ipod connection in mazda 6

[lazybusinessman]

i recently just purchased a brand new 2004 mazda 6. i was wondering if anyone had a good idea how to connect my ipod. so far my only ideas are fm transmitters (which im not too big of a fan of) ive heard good and bad about the transpod. i like the idea that its all in one but i want to make sure its really good for the price. so if anyone has a mazda 6 or knows a good way to connect an ipod lemme know!

[dwossum]

I too am trying to hook up my new iPod to my OLD 6 (203). I am not sure if you have seen the following link:

http://distantcreations.com/accordipod/

This is for a 2004 Accord but I think the principal is the same. I wil keep looking...

I had trouble with the images opening in Safari. I had to use my Windows machine to get it too work right.

dw

[Lynch]

hey dwossum and lazybusinessman there's many different solutions, here's a short list(worst *for lack of a better term* to best):

1. FM transmitter- least favorite solution amoug the forum do to poor quality

2. Tape deck- plugs into you tape deck.....quality is shady.

3. Fm Modulator- hardwired; sent through radio frequiency, but different than FM transmiters because instead of transmitting over FM, it converts to FM by plugging the antenna into the FM transmitter then FM transmitter plugs into the antenna port on your headunit(cd player). This is how I hooked up my iPod (http://www.ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27158) . Third best solution but the quailty is still very very good.

4. Aux port convertor- plugs into an existing cd charger port or simpliar port. Second best solution.

5. Aux port- if your headunit has RCA inputs then use it! This is the ideal soultion.

Feel free to ask questions about this possible solutions.

[lazybusinessman]

i just purchsed a transpod. im pretty happy with it actually. and it didnt put a huge dent in my wallet.

[dwossum]

Thaks for the list of options. I think I want to try option 5. What equipment do I need? Of course I have the car and iPod already. What cables do I need?

My car does not have the Bose upgrade( the only option I did not get). I have tape deck or cd changer in my Mazda 6. I was hoping to run the cable from the back of the head unit to the top of the center console. That will be the ideal set up.

thanks for the replies, they have helped alot already...

dw

[dwossum]

here is an intersting link too. I found this on the mazda6club.com

http://www.densionusa.com/icelink/icelink_details.htm

dw

[Lynch]

Yes, that Icelink is a very good option....it aloows you to control the ipod using the controls on the headunit.

[cdraayer]

Does that Icelink system work with any head unit? Can it be used in conjunction with a cd changer?

Anybody?

[Lynch]

The Icelink system is custom tailored to individual headunits, so most likely it will work with yours. Im not sure about the use along with a cd changer. Easy Fix: just load up all those cds to the Ipod and there ya' go.

[4th_horse]

Just checked out the Icelink link. I have a 2004 Mazda 3, which has the same stereo as the 6. They don't have an Icelink for any new Mazdas.

I agree with Lynch's ranking. The only thing with 5 is that very few head units have a line in. I have used option 4 with my Kenwood CD head unit in my old car, and enjoyed excellent sound. I would say it's equal to 5 in quality because you have a direct connect (using the same connection the CD changer would use). The IceLink is basically option 4, but it's more expensive that what I paid, which was $25.

Check out http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?threadid=17396 ...someone is apparently coming up with a custom adapter for Mazda.

[rrrad]

I was looking at the local Ultimate Electronics flyer in the newspaper today - every new head unit (starting at $99) has an aux input - specifically mentioned in the ad. So I think this is the way of things to come. It won't be too long before there is a kit for many more head units to attach your PEU (personal entertainment unit) of choice and control it with the head unit. Just think, how many iPods are there out there? There are at least that many or more other types as well, so it will behoove the car stereo companies to get with the program.

I can't remember where I saw it, but there was a post that someone drew up the plans for a head unit that you could slide your iPod right into - that would be ideal. You could even mod the front to look like a 60's vintage 8-track and really hide it!

[brodieb666]

I just purchased a brand new 2005 mazda6, with the bose stereo upgrade. (without either the cassette player or minidisc upgrades)
I want to use option 4 (5 is not an option) but i would like to find out if it has been successfully done with the bose upgrade? What units will work?
thanx
-b

[ajgonzales]

brodieb666, go to www.mazda6club.com and look in the audio forum for the AuxMod. It's an auxiliary input that plugs into the back of the bose headunit. i'm not exactly sure if it works with the '05 models though. here's the link to the AuxMod website. http://www.sylfex.com

[brodieb666]

Cool, thanks!