Marine Rated
Display Features
Audio Section
Radio Functions
Disc Playback
iPod/USB/AUX Connection
Bluetooth/Remote Control

Marine Rated

Marine Receiver: The Alpine CDA-118M marine CD receiver is designed for full operation in your boat. The CDA-118M comes in a 1.8 DIN faceplate size, for an easy upgrade for standard marine head units. This unit features a large 2-line LCD screen which is even viewable in direct sunlight. Its skip-resistant CD mechanism ensures continuous playback while you are out on the water. The CDA-118M is fully IPx5 waterproof and salt fog/UV certified. EEPROM no-loss memory, ensures even when the boat is not in use and the battery is disconnected, all your radio presets, zone controls, sound adjustments will stay intact.

Marine Certified: The CDA-118M undergoes strict marine testing, including intrusion protection and salt fog tests to ensure performance on water conditions. Testing includes being subjected to a jetting water stream at 3.3 gallons per minute, and the unit must stay water-tight for 3 minutes at a distance of 10 feet. For salt/fog testing, the unit is placed in a chamber to withstand water with %5 sodium chloride (salt), sprayed at a rate of 12ml/hour for 24 hours. The CDA-118M is IPx5 rated and ASTM-B117 certified

Caution on Connected Devices: Note that optional products such as the compatible CD-changer, SAT receiver, HD Radio, Bluetooth module, Imprint audio processor, or Power Pack have not been designed for marine use. Extra care must be taken during installation to protect these products from the marine environment.

Display Features

1.8 DIN Faceplate: The CDA-118M comes in a 1.8 DIN faceplate size, for an easy upgrade for standard marine head units. The CDA-118M requires a rectangular cutout in the bulkhead for inserting the chassis. Six screws (supplied) fasten the faceplate against the mounting surface, and hold the waterproof gasket against the bulkhead. A template is supplied to assist you with the cutout and drilling the screw holes.

Fold-Down Face: The unit features fold-down face to further protect the CD mechanism. The face must be manually folded down to insert or eject a disc. The fold-down face provides extra-large buttons and an oversized rotary knob for easy control. In addition, the oversized fold-down face provides a large easy-to-read display.

2-Line LCD Display: The CDA-118M features a large, easy-to-ready 2-line LCD display that is even visible in direct sunlight.

Rotary Encoder: A large double-action rotary encoder makes searching for your music easy.

Audio Section

24-Bit D/A Converter: The CDA-118M uses a 24-bit D/A converter for superb sound quality and playback of your music.

CEA-2006 Compliant: The specifications given by Alpine for the built-in amplifier comply with the CEA-2006 mobile amplifier power testing and measurement standards from the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association). All manufacturers who comply with the standard can display the CEA-2006 logo on their product.

• CEA-2006 Power Rating: 18 watts x 4-channel (at 4 ohms, 20-20kHz, 1% THD)
• Max Power Output: 50 watts x 4-channel (200 total watts)

Head Unit Power Pack (optional): Add the KTP-445A (500KTP445A, sold separately) Head Unit Power Pack to deliver 45 watts x 4-channel RMS of power. The KTP-445A is compact enough to install behind the Alpine CD receiver. It plugs in-line with the head unit's wiring harness, so you don't even need additional wires.

2V/6CH Pre-out: The CDA-118M has 3-sets (Front/Rear/Sub) of 2-Volt RCA pre-outs for connection of external amplifiers. The unit's front and rear preamp output can be faded (front/rear), while the subwoofer preamp output is non-fading. The dedicated subwoofer output offers independent level control (0-15), and adjustable phase (Norm/Rev). You can select either System1 or System2 for the desired subwoofer effect.

• Subwoofer System 1: Subwoofer level changes according to the main volume setting.
• Subwoofer System 2: Subwoofer level change is different from the main volume setting; even at low volume settings, the subwoofer is still audible.

Power IC Off: When an external amplifier is powering all the speakers in the system, you can turn the internal amp off, which will improve the sound quality.

Zone 2 Control: The Alpine CDA-118M marine CD receiver features a Zone 2 stereo RCA output which allows you to output the same source to a second location on your boat with independent volume control.

