Question about using an rca cable for ipod

[govnamac]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but can I use one of those cables that connects into the headphone jack as long as my head unit has the red/white input plugs?

Also, as long as the head unit has cd changer controls, that means it has the inputs?

Thanks
Mike

[ru']

Originally posted by govnamac
Correct me if I'm wrong, but can I use one of those cables that connects into the headphone jack as long as my head unit has the red/white input plugs?

Also, as long as the head unit has cd changer controls, that means it has the inputs?

Thanks
Mike

Yes to the first, as long as they're inputs.

No to the second but you may be able to get an adaptor lead.

[CA_Steve]

You'd be amazed by the number of people that assume the rca jacks on the back of their head unit are inputs, when they are usually pre-amp outputs...

[govnamac]

I knew that not all the jacks were inputs, but wasn't sure if all head units with changer controls had inputs

[misscelestia]

Originally posted by CA_Steve
You'd be amazed by the number of people that assume the rca jacks on the back of their head unit are inputs, when they are usually pre-amp outputs...

At the risk of sounding completely useless, how will I know if they are input or output? Is it indicated by male/female, or will it be labelled?

[Nikoos]

For the best sound with an RCA cable out of the iPod, hook yourself up with the Belkin power/dock-connector adapter model#F8V758-APL. It sounds 10 times better than the headphone jack. Bonus is you leave the rca plugged to the adapter and you've only got the one cable to plug into the iPod. If you keep your tunes in a case though you'll need a case with access to the dock plug on the bottom or mod the one you've got.

[ru']

It's unlikely they'll be labelled in my experience.

So, find out what make and model HU you have (information which has been lacking from this thread so far) and get the manual for it (assuming you don't have this).

This could be on the internet.

Alternatively, get in touch with the manufacturer's support line (the telephone number should also be on the 'net).

Or email them.

[misscelestia]

Originally posted by ru'
So, find out what make and model HU you have (information which has been lacking from this thread so far) and get the manual for it (assuming you don't have this).


Actually, my HU manual is pretty lame - so I did it the hard way and just tried it out. No go. It's okay though - I ordered the changer RCA adapter from Crutchfield and I should have all I need for the connection by this time next week.

However, I am wondering now if an RCA to headphone jack is going to be okay, or do I *need* to get an RCA to dock connection?

Thanks for all the great info in this thread, btw :)

[CA_Steve]

Try the headphone jack and see if it meets your needs.

[Digital]

I've been using my iPod in my car for a couple of weeks now, first with a headphone socket cable to the AUX in conveniently located in my glove box, and then with a dock connector cable connected to the same AUX in socket, and quite honestly I can't detect any noticeable difference in sound quality in the environs of the car. I opted for the Logic3 dock connector cable simply for neatness as the iPod is mounted in a Belkin Tune Dock and the dock connector is a neater installation. I don't bother with a car charger as, even on a ten hour journey, the battery is perfectly adequate and I take the iPod out every night and charge it.