Read this first: A guide to installing an ipod in your car

[Maroon_tiger]

I just got back from bestbuy... they installed it in like 10mins.. for only $15..... I didnt care cus i wanted to make sure that nothing went wrong.... they slid the stereo cord under the cig liter and it plugs right into the line/out socket on my iMount...

There IS A CLEAR DIFFERENCE B/W THE SOUND QUALITY OF A CASSETTE ADAPTER/FM TRANS.. AND THE AUXILIRARY INPUT CONVERTER....

the auxilary input converter is worth the $$$.... i hated the cassette adapter with a passion...so this was really easy

1. order the correct auxilirary input converter (that corresponds with your car)
2. purchase the stereo cable from Radioshack..
3. follow the directions to install and or bring it to bestbuy... and pay $15

[JazzyMac]

Cool beans. I had to read this thread about 50 billion times before it started making any sense to me. Not everyone understands car stereos--no matter how "easy" they are.

Thanks Maroon!!!

[fourmoshers]

Two issues with the first post.

If you are going to mount your dock into your car, don't bother with the Sik Imp. The line out of the Imp only works if it is connected directly to the iPod, and will not work if connected to the dock. If you use a dock, the line out on the dock is the only place to get a line out signal.

You recommended a Radio Shack cassette adapter if going the tape adapter route. I've used both it and a Sony and the Sony sounds far superior to the Radio Shack. The Radio Shack sounded fine in my Honda Odyssey but not in my Cadillac, so it may be that you have to find the best adapter for your particular tape deck.

[markstreich]

Could someone please explain the "usability" of the CD changer, and how one interacts with the iPod? i.e., what do the various controls (volume, CD, track, balance, etc.) do in terms of the iPod? [okay, I'll assume the volume controls the volume... ;-]

Can you only go from one track to the next? With 500+ songs, that could be, um, time-consuming.

Do all the various setups enable the iPod to powerdown when the car is off?

Thanks,

Mark

[Pnkrck83]

Unless you go with a system like the ICE link, you will not have the ability to interact with your ipod via the changer controls. The adapters simply trick the head unit into thinking there is a changer connected so you can input sound into the head unit.

[barmach]

Thank you! Great info! Great links!

[pobzilla]

Thanks for your nice post.

I have an older Alpine cda 7839 headunit in my maxima. I have attached the correct ainet adapter to the back of the stereo, to the radio shack 3' rca converter. I have that wire attached to the SiK auto kit so it connects directly to my 3rd gen ipod.

Anyone have any idea why my car stereo isn't recognizing there's a plug in the back? I hit source and also cd-changer on my remote and it's not changing any mode other than radio and CD.

Please help me figure it out if you have any ideas.

[lamofo]

ok. so I have read every audio solution known to man so far in "how to " get my Ipod to play the best in my 2000 Ford Explorer. And I hate to say it, but I am left confused with all the options. In order to connect or "hardwire" my Ipod to my stock CD/Radio stereo, i'd have to get this audio converter from the input in the back ( which would have to be internet ordered and wait for it). Then get the RCA jack to mini converter. Or use that Belkin thing to connect to the charger and get the cleaner signal. And get it professionally installed.

All these things add up.

Is not the easier softer way to just get one of those new Aiwa stereo's that has an input right there on the faceplate? They have them at Best Buy down the street for $109.00 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....roduct&cmp=++. Done. Just plug it in and go. All for cheaper and faster then all these damm converters.

Are'nt these new Aiwa's better then a Ford stock stereo anyways.

Or am I just facing info overload. I just really want to use my Ipod in my car asap.
It sucks to listen to bad radio when you have your record collection in your hand and can not hear it.

[tgower]

Originally posted by Maroon_tiger
I just got back from bestbuy... they installed it in like 10mins.. for only $15..... I didnt care cus i wanted to make sure that nothing went wrong.... they slid the stereo cord under the cig liter and it plugs right into the line/out socket on my iMount...

