what gets better quality: AUX or USB connection?

[bhome83]

Hey guys,
So I was looking through the best buy ad today in my paper and they have a car cd player that has a front USB port that says you can charge and play your ipod through it (also says it comes with an ipod cable, which im assuming is how you connect the thing up). My question is: Is there a difference in audio quality if you connect through USB or front AUX input on a car cd player? What are the drawbacks and benefits of each connection type? Does the ipod charge when connected to an AUX input? I'm guessing no. IF i play ipod through a usb port on the car cd player, do i control the volume, song selection, etc. right through the actual ipod?
Finally, it says its bluetooth ready. Does this mean if i get a bluetooth adapter to attach to the bottom of my ipod it will play wirelessly? Thanks guys!

[Galley]

The iPod will only charge if you use something like the Belkin Auto Kit if you go the Aux In route. USB ports are usually reserved for MP3 players other than the iPod. If it did work, you would likely lose control of the iPod, having to control it with the head unit. Controlling the iPod via the head unit can be annoying if it has a lousy interface. One that does work very well is the "High Speed Interface" in newer Alpine decks. My daughter has one and it's great.

[bhome83]

never thought of that. Id rather control the ipod through the actual ipod. Dang. so close. Thanks for the help galley.

[mgray]

I had the same questions, and you answered most of them however I was still wondering;

If I connect my iPod via USB/ipod controller (I assume they are virtually the same thing just slightly different way and name?) will I guarantee the loss of my iPod controls and be forced to use the head unit? I like AUX but I miss the charging ability thats why I'd like USB. But I want to retain my iPod controls.

Any Alpine or other units that allow USB connection but retain iPod controls?

Thanks

[bobb-mini]

Why do u have to lose charging capability with aux?

U can buy a cable with BOTH the aux lead and the power lead.

But a simple cable may lead your iPod loose and flying out hitting something hard as u make a sharp turn, so somekind of rigid dock is recommended. Click my Flexdock sig for a sample.

[Galley]

I use a Belkin Auto Kit with my Aux. input. It charges, and also has a gain control. You can usually find them for next to nothing on eBay.

[mgray]

Yeah sorry I should have said charge it by some other means other than cig lighter socket as they will be full of other things requiring power, unless I can get my third one working

Can I charge it by cig lighter AND use the dock connecter to AUX input? I must have my music going out the dock connector and not the headphone jack. But how can I power it at the same time?

[bobb-mini]

Can I charge it by cig lighter AND use the dock connecter to AUX input? I must have my music going out the dock connector and not the headphone jack. But how can I power it at the same time?
Yes.

We already gave u two examples above. What's the problem?

[mgray]

Oh sorry, I got confused, I didn't see you say power and aux lead in one, i thought it was both...meaning power from dock, aux from headphone.....i'll look into those

[MiniPaz]

Does anyone know where I might get a FlexDock Mini? Ten Technology shut it's doors last year. And none of the normal outlets currently carry it (amazon, ebay, macmall, etc).

Any insights would be appreciated.