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The Alpine KCE-400BT is part of Alpine's series of add-on modules that, in this case, adds Bluetooth connectivity to receivers that support Alpine's proprietary Ai-NET high-speed connection cable, extending the flexibility of its line of car stereo receivers.
However, the KCE-400BT not only adds hands-free calling technology powered by Parrot--makers of the fantastic Minikit Slim--but it also adds the A2DP and AVRCP audio streaming protocols, effectively giving users a whole extra audio source for their vehicles.
Design
The KCE-400BT consists of a plastic hideaway box with connections for Ai-NET data input, an Ai-NET data cable output for daisy-chaining other Alpine add-on modules, a power connection wire harness, and an external microphone with a gratuitously long cable for mounting near the driver's head.
The KCE-400BT's shell is plastic unlike the metal housing of the TUA-T550HD HD radio receiver tested earlier, which is probably necessitated by the KCE-400BT's internal Bluetooth antenna (the TUA-T550HD used an external antenna).
The unit mounts using included hook and loop adhesive strips and is small enough to fit behind the dash or under a seat. We'd suggest that you test for optimal Bluetooth signal strength before permanently mounting the KCE-400BT.
A person with moderate car stereo installation skills could install the KCE-400BT with simple hand tools in about an hour, depending on the number of body panels that need to be removed to cleanly hide the unit and route the microphone cable.
Once powered up and connected to a compatible Alpine headunit, the KCE-400BT can be found and paired with, using your Bluetooth device.
Features
The primary purpose of the KCE-400BT is to add Bluetooth hands-free calling to compatible Alpine receivers.
Devices are paired using a four-digit PIN. Once paired, the KCE-400BT is able to sync the contact list and the most recently dialed, received, and missed calls. This list is auto updating, so if you make a call outside of the car or add a contact, it will be reflected upon the next pairing.
The periodic updating of call lists is very convenient. However, large updates of multiple numbers can take more than a minute, during which no calls can be made. This is only a minor inconvenience that we were willing to tolerate for increased functionality.