Bass & Treble: The Alpine marine CD receiver provides the following Bass & Treble adjustments.

• Bass Control:
  • Bass Center Frequency: 60Hz, 80Hz (default), 100Hz, or 200Hz
  • Bass Band Width: 1 (narrow) to 4 (wide)
  • Bass Level: -7 to +7 (+/-14dB in 2dB steps)
• Treble Control:
  • Treble Center Frequency: 10kHz (default), 12.5kHz, 15kHz, or 17.5kHz
  • Treble Level: -7 to +7 (+/-14dB in 2dB steps)

High Pass Filter (HPF): The speaker level and front line level outputs have a selectable crossover (HPF); off (default), 60Hz, 80Hz, or 100Hz .

Media Xpander: The MX (Media Xpander) mode makes vocal or instruments sound distinct regardless of the music source. The FM radio, CD, USB memory, and iPhone/iPod will be able to reproduce the music clearly even in cars with a lot of road noise.

Auto Save: Audio settings are automatically saved and remain in memory even if the battery is disconnected. Be sure to preset the Reset switch when using the unit for the first time, after changing the boat battery.

IMPRINT Sound Upgradeable: The CDA-118M is IMPRINT ready. Simply add the Alpine IMPRINT PXA-H100 audio processor and the Alpine KTX-H100 tuning kit (500KTXH100, sold separately) for automatic sound tuning or powerful manual tuning options. IMPRINT automatically measures the entire listening area, capturing time domain and frequency response information from each listening location to process and improve the sound at every seat in your vehicle. Precise control and corrections yield enhanced sound so you can enjoy an optimal listening experience. The IMPRINT audio processor allows you to customize your crossover adjustments so you can control where you send your high and low frequencies. It also provide detailed equalizer adjustments.

Variable Mute: Activating the Audio Mute function will instantly lower the volume level by either 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 dB.

Interrupt Feature: When a device having the interrupt feature (such as a cellular telephone) is connected to the receiver, the audio signal will be automatically muted whenever the interrupt signal is received from the device. The supplied wiring harness contains a pink/black Interrupt lead that needs to be connected to the device's interrupt signal connection.

Beep Guide: This function will give audible feedback with varying tones depending upon the button pressed. This feature can be turned On or Off.

Radio Functions

AM/FM Tuner: The Alpine CDA-118M features a built-in AM/FM tuner with manual, seek and preset tuning.

Preset Tuning: The built-in tuner provides 2 FM bands and 1 AM providing allowing you to store 12 FM and 6 AM preset stations. Stations can be preset manually or automatically.

Local/Distance Tuning: Local seek tuning lets you tune in only those radio stations with sufficiently strong signals for good reception. Distance seek tuning allows both strong and weak stations to be tuned.

Disc Playback

MP3/WMA/AAC Playback: This unit can play CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW discs containing MP3, WMA, and AAC files recorded using the ISO 9660 Level 1 or Level 2 formats. MP3 files with bit rates from 8 kbps to 320 kbps, WMA files with bit rates from 48 kbps to 192 kbps, and AAC files with bit rates from 16 kbps to 320 kbps are supported. Variable bit rates are also compatible. Up to a maximum of 255 folders and 510 files per folder can be read from one disc. ID3 tags v1 and v2, and WMA tags are supported; track title, artist name, and album name ID3 tag data can be displayed.

Quick Search: When you are playing a disc with CD Text, ID3, WMA or AAC tags, you can easily search for a track or file by its title. Once you have activated the search mode, you can use the rotary encoder to quickly scan through the titles to locate the desired track, and select it by pressing the play button.

CD Text Search: On discs utilizing CD Text, songs can be searched and played by using their recorded titles. For discs without CD Text, searches are made using the track numbers associated with each song.

Playback Modes: The Alpine CDA-118M offers Repeat and Random playback modes.

