Alpine M-Bus to iPod Dock Connector?

[aspen1284]

Im finally trying to figure out how to go about putting my iPod in my car now...and until a few minutes ago I was going to go the route of using a m-bus to rca cable and them the Monster cable that would go from rca to the minijack to my iPod. A few minutes ago I found this item below...would it work? And if so, would the sound quality be better or worse that the other method I mentioned? Of course if the item below would work well it would be easier but I'd prefer going the route for the best sound quality...anyways, heres the item.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ipod-Connecting-Cable-for-ALPINE-M-bus-Car-STEREOS_W0QQitemZ150138491116QQihZ005QQcategoryZ94 930QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


And on a side note, if I were to do the m-bus to rca and rca to minijack...how is the sound quality that way? Excellent...or just all right? Im picky when it comes to sound quality...also, the cd player Im trying to do this all with is an Alpine cdm 9801. Thanks for any help.

[outsider]

I would first make sure that your Alpine headunit is compatible with the iPod interface. Since you have a 9801 which dates back to 2003, I doubt that it is. My 9815 is from the same year and it is not compatible. So....
your next option is the M-bus to RCA adapter. I'm currently using the Ai-net to RCA adapter and the sound is ok at lower volume. When you turn it up, however, the sound gets kind of muddy and lacks definition. Overall, not a pleasant experience if you really care about sound quality. And especially unpleasant if you sound system consists of high power amps, and high-end speakers....
The best option is to fork over the dough and get a new headunit with a direct connection. Like the ones that Alpine and Pioneer are offering.

[aspen1284]

The sound quality is that bad? I thought it would be a near perfect quality since it is a direct connection and not that Fm transmitter crap. Also, that cable I was taling about...I was under the impression that it simply went from the m-bus to the ipod dock connector and that you STILL used the ipod controls. So you're telling me I cant use that cable that way I want to use it because its meant for Alpine decks with iPod interfaces? I simply thought it was a shortcut to use instead of having to do the m-bus to rca and rca to mini jack. Sorry...Im confused here. You say the sound quality is bad at higher volumes...is that because of having to use the minijack method (does that cut sound quality down?). Sorry Im such a pain...just trying to get this all worked out.

[aspen1284]

Did a bit more research and I found this...

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For select late-model Alpine M-Bus radios, this DIN connector cable provides a direct audio input from any iPod with a dock connector, and it also charges the iPod while connected. By using the dock connector for audio output, the highest musical sound quality is achieved- much better than any FM transmitter or headphone adapter can provide. The iPod's click wheel controls are still used for song selection, play control, etc.

NOTE: This cable is only compatible with Alpine M-Bus radios that have a menu that allows selecting the CD changer input for use as an auxiliary input- consult your owner's manual for directions. This cable is not compatible with the AI-Net bus. Alpine AI-Net radios require the IPOD-ALP-AI cable.

http://ipodcarparts.com/alpine-mbus-ipod-cable-p-88.html
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From what I gather here is that this can be used with any Alpine cd player with M-Bus (you must be able to select the Aux input through the cd player). You'd still use the iPod controls which is fine by me and Im assuming that using the dock connector instead of the minijack for output would make sound quality really good...right? Please, I need an expert to confirm or deny whether what Im assuming is right or not before I go out blowing my money on things that either wont work or will sound like crap. Thanks.

[outsider]

the first sentence states that it works with select units, not all. That being said, after I reread the description it leads me to believe that the cable might work, but that is not guaranteed. I would contact the seller and ask them whether or not the cable is compatible with your headunit, and if they will allow you to return it if it doesn't work.

Assuming the cable works with your headunit, I can't say whether or not it would have any better sound quality than I am getting with the minijack output.
This also depends on just how picky you are.
Out of curiosity, do you have only the headunit and some basic speakers? Or are you running amps, high quality speakers, and a sub?
My own sound system consists of high-end speakers, sub, amps, along with the Alpine headunit.

[aspen1284]

I contacted the seller on the cable and I was told that the cable WOULD work as long as the head unit gave me an option to change to the AUX input setting...which I can do with that cd player. So Im assuming everything should work... As far as my sound system goes...I drive a small 2 seater car so I dont have much going on...just the aftermarket cd player, upgraded Kenwood speakers and a Bazooka tube...I the amount of space I have in my car allows very little room to work with.

[outsider]

well, hopefully the cable will work better than the miniplug cables do....at least in terms of SQ.

if you're ever interested in upgrading to some amps, take a look at the Alpine PDX series. They sound good, and are small enough to tuck under a seat.