to its settings and delete the previous synchronization. Some users have complained that the price is a bit high, as a result they expected to see the steering wheel in the kit, and not buy it separately for an additional fee.
Conclusion
This radio is a good solution for lovers of high-quality sound in the car. It is equipped with a processor that processes the sound at a digital level, outputting a crystal clear signal to the amplifier. It is a bit expensive, but at the same time, as the review of Alpine iDE-178BT shows, the functionality fully justifies its cost. If it becomes necessary to use a smartphone along with the radio, then this is not a problem, since it is able to work with most Android and iOS devices.
