Alpine CDA9886

Alpines second from the top of the line model, the CDA9886 packs alot of features in it for the price of $299. The unit comes standard with an IPOD cable, USB hookup, CD player, and a remote control.

The Alpine Browsing system for IPODs is still hands down....the best on the market. It is easy and intuitive to use and browse through the menus. The menu system replicates the actual IPOD menu in most respects. Navigating these menus can be mastered in relatively little time. The same menu system pops up for the USB cable interface.

The sound quality is what I have come to expect from Alpine. The output on our test unit showed 2.45 volts before clip at volume 32. The unit produced a slightly tinny sound on the upper frequencies just before clip. The sound stage was clear and distinct. There was no digital stepping noise from the volume control. In all, a superb unit for the selling price.

The deck has the capability of adding Bluetooth, SAT radio, HD radio, CD changer, and the Alpine Imprint sound processor. With the ability to add these items and an AUX jack as well, the expansion capabilities seem endless.

The display on the unit is similar to the bio-lite display. It has a great off-axis viewing angle which is especially helpful if the unit is not located in front of the driver. The illumination is blue with white text. There is no multi-color illumination feature. The thing about this unit I really like is the large display. This is achieved by moving the cd slot to behind the detachable face panel. It allows not only for a bigger display, but more lines of text to be shown on screen at the same time.

A few things that Alpine could have done to improve this unit? Well the CDA9886 comes with an IPOD cable....but no USB cable. A small expense.....but one that would have been appropriate. Would also have loved to see a multi-color illumination capability on the CDA9886. The unit below it has the capability, why would this one not? I would also like to see the unit come with a better pre-out section. The older Alpine units were able to use 4volt pre-outs in they're $300 decks, why can't the new ones?

In closing, the Alpine CDA9886 is a stout unit that performs like a champ. I would love to see some of the small issues addressed but at $299, it's affordable to those that don't need all of the features, but are looking for a solid DIN size deck. For those that need the capabilities and the features that it offers, $299 is a great buy.