There IS A CLEAR DIFFERENCE B/W THE SOUND QUALITY OF A CASSETTE ADAPTER/FM TRANS.. AND THE AUXILIRARY INPUT CONVERTER....

the auxilary input converter is worth the $$$.... i hated the cassette adapter with a passion...so this was really easy

1. order the correct auxilirary input converter (that corresponds with your car)
2. purchase the stereo cable from Radioshack..
3. follow the directions to install and or bring it to bestbuy... and pay $15

Maroon tiger,

this sounds great--I want to do a similar hookup to my 1995 sony 10 cd changer . what kind of auxiliary input converter do you mean, an fm modulator or what; where did you order if from?
thanks tgower

[Maroon_tiger]

Originally posted by tgower
Maroon tiger,

this sounds great--I want to do a similar hookup to my 1995 sony 10 cd changer . what kind of auxiliary input converter do you mean, an fm modulator or what; where did you order if from?
thanks tgower

on the 1st page of this thread.. click either link that is about the auxiliary input converter.... then select the auxiliary input converter that corresponds to your care make/model......... and then that should be about $60/+ and then order the stereo cord from the radioshack link that was posted and then either install it yourself or have best buy install it

[tgower]

thanks much maroon-tiger!
Will make a trip to circuit city or bestbuy to discuss installation.
Until I can schedule the optimal solution will go with my itrip.

[lamofo]

This post led the way for me to get the most amazing sounds in my car. I got the aux input for my 2004 Explorer. I then used the stereo RCA to mini jack to my IPod (make sure it's the stereo RCA to Mini. It has the two black stripes on the mini plug instead of the "mono" one stripe). It sounds amazing. I might get that conector to the line out/cigarette lighter, but I tell ya, it sounds awesome. Makes a 10 disc CD changer seem like a dinosaur compared to driving with thousands of songs on my Ipod. I love it. Oh yeah, the guy at BestBuy connected it for $15.99. They were really cool and stoked to see an Ipod getting installed. They even called over other customers to take a look. Thanks for the info!

[nddl05]

Originally posted by lamofo
This post led the way for me to get the most amazing sounds in my car. I got the aux input for my 2004 Explorer. I then used the stereo RCA to mini jack to my IPod (make sure it's the stereo RCA to Mini. It has the two black stripes on the mini plug instead of the "mono" one stripe). It sounds amazing. I might get that conector to the line out/cigarette lighter, but I tell ya, it sounds awesome. Makes a 10 disc CD changer seem like a dinosaur compared to driving with thousands of songs on my Ipod. I love it. Oh yeah, the guy at BestBuy connected it for $15.99. They were really cool and stoked to see an Ipod getting installed. They even called over other customers to take a look. Thanks for the info!

Sounds good. I just was curious as to what made you get the converter as opposed to buying a new cd receiver with an aux input on the front. I'm trying to decide the same thing. I drive an 01 ford focus ZX3 with stock everything...so I don't exactly have the best receiver. Would it be better for me to just spend a few extra bucks over a converter and get myself a better receiver with an input on the front? Though I'm also having trouble finding a relatively low priced receiver with the front input that has gotten good reviews. Just not sure what to do. Thanks in advance for advice anyone can offer...and sorry for my lack of knowledge on the subject - I'm doing the best I can!

[lamofo]

I decided to go with the aux out converter as opposed to getting a new system for a couple reasons. First of all, the stock stereo is allready fitted in the dash perfectly and though it is not the greatest, it is pretty damm good. Secondly, a new one would just cost too much when you add the new stereo, installation, etc. The aux converter was $69.00 + $20.00 ( best buy install in 5 minutes ) + $5.00 for the rca to mini jack = $94.00. The other route would be at least $125.00 for a decent stereo + installation ( which would be extra because the stock stereos are much bigger then the newer mp3 ones) + tax , etc. So a good bit cheaper and it is keeping my consul clean and stock. Also, I have used my Ipod in friends car with the tape player, and the direct connect is a million times better. Good luck.

[tgower]

lamofo--
thanks much for the info, it sounds like just what i need.
tgower