• Repeat: Repeat Play (repeats playback of current track/file), Folder Repeat (repeats only files in current folder)
• Random: Random Play (all tracks/files on disc are played in random order), Folder Random (only files in current folder are played back in random order)

Angle Mounting: For proper CD playback, Alpine recommends mounting the CDA-118M no more that 30° above horizontal.

iPod/USB/AUX Connection

USB Port: The Alpine CDA-118M features a rear-panel USB type-A port and includes a 7' USB extension cable so you may connect a USB memory device to this head unit. Your connected USB memory device may contain MP3 (8-320 kbps), WMA (48-192 kbps), or AAC (16-320 kbps) music files formatted in FAT 12/16/32. This unit will recognize up to 100 folders and 100 files per folder. When you plug in your USB memory device the CDA-118M will automatically identify music files while ignoring other types of files. You can locate songs quickly and easily with the convenient file and folder search function, QuickSearch. You can also search your music file by category (Playlist/Artist/Album/Genre/Composer/Folder) and/or alphabetically. The unit's USB port will also charge your connected USB device.

Built-In iPod Control: You can connect your iPod or iPhone to the head unit's rear-panel USB port and included USB extension using the supplied iPod dock/USB connector cable and get access to all of your iPod's stored music, right from the head unit (you can also use the cable that came with your iPod, however, it's not automotive-grade like the one supplied). With USB connection, your iPod's large music libraries are loaded instantly through the head unit. Sound quality is maximized by using USB along with the head unit's D/A converter, allowing for Signal to Noise ratio up to105dB. Once your iPod is connected, you get convenient control so you can scroll through all your Categories: Playlists, Artists, Albums, Songs, Genre, Composers, Podcasts; and view all your song information right from the display on the head unit. For especially big music libraries, Percentage Search function allows you to quickly target songs in a specific category by allow you to only search a specific percentage (10-100%) of the selected category. You can also search music categories alphabetically. In addition, the CDA-118M provides Repeat and Random playback modes for your iPod/iPhone music. The Alpine CDA-118M is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible when connected via the included USB/iPod dock cable and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (November 2011):

Auxiliary Input: The Alpine CDA-118M features a rear-panel auxiliary input for connecting an external audio source. You can adjust the input gain of the unit's auxiliary input from Low or High. You can also name the auxiliary source (AUX/TV/DVD/Portable/Game).

Optional Auxiliary Input: In addition to the unit's rear-panel auxiliary input, with the optional KCA-121B Ai-NET/RCA interface cable (500KCA121B, sold separately) you can input audio from another external audio source.

Bluetooth/Remote Control

Bluetooth Interface Ready: This unit is Bluetooth ready so you can add the optional Alpine KCE-400BT Bluetooth adapter (500KCE400B, sold separately) to pair up your cell phone with the head unit. Now, you can make and take phone calls conveniently, hands-free. You will be able to view caller information including caller ID, missed, dialed, and received calls right from the head unit's display. You will use the microphone supplied with the optional KCE-400BT to speak, and then listen through your car's speakers. You can even set up your cell phone/head unit to automatically answer your calls. With select compatible phones with streaming audio capability, you can listen to music stored on your phone and have it stream through your Alpine system.

Wired Remote Input: The Alpine CDA-118M includes a wired remote input which allows you to add optional RF remote controls (sold separately) to operate the head unit from a remote location.

• LCD RF Remote: Add the MC10 wireless remote commander kit (500MC10, sold separately) to get multi-zone control over all your sources. In addition to control over your head unit, get full control over additional sources like iPod, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The MC10 offers a full dot matrix LCD display with backlighting so you can view song/artist/album info plus volume levels and sub levels.
• RF Remote: The Alpine marine RF remote (500RUEM1RF, sold separately) uses RF (radio frequency) technology so you can control your system with the remote from up to 100 feet away. The RF remote has the ability to float and is water resistant. The RF remote comes with a mounting bracket that the remote can clip into to prevent it from getting tossed overboard in rough waters. You can also string the remote through an optional lanyard and hang it up to prevent loss.

Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The unit also features an OEM steering wheel remote control input on the rear of the unit that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with the optional PAC SWI-RC Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (541SWIRC, sold separately); or the optional Metra ASWC Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (120ASWC, sold separately).