Meeting a new challenge to realize the best
sound in the passenger compartment
AlpineF#1Status
For a quarter of a century, Alpine has been pursuing the best sound in the passenger
compartment which is subject to harsh physical and electronic conditions. Alpine
has developed its own unique on-board acoustic technology, which is totally different from that of home audio, in order to overcome these tough listening conditions.
The Mobile Multimedia Era is flourishing, and recording media and reproduction
technology have evolved in a remarkable fashion. For an exciting and wide range of
emotional experience, sound is more important than ever, and is becoming the
central factor.
While establishing its standing as a Mobile MultiMedia specialist, Alpine has
concentrated its incomparable craftsmanship, which resembles that of master
artisans of musical instruments, based on its unique technology and expertise
accumulated through long experience. Alpine constantly strives to deliver the best
possible sound in this new era with an approach called “micro-dynamics.” This
approach consists of micro- and macroscopic- technological analysis and design, in
order to deliver increased precision in reproduction speed and time measurement, to
maximize the musical sensory experience.
The best sound in the passenger compartment promises the most advanced multimedia experience to serious listeners in the passenger compartment.
Alpine F#1Status.
The passionate challenge begins from here.
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CD Head Unit
Carefully selected and fine-tuned high-precision parts to
attain “best accuracy” for distortion-less reproduction of
minute signals.
■ A new high precision “DP-ST”, ensures precise retrieval of digital information and
high vibration resistance.
The DP-ST achieves six times greater precision than conventional CD products by incorporating
accurate skew optimization along the X, Y, and Z axes.
The DP-ST keeps the laser much more perpendicular to the CD compared to Alpine’s already high
quality transports. This reduces data reading errors. Since the following circuits correct fewer errors,
they “strain” less, improving the “easiness” of the music DP/ST has the best-in-industry data readout
accuracy, which can be provided to only the flagship model.
■ Hand picked K-Grade “Sign-Magnitude” 24-bit DACs from Burr-Brown offer the highest
precision available.
Many types of Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) exist: the original multi-bit, 1-bit, bitstream,
MASH, delta-sigma, etc. But the Sign-Magnitude DAC still remains unequaled. The Sign-Magnitude
Multi-bit DAC, uses precision laser-trimmed ladder resistors to precisely decode each bit, while a
unique architecture sidesteps zero-cross distortion problems. Since even such precision manufactured
products have slight variance, each “K” grade DAC is hand picked and carefully selected for use. Kgrade products achieve a three-times lower distortion rating and higher S/N ratio compared to the
already awesome basic Sign-Magnitude. It is the highest grade DAC that can be produced at the
present time, with incredible capability to eliminate low-level noise, thus reproducing a sensitive
expression of the music performance.
■ Promising the highest precision: Burr-Brown matching 24-bit digital filter.
The PXA-H900 utilizes a very high grade 24-bit, 8 times oversampling digital filter. This companion
unit to the Burr-Brown “Sign-Magnitude” 24-bit DAC promises the highest accuracy and precision
available today. In fact, by cutting noise outside the audible range, high-precision reproduction with
ultra-wide dynamic range is possible. This creates a rich abundance of musical information and
harmonics.
■ By eliminating high-frequency noise, quietude and depth are reproduced: “GIC-type
low-pass filter”
In all CD systems, a lowpass filter keeps digital noise out of the music. Instead of a typical series
filter, Alpine has employed a GIC (Generalized Impedance Converter) filter. This type of filter
essentially short-circuits spurious noise signals while letting the music passes directly to the next
stage. Removing the series filter keeps the music purer. And, by using the special GIC filter, highfrequency noise that cannot usually be removed by 8 times oversampling is eliminated. This high
precision low-pass filter extracts only the true musical information.
■ Sound quality not possible with typical “Balance” and “Fader” circuits has been
achieved: “Independent Precision Attenuators”
Analog volume control has been said to be preferable for sound. The common analog implementation
requires three circuits in series to achieve volume, balance and fader functions. The sound passes
through each of the three stages, and each stage inevitably adds some slight distortion and noise. With
the new circuit design, each channel employs its’ own high precision ladder resistor electronic
volume. Based on the users’ settings, a microchip calculates what each channel’s output setting should
be, and orchestrates all channels together. Loss of music information due to passing through multiple
stages does not occur.
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Noise from various points of the circuit is restricted to the
ultimate level to reproduce unprecedented “quietude”
■ Black-finish DP/ST mechanism & copper-plated black-finish chassis for less noise
effects, electric distortion, and data reading deterioration.
Reflections of the laser from the CD surface can bounce into the laser reading head, causing transition
errors when the digital bits change between 0 and 1 (“jitter”). These transition errors decode as low
level noise and distortion. To eliminate such possibilities, the DP/ST mechanisms are all painted
black, including the inner faces and circuit boards. This reduces the optical noise and achieves an
improved S/N ratio that can be easily recognized in the reproduced sounds.
■ Reducing noise by lowering impedance of power supply system: four-layer PCB with
STAR Circuit
A copper through-hole four-layered PCB allows ideal patterning and part layout for minimal pickup of
radiated electromagnetic noise. Furthermore, by doubling the thickness of the copper foil to 70mm, a
reduction of noise is achieved, along with lower impedance of the power supply system. One layer out
of four is the ground and Alpine’s unique STAR (Signal Transit for Accurate Response) Circuit is
mounted in order to reduce interference . By inserting the ground layer, a reduction in interference and
ideal part layout were targeted.
■ Shield FPC shuts out noise
Flexible Printed Circuit+j
The FPC, sandwiched between two shield layers, rejects noise effects from the power line and master
clock line.
