Alpine iDA X200 Problem

As you all know, I got an Alpine IDA X200 for Christmas. I installed it and love the unit, however It HAS a problem.

When playing a song, I can press the back button and the song starts over (like its supposed to). This is where the problem starts. The song will play for 10-seconds, maybe 35-seconds, maybe 1-minute ( its completely random) and then start over. It will continue to do this on the same song until another song is selected.

In other words, I can drive 35-minutes to work and here the same song (and never hear the whole song) all the way to work. This sucks.

This problem exists with both my First Generation and Second Generation Nano. I also have the same problem with my Fifth Generation Ipod.

I took the unit to my local Alpine dealer. He saw the same problem with his ipod hooked up my IDA X200. Next, We connected my Nanos to his IDA X100 (in his display) and we had no problem. So its NOT an Ipod Problem, its an Alpine iDA X200 problem

He ordered me another Alpine IDA X200. I installed it Saturday. Guess what, we still have the same problem.

The local Dealer then put my original unit in his display (for test purposes only) to confirm that there was no install problem. Guess what, the problem existed even in the display case.

When I call Alpine Tech Support, they keep having me check my iTunes settings. So far they have not been helpful. When the local Alpine dealer called Alpine, they said that they would return his call. That was last week. And they have not yet returned his call.

The local Alpine dealer is Genuinely concerned. He really whats a solution to this problem. But just throwing in another IDA X200 is not the solution.

So I guess that I'll keep calling Alpine

I'll keep everyone posted

 

I would consider an upgrade, but lets see how this plays out. Hopefully Alpine is serious about taking care of the customer.

 

Called Alpine Tech again today, is this the third or fourth time? Finally got someone who might have a clue. He didn't blame iTunes. I'll know more about whats going on Friday or Monday

I've gotta say, the local dealer, on a scale of 1 to 10 gets a definate 9 or 10. They really want to help. They are concerned.

Alpine on the other hand only gets a 2 or 3. ( I rate them this high, because they actually answered the phone, spoke english, and wait time was less that 5-minutes in every case)I don't think they care. I hope I'm wrong. Maybe the first guys I talked to were janitors who just happened to answer the phone when I called. It was obvious they had no clue, this last guy, he might have a clue.

We'll see.

 

Well, its Friday and I still have not heard from Alpine. I guess that I'll have to start calling them again on Monday. I wrote them a letter today and mailed it. I am really beginning to think that Alpine doesn't care. But I sincerely hope that I'm wrong.

So lets recap, so far I've called Alpine four times, the first three times I was told that the iPod or iTunes was to blame. Whoever I was talking to those times obviously had no clue. Now the fouth time I called, this guy might have a clue. But I won't bet on it.

He said he hooked his iPod to an IDA X200 he had there and it did not have the same problem as mine. I'm not sure how that solves my problem. Unless he sends me that HU. And then we'll see.

I think I'll post exactly what its doing on youtube.com.

That might be my Saturday project

 

Alpine responded to the letter very quickly, which is a very good sign. So I will call them in the morning. Here is what I know so far, Alpine Tech is sending their iDA X200 to Bunkleys Sound, which Bunkleys Sound will install in their demo board. We will then check to see if we have the same problem with this Head Unit.

They seem to think its an iPod problem. I'm not sure how thats possible, because we've seen the problem with 5 different iPods. But when we hooked the iPods to the iDA X100, they worked flawlessly.

When I first noticed this problem I suspected the iPod. So I took it to a friend of mine who has an iDA X001 installed in his car. It worked normal in his car. Thats when I thought it might be the HU.

Well, lets see how this goes. All I want in the end is an iDA X200 that works the way its supposed to.

I wanna add one thing. Alpine customer support stated in their letter to me that "We have not experienced any problems with this unit." and I have to agree with them. When I first noticed the problem I did an internet search and found NO problems similar to mine.

I wanna "back button" that works

 

Well, Its NOT an iPod problem. Bunkleys Sound got the iDA X200 from Alpine Tech today and guess what, one of the installers hooked up his Iphone to it and it exhibited the same problem.

This last guy I talked to at Alpine Tech really wants to find a solution to this, so I might have finally been able to talk to the right person.

Alpine did sincerely believe that this was an iPod problem and I think this is what caused this problem to drag out. So in fairness to Alpine, they have never seen this problem. It took them completely by supprise. I think they will wanna take care of this now.

I'll keep ya'll posted

 

Alpine honestly believed that the problem was with the iPod and not the iDA X200. After all, they had no reported problems with this unit.

I am really happy that they finally believe me, its not my iPods. We will work something out.

Again, I'll keep everyone posted on how this all works out.

 

Alpine is gonna replace my iDA X200 with an iDA X303. I should be getting the new unit early next week.

In the end Alpine did get it right, but it took a little persistance on my part. Now, at no time was I rude, derogatory or mean. But I was determind. This HU had a problem and I needed it fixed.

I would have been content with another iDA X200 that worked properly, but so far I've seen 3 with this problem.

My biggest problem with Alpine is the fact that they kept blaming the ipod, when it states clearly in the directions that my Ipods are compatable



In the end Alpine did get it right and to be fair to Alpine they had no complaints about this HU. So they did have a right to be skeptical.

Here is what I've learned. Be persistant if you know you have a problem. Always be polite. Being rude or mean will get you no where. I took the time to write a letter (yes a real letter, the type you mail with a stamp. NOT An Email). I believe this told Alpine I was serious. There response to the letter was very fast.

In the beginning Alpine was slow to respond to my problem, but in the end they got it right. I am a satisfied customer and will continue to use Alpine products in the future

Alpine gets a B+

 

I picked up the iDA-X303 today, but I won't get a chance to put it in my truck until Saturday. I think the iDA-X200 looks a little bit better, but I need an HU that works the way its supposed to.