Looking for line-out solution

[intendedaccel]

Hello, I am trying to find a true line out solution for in car use with the 3rd gen (dock style) ipods. I am aware of belkins so called line out, but am not interested in a solution that has an amplifier in the audio path as I am looking for as clean of a soultion as possible.

I had an idea for with the above requirements in mind and was wondering if anybody has tried anything similar.

Apple brand dock
Monster Cable brand 3rd gen iPod charger connected to back of dock
Monster Cable brand iCable connected from line out on dock to line in on stereo

Would that work? I would have to mount the dock to somewhere with some double sided tape or something.

I am aware of the Sik cable that is due out some time in december, but I think that this may be a better solution because it will allow me to easily connect and disconnect the ipod from the car. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[g-rob]

I'm in the same boat.....I'm seeking a clean line-out solution so I can go directly into my head-ends Aux input (versus passing thru Belkins mini-amp with a lot of noise).

So far, I've just been waiting patiently for a new version of a Transpod for 3G. Hoping they'll create a model that provides both power and line-out capability (instead or in-addition-to an FM Mod). Haven't seen much in the way of development there.

As for using Apple's existing doc, I considered that too -- but I'm fearing it won't provide the stability needed?

I'm goin to check on that 'sik' cable -- hadn't hear about that. I'm assuming it's to tap into the bottom connector for a 1/8" output.

any other suggestions for direct line-out in the car are appreciated!! -- thanks, greg

[STAT 007]

This is exactly what I'm wanting to do when I get my iPod in a few weeks. Anybody have any success with this yet?

I mean, it should work just great except that there might be an issue with the volume being too low since it's coming straight from the Line Out.

[intendedaccel]

Just got an email this morning from Sik that says their product has been released!

http://www.sik.com/imp.php

I think this will probably be the best solution. Now to find a mount!

[todx]

why this sik? how is it better than the other methods. very interested in learning about the pros of this method. and 4-6 weeks delivery, that would be a rough.

is this THEE way to go?

[intendedaccel]

Originally posted by todx
why this sik? how is it better than the other methods. very interested in learning about the pros of this method. and 4-6 weeks delivery, that would be a rough.

is this THEE way to go?

Because it is the ONLY in car solution that gives you a true line output and charger. The belkin unit adds an amplifier to the line output adding un-needed complexity and sound quality degredation. The only other method I have found to do this with the apple dock and monster charger is FAR more money than this, and this one lets you use your own holder. IMO it's VERY worth the 26 bucks (if you pre-order, 30 if not) for it. I already ordered mine! :D

[STAT 007]

4-6 weeks, huh? Hmmmm... I don't think so. Should be getting the iPod in about three weeks and I'm hoping to have the car install done before then using the Dock, a Belkin Auto Kit (but used JUST for the power), and a 3.5mm Monster Cable going from the Dock's Line Out into the back of my car stereo. Looks interesting though (albeit it kind of cheap-looking too).

[intendedaccel]

Originally posted by STAT 007
4-6 weeks, huh? Hmmmm... I don't think so. Should be getting the iPod in about three weeks and I'm hoping to have the car install done before then using the Dock, a Belkin Auto Kit (but used JUST for the power), and a 3.5mm Monster Cable going from the Dock's Line Out into the back of my car stereo. Looks interesting though (albeit it kind of cheap-looking too).

Why get the Belkin kit if only used for power? Get the monster cable charger or some other brand instead.

[STAT 007]

Very good question. Honestly, I figured I'd use the Belkin one because it'd give me more options if I wanted to change my setup later on. Besides, I think all the car charges pretty much cost the same (~$30-$40). However, I may just go with the Monster charger. I'll have to check and see what the cable on it looks like since I'll be running it all inside my dash.

