iPod in a Honda Element

[shadyswan]

-Midpack (Or anyone else who may be able to help)

Like yourself, I bought a new Element partly because of the ability to plug an MP3 player directly into the stereo. I haven't yet purchased an iPod, or any other MP3 player for that matter so my question is, what, in addition to the player itself, what do I need to buy to plug into the aux slot on the dash?
Also, can you tell me how the sound quality is when played through the car stereo as well as what audio format you normally download to?

Thanks in advance.

[kman1666]

Well, it depends on the input on the car, but it is usually a normal stereo line in plug. You can get them at radio shack (very cheap, under $10). You might also want to get a car adapter such as the Imp, Moster, or Belkin. I would stick with the imp if you have direct line-in. If you are getting an ipod the usually format for your music is mp3 or AAC. The ipod will not play wma.

[shadyswan]

Thanks kman...

The Element has an Aux plug on the dash but I'm not sure as to the exact size or what I need to get to plug it into the slot.
I was also curious if the travel adapters that charge the player also have a line out that would fit into the Aux slot.
If anyone who reads this had an Element or knows for certain, I'd appreciate any input as I'm very new to the MP3 world.

Thanks in advance...

[kman1666]

Both the Sik Imp and the Belkin car adapters have line out on them. The Belkin one is put through an amplifier, but the Sik is pure line out. I am not certain, but I think the input is the same as the headphone, but the male end.

[shadyswan]

Thanks again kman-

Do you know if an amplied line out is needed when going through a car's audio system.
I apologize for what probably seem like stupid questions, but again, I'm not familiar with the mp3 players at all...

[Blue_Dawg]

You don't need an amped line out. The car stereo has the amp, all it needs is the source ie:iPod.