■ Plenty of carefully selected “high-quality parts” supporting the high performance of
DAC
Includes non-metal carbon film resistors (for high-quality audio) with no magnetostriction, highquality sound custom slave-less electrolytic capacitors preventing electricity charge on the capacitor
coating that may affect capacitor characteristics adversely, hand-picked high-performance op amps,
etc. The unrestricted use of these noise/signal distortion-resistant devices achieves a three-timeshigher S/N ratio.
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Unprecedented “wide dynamic range” Persistent pursuit of
energetic and enjoyable “high-speed sound”
■ Resonant DC-DC converter for stable power supply
Whereas the general DC-DC converters send rectangular waves to the step-up transformer, the
resonant DC-DC converter, with a simple design integrating capacitors in its Taylor circuit, sends sine
waves to the step-up transformer. Consequently, the high frequency components inherent to the
normal switching power supply units are significantly reduced and high frequency noise and spike
noises are extremely small. The right solution for a clean power supply.
■ A large capacity power supply circuit allows instantaneous supply of a large amount
of electrical current, four times as large as the maximum current consumption. It’s as
powerful as those used in desktop audio units.
An audio-use large capacity power supply is employed. The dual line independent power cables and
independent shield structures for the respective circuit blocks allow the separation of the power for the
audio signal circuits from those of the operation display systems, remarkably reducing mutual
interference (noise or voltage fluctuation effects). These designs achieve both a listener feel of wide
dynamic range and lower noise level, while ensuring sufficient power supply capacity. More than
enough dynamic range is constantly available.
■ High-Voltage I/V converter eliminates the necessity of a final stage booster circuit
which amplifies noise.
Inside the DAC, the digital bits are translated into electric currents. An I/V (current, I to voltage, V)
converter transforms those currents into output voltage. To achieve high output voltage, a commonly
available booster IC typically amplifies the I/V converter output. Unfortunately this amplifies noise as
well. Instead of following this standard path, Alpine specially engineered a Direct High Voltage I/V
converter. The output from the I/V converter is already high voltage, so no additional noise amplification occurs.
■ Large-diameter power cable improves the power supply capacity
The power cables, from the battery to the black box, are all OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) 14AWG
equivalents (2 mm2). The carefully selected cable size and material (OFC) contribute to impedance
reduction, ensuring not only satisfactory anti-noise performance but also top-level capacity for
instantaneous power supply.
■ Custom large-capacity electrolytic capacitors provide extremely clear and crisp sound
These capacitors, with their improved capacity for instantaneous current supply, are remarkably
effective in sound reproduction stability including powerful bass expression and quick sound
generation. CDA-7990 uses eight times the total capacity of compared to normal systems.
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High-precision signal transmission to maintain high quality
sound information. All design factors, including contact
resistance, noise effects, durability and matching, are optimized for the in-vehicle environment.
■ 4V PREOUT improves the S/N ratio by cutting off noise effects and restricting ampli-
fier gain
The high voltage output level allows reduction of amplifier gain. Therefore, any noise induced in the
RCA lines to the amplifier will not be amplified as much.
■ ”High-performance RCA connector/power terminals” with outstanding durability and
anti-vibration performance, as well as less propensity to contact resistance and noise
The RCA connectors, and power terminals are all critical factors for sound reproduction quality. This
awareness is carefully reflected in the designs of these devices. For example, the contact faces are
machined with high accuracy and high attachment pressure is provided to the connectors. The power
terminals, with their thick gold plating, are high attachment pressure types optimized for high voltage
design.
They exhibit improved durability against vibration and external shocks, thus reducing the possibilities
of sound quality deterioration caused by contact resistance.
■ Custom developed RCA cables use a titanium-containing heat resistant insulator for
powerful bass frequencies and gentle, clear mid-to-high frequencies
Alpine teamed with Monster Cable to develop an original RCA cable with excellent bandwidth
balance that can transmit high-quality sound signals completely with no loss. To attain a good balance
across the different bandwidths of sound signals, hybrid stranded wire is adopted for the cable. The
wire itself uses both PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting process) and Hi-OFC (HiOxygen Free Copper) wires. Inner and outer strand layers adopt different winding techniques, one to
optimize the bass and the other to optimize high freqeuncies. Moreover, this stranded wire is covered
with a high durability insulation material made from a titanium compound, providing the RCA cable
with heavy-duty specifications to meet the severe on-vehicle environment (including severe temperature changes). The appearance of this thick cable also gives a feel of power and grace as well as
improves the scale of the reproduced sounds.
■ Digital optical output accommodating high-quality sound data transfer to external
units with minimal deterioration
Digital fiber optic output offers a precise, interference-free transmission of digital data to outboard
sound processors. The CDA-7990s output offers an even more precise data output than the normal
system. The improvements in the CD transport mechanism provide a cleaner data signal to start with,
with a large reduction in transition timing errors (jitter) found with conventional transports. Additionally, a hand-picked DIT (digital interface transmitter) ensures that the data is transmitted optimally.
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Advanced ergonomic design concept for “user-friendly
interface” even while driving
■ BioLite display with wide viewing angle and high resolution/contrast
The high quality display uses biochemical luminescence technology that ensures outstanding visibility
even in daylight. It also emphasizes advanced technology with an interactive display environment and
feedback to every operation by the user.
■ ”High-rigidity rotary encoder” inspires the user to touch and feel
The 20mm aluminum shaped knob provides the feel of real quality that only top-grade audio systems
provide. When touched, it exhibits a richness in torque response, tactile feel, and grip, inspiring the
user with the prospect of high-quality sound. Its comfortable and smooth analog feel will fascinate all
kinds of owners.
■ ”Key layout,” combination of legacy and innovation exhibiting clear design identity
The simple layout of the six LED-lit preset buttons and control knobs create the Alpine identity with
universal appeal to high-end users.
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