[zakurie]

How's it going guys. I just completed my ipod install in a 2003 Audi TT using:

1)Apple brand dock
2)Blitzsafe aux. adapter
3)XtremeMac 3rd gen iPod charger connected to back of dock
4)XtremeMac Cable connected from line out on dock to RCA in on adapter

My plan was simple: I wanted a clean install in my car that was not a visual eyesore in my car (ie: hidden when not in use). And I wanted to use a line in for sound quality, and eliminate having to use 2 volume controls. I decided to install the dock in the ashtray of my car as I could close the ashtray when I leave the car. (I thought about SIK's imp charger, but then I'd have to have a holder for my ipod somewhere in the car (and this would bring a mess of exposed wires).

I hardwired the charger into the car and there are no exposed wires in the car. The xtrememac charger is connected into the dock bringing constant power and the audio cable is connected into the line out on the dock.

I still have to "nail down" the dock into the ashtray so that the dock doesn't slide around (it does only a very little right now). I am planning on using some kind of foam to raise, angle, and "nail down" the dock.

My original concern was the stability of the ipod in the dock while driving, especially since the suspension of the TT is very tight and everything loose in the car flys around. And I can say that there is nothing to worry about in this sense. Over railroad tracks, around sharp corners, up and down the hills of San Francisco - the ipod is stuck in the dock!!

I haven't had time to take any pics yet.

[Sound Guy]

How important is a super low noise floor? I use the Belkin unit and don't really have a problem with it. Here are a couple of thoughts why it won't make that big of a difference. First, you are using a source that is compressed already. You have loss of quality there. Second, with all the road and engine noise from driving will you hear the difference most of the time anyway?

Also the Belkin unit has the output on the cigarette plug and not a second tail from the dock connector like the Sik one. That leads to a cleaner install. Plus the availability of the Belkin is why I would recommend it.

[todx]

regarding using line in, why is everyone seem to be using the dock? can't you just connect a monster cable from the headphone jack to auxilary in? is there any difference in sound quality?

also, what's the cheapest 3rd generation charger you guys have found.

Thanks
todd

[intendedaccel]

Originally posted by todx
regarding using line in, why is everyone seem to be using the dock? can't you just connect a monster cable from the headphone jack to auxilary in? is there any difference in sound quality?

Yes, although I have not tried it myself yet, from everything I have read on the matter using the headphone jack for a line out severly degrades the sound quality.

[Sound Guy]

It is true that using the headphone output would not be as clean as using the line out. But it wouldn't sound any worse than listening to your iPod with headphones.

[Boomer]

Originally posted by Sound Guy
It is true that using the headphone output would not be as clean as using the line out. But it wouldn't sound any worse than listening to your iPod with headphones.
The problem with using your headphone jack is that the distortion and noise generated by the headphone amp is again amplified by the preamp and amp in your car stereo. While the headphone amp is not bad when used with headphones, reamplifying that signal makes the resulting audio signal unacceptable ... for me! Your mileage may vary!

Boom

[superjunk]

Did anyone else notice that the Transpod 3G also has line out?

Says so in the description.

[Miguello]

Does anyone have a Transpod 3G yet?? If so, what makes it any better than all the other FM modulators? I don't want to buy something for $100 plus shipping, if the sound quality is crap? Has this thing been reviewed by anyone yet?


I have to admit it is an attractive looking unit, though......

The only thing that bothers me, is that my cig lighter and aux. power are mounted on the lower part of my dash, under a folding spring loaded door. If this thing only extends out an inch or so from the power port, and is not adjustable for angle, then it is a useless solution. what a dilemma

Anybody mounted an ipod in a 97-03 Ford truck?????,,,,MG

[Miguello]

The ICE LINK looks to be the solution. Going to order one when I get to my next road stop.,,,MG

[carlivar]

Originally posted by zakurie
My plan was simple: I wanted a clean install in my car that was not a visual eyesore in my car (ie: hidden when not in use). And I wanted to use a line in for sound quality, and eliminate having to use 2 volume controls.


This is exactly what I want to do. I checked out the Ice Link, but it does not have a true dock. Just a cradle and you must manually plug in the wires... lame. Your solution is better. Just stick the iPod in the dock and go!


I hardwired the charger into the car and there are no exposed wires in the car.


How did you do this? Just splice into the 12V cigarette lighter power? I have a Volkswagen Jetta so it will probably be similar.

Thanks,
Carl