Thumbs Up:
Playback WMA/AAC/MP3 audio tracks via USB and CD; percentage search
Thumbs Down:
It does not have enough preamp output ports. The Bluetooth and iPod installation needs additional equipment.
The Whiz Kid Speaks:
The Alpine CDE 102 is a full-DIN car stereo receiver that works as AM/FM radio tuner, CD player, and digital player for USB drives. It features stereo sound, digital clock, and detachable faceplate. The audio system controls are Subwoofer level, Loudness, Balance, Volume, Treble, Fader, and Bass.
The amplifier max output is 50watts for 4 channels and 18watts per channel. The additional highlights are Rotary encoder multi-control, ID3 tags support, CD Text capable, and iPod ready.
The CDE 102 has 18 preset stations including six for AM and 12 for FM. The radio signal to noise ratio is 65dB. The player has inbuilt CD drive slot and supports WMA, MP3, and AAC audio formats The signal to noise ratio for CD player is 105dB.
The connector set includes 2×Audio line-out (RCA phono×2), 1×USB (4-pin USB Type A), and 1×Audio line-in (mini-phone stereo 3.5mm).
Razzle Dazzle:
The Alpine CDE 102 is 7 inches wide, 2 inches tall and 6.3 inches deep, and weighs 3.3 lbs. The single line LCD display has occupies most of the faceplate. The buttons, volume knob and playback controls are located on the left side near the driver.
Inside Dope:
The Alpine CDE 102 is an entry-level single-DIN car stereo receiver. It can playback digital media through its USB port and optical drive on the faceplate. However, the CDE 102 does not have enough ports to connect the devices. You will need additional equipment to connect the iPod and Bluetooth enabled devices. It will be a great replacement stereo for old vehicles due to its more flexibility, features, and power than a normal factory radio. You can press and hold the volume knob for 2 seconds to enter in the Loudness mode. It is noteworthy that two-band equalizer gives little control on the sound quality. However, its 50watts output for 4 channels is respectable for a basic stereo.
The four blue buttons for skip backward, skip forward, band (AM/FM), and source/power are located on the left end of faceplate. A metallic knob with rubber grip to adjust the volume sits next to above buttons. You can press it like a button to go through adjustments for fader, balance, treble, and bass.
You will find the voice dial/telephone and setup/sound button on the right side of volume knob. The playback controls including play/pause, search, and mute are beneath the knob. On pressing the search button, above playback controls will work as enter, escape and back respectively. In addition, the volume knob will work as scroll wheel.
The monochromatic LCD display has taken a lot of space on the faceplate beneath the CD slot. You can change the folder name, file name, album, title, and artist. The screen can show 10 characters at a time that scrolls the long title.
The USB port covered with rubber cover and 1/8 inch analog auxiliary input ports are located on the right side of display. The option to attach the USB thumb drive is an attractive, but we will recommend you to use a USB pigtail to hide the drive in glove compartment and center console.
The secondary function buttons including view button, shuffle, repeat, and radio presets are located beneath the display. You can use the View button to cycle from various display information. You can detach the faceplate for security and storing in plastic case. At the rear side of unit, you will find a couple of RCA preamp outputs, Bluetooth mode connection cable, antenna connection, and standard wiring harness.
The Alpine CDE 102can playback FM/AM radio and audio CDs of AAC/WMA/MP3 formats. You can browse the discs and USB drives by using search mode. The CDE 102does not support the Apple iPod and other portable media players out of the box. However, you can purchase $30 priced KCE-433iV iPod connection cable to connect the iPhone and iPod.
The Alpine has also removed the Ai-NET digital bus, so you cannot add satellite radio and HD radio receives. There is also no way to add Alpine Imprint audio processor to mix. In contrast, you can get the benefit of Bluetooth enabled A2DP audio streaming and hands-free calling via interface of the CDE-102. The Alpine has removed the Ai-NET connection that does not allow adding Imprint audio processor for mix.
We connected the 8GB drive with the Alpine CDE 102and it quickly browsed the files/folders. As there is no dedicated subwoofer unit, so you cannot get the in-dash fader control if you connect additional subwoofer. On the other hand, you will get an option for disabling the internal amplifier that reduces the line noise on connecting the external amplifier. This feature is only available on high-end audio receivers.
Nitty Gritty:
The Alpine CDE 102is not the best car stereo system. However, it is the best replacement for old vehicles due to its more flexibility, features, and power than a standard factory radio.