Alpine PXA-H900 Woes
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1000 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,783
Alpine PXA-H900 Woes
After sitting in storage for 2+ years, I recently powered up the processor to find that the display screen was blank. The other lights on the display were working fine, and the status light responded to commands from the remote control, so I concluded that it was the display screen itself that was faulty.
Upon contacting another person experienced with the H900, I found that this is not an uncommon problem. In fact, I remember seeing a number of other custom installs where the owners stated that the display screen was dead, and that they tuned the system with only a laptop.
Today I contacted Alpine about the problem, and their response was startling. They are very aware of the problem, but are unable to source any replacement parts. The last replacement screen they recieved was in 2005, at a cost of $316. Now, anyone that has a screen fail, is SOL.
It was also acknowledged that the Biolite screen has a very limited lifespan, and that all screens will eventually fail.
It was suggested by the technician that I use the PC software to setup and run the H900, but this is far from a practical solution. 80% of the H900s features are only accessable through using the remote and display screen. In my case, I can't even select the correct input the H900 should be using and what listening mode to be in.
Overall, a very frustrating experience with a product that is supposed to be Alpine's flagship. In a rather ironic note, Alpine admitted that it was an extremely limited product, with perhaps only 60 units sold worldwide, so the demand for replacement parts was very low. Well if every screen is due to fail, I would think that demand would be a priority for their high end clientel base.
A strange situation, but I intend to try to work with Alpine to find a rational solution for all H900 owners.
Upon contacting another person experienced with the H900, I found that this is not an uncommon problem. In fact, I remember seeing a number of other custom installs where the owners stated that the display screen was dead, and that they tuned the system with only a laptop.
Today I contacted Alpine about the problem, and their response was startling. They are very aware of the problem, but are unable to source any replacement parts. The last replacement screen they recieved was in 2005, at a cost of $316. Now, anyone that has a screen fail, is SOL.
It was also acknowledged that the Biolite screen has a very limited lifespan, and that all screens will eventually fail.
It was suggested by the technician that I use the PC software to setup and run the H900, but this is far from a practical solution. 80% of the H900s features are only accessable through using the remote and display screen. In my case, I can't even select the correct input the H900 should be using and what listening mode to be in.
Overall, a very frustrating experience with a product that is supposed to be Alpine's flagship. In a rather ironic note, Alpine admitted that it was an extremely limited product, with perhaps only 60 units sold worldwide, so the demand for replacement parts was very low. Well if every screen is due to fail, I would think that demand would be a priority for their high end clientel base.
A strange situation, but I intend to try to work with Alpine to find a rational solution for all H900 owners.
That's some crappy news Adam. Alpine should man-up and buy back all units that are screwed if they are rendered completely useless. That's a really sh-tty deal. They should show some responsibility for this issue.
My Pioneer P9 combo doesn't look so bad to me anymore ...... even though it's a brick compared to the F1.
My Pioneer P9 combo doesn't look so bad to me anymore ...... even though it's a brick compared to the F1.
start an online petition to send to Alpine...I'll be the first to say that if they treat their high end warranties and support like that...I'm thinking of going elsewhere for equipment in the future...and I'm a big Alpine fan!!!
neither is my car...but i can still get parts for it. I'll bet when they bought the units Alpine didn't mention that they would be rendered useless in a few years because we won't support our products. I'm very disappointed to hear this, I've always held Alpine in high regard and to hear that they are treating customers with such expensive equipment makes me wonder how much they care about Joe average and his 300.00 deck!
Last edited by Denonite; Feb 19, 2009 at 11:09 AM.
