Car audio functionality

[BigBohn]

Hi,

I've recently become intrigued with the prospect of carrying all my CDs on a portable device and be able to integrate it in my car audio system as well as personal headphone use. I've also recently settled upon purchasing one of the new iPod 30 gb for my WinXP computer.

My question is will the iPod be of decent sound quality in a direct line input situation w/ 2 channels? Low sound degradation compared to that of tape deck or fm transmitter? Do I run off the headphone line out or direct line out or what? Are there cables available right now to do what I'm wanting to do here? Thanks for any and all input I can get for this will be the principle buying factor for my purchase tommorow. Thanks!

[LagunaSol]

Doing a line out from the headphone jack to a direct RCA input on a car stereo should sound great. I can't yet speak from experience, but am about to purchase a aux line adapter for my 2000 Passat. Check here:

http://www.rcainput.com

You may be lucky enough to have a head unit that already offers a mini jack on the front or RCA inputs on the back and won't have to rely on a $70 adapter like I do.

7500 songs at your fingertips in the car? That's what I'm talking about! :D

[bluecamel]

My factory CD deck is crapping out on me and I'm looking for a new one that plays MP3 discs but also has RCA inputs for my iPod. Can anyone recommend a nice one for me? Oh, and it's for a GM car (Pontiac Bonneville) so I need the large GM deck.

Thanks!

Branton

[Doc Holiday]

I have a Dodge so I have the same problem you do with the size. The probelm is all the DIN and 1/2 decks aren't that great. I just got a new Alpine 9813 and it works and looks very nice in the DIN and 1/2 opening. Just make sure you get a good dash kit.

[BigBohn]

Thanks for the advice, LagunaSol. Looks like direct line in w/2 channels from headphone output into RCA on dash deck will be tolerable in terms of sound quality and functionality. Thanks again.

[bluecamel]

Wow. That Alpine looks pretty sweet, Doc. I may have to just go with something like that with a kit, but I would prefer the larger.

-Branton

[donzz]

I'm glad i'm not the only one thinking about getting a car audio system that will connect to my Ipod! I've seen a few of them at crutchfield.com! Can you imagine all those songs at your finger tips? I can hardly stand it!:D

[bluecamel]

Yeah, I can hardly wait to get a nice setup for in car iPodding, but I may have to wait for this summer for the money.

[jminio]

I have used my old iPod in my car to a aux line in for awhile now and it works great. The sound is very good. I have been going from the headphone jack to the aux in on my radio.I have a new 30GB iPod now but my car cord does not work with it. Belkin is going to have a car charger that take advantage of the line out on the new iPod's, I think that will be the way to go when it becoms available. :)

[iamaustin]

I have used both line in (via RCA) and also Wireless FM (no tape deck so I cant try that). I would recommend RCA over fm much more. RCA gives you a cleaner signal, and also is more practical than finding new radio stations every now and then. It is worth it to buy a headunit with an optional aux input on the back and get an adapter, than to buy an FM transmitter.

By the way, im using my aux inputs from a kenwood 911dvd player head unit (7" touchscreen too). It sounds great, but I cant wait till my Belkin charger gets here, it was shipped on the 9th.

[MidPack]

Don't feel bad about thinking iPod in your car. I bought a Honda Element a few months ago, and the fact that it comes standard with a mini-plug and 12V charger on the dash just for MP3 players was a factor (no, not the only one) in my decision to buy the Element. I have all my CD's with me at work, in the car or portable now thanks to iPod...

[Jeff3F]

MidPack, you've only got one problem. Your new-style iPod uses a proprietary connection for DC power.

While a cradle is a great idea, I am glad that I have the old-style iPod because it has a standard fire-wire jack.

Still, someone makes an in-dash cradle and they're golden--you pop the iPod into the dash of your car, and it's wired into the deck via aux, and that would be a very sweet solution. Lots of people would want to but that.

Especially for people with extra room in the dash (I have a Camaro with the 1.5.DIN).

Jeff3F

[Wolfman200]

Does anyone know if it's possible to buy a new face with an input for an apline stereo? The car that I might be using when I can drive (very soon) has an Alpine aftermarket stereo, and I don't want to buy a new one. To tell you the truth, I'll probably get an iTrip, but if this is possible for a reasonable price, I'll probably get it eventually.

[MidPack]

MidPack, you've only got one problem. Your new-style iPod uses a proprietary connection for DC power. Jeff3F
Belkin already has a car charger for the new iPod with the new plug...

[bluecamel]

Wolfman,

There are no replacement faceplates that do anything like that, but RCA Input, that LagunaSol mentioned before, has an adapter for aftermarket Alpines. Check this out:

http://www.rcainput.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RCAI&Category_Code=alpn

[joy_division]

I have the Alpine 9807. Just got it last week in my Satirn Ion 3. Got the added optional RCA input and plugged the iPod into it. Works fine. Have to keep the iPod on max volume, but otherwise, it's perfect. Best car stereo in it's price range. PLays MP3 CD's, with full random funtionality. search by folder or by song.

[time2switch]

I have a quick quesiton... I want to use the Ipod in my car as well. I am going to buy a MP3/CD deck with an AUX IN on the front of the deck. Probably the JVC KD-SH707... this thing looks tight .. hehe :D (http://www.jvc.ca/en/consumer/product-detail.asp?model=KD-SH707)

Anyway, sorry for being dumb :o , but I don't know the name of the cable that I need to hook up the Ipod (from the headphone jack) to the AUX IN on the deck. Is it just a RCA cable?

I know I can probably goto Radio Shack and pick it up, but I not sure what it's called.

Can anyone lend me some guidance? Thanx

ps. go Lake show!!!

[jminio]

Originally posted by time2switch
I have a quick quesiton... I want to use the Ipod in my car as well. I am going to buy a MP3/CD deck with an AUX IN on the front of the deck. Probably the JVC KD-SH707... this thing looks tight .. hehe :D (http://www.jvc.ca/en/consumer/product-detail.asp?model=KD-SH707)

Anyway, sorry for being dumb :o , but I don't know the name of the cable that I need to hook up the Ipod (from the headphone jack) to the AUX IN on the deck. Is it just a RCA cable?

I know I can probably goto Radio Shack and pick it up, but I not sure what it's called.

Can anyone lend me some guidance? Thanx

ps. go Lake show!!!


It depends on what jack your stereo has for the AUX IN. If it has RCA connectors you need a cable with male RCA connectors on one end and a stereo mini plug on the other end. If the stereo has a stereo mini jack in it you will need a cable with a male stereo mini plug on each end. You can get either one at Radio Shack :)

[mike1966]

Any car stereo techs out there... I to have an aftermarket Alpine stereo with no mini or rca jacks available. The cables for the Alpine stereos mentioned here look like they would work for me, but i already have a CD changer in my car connected to that Ai-Net 8pin connector. I have the tech papers for my system (installed 5 yrs ago) and from what I can make out there's not much I can do.

Might there be a switch box (or something) I could install to switch from using my cd changer to my iPod and back? looking for options... other than buying a new stereo. Thanks. :confused:

[Audioboxer]

I have the jvc kd-sh707 in my car. I just hook up the ipod to the aux inupt on the front with a male/male stereo cable and it works great.

[time2switch]

sweet.... male to male cable (sounds funny, what can I say?).. lol... :rolleyes: i'll goto Radio Shack this weekend...

Now, if I only had the $400 lying around to get the actual JVC KD-SH707 deck, I'd be all set....

patience young grasshopper.... :)

[Audioboxer]

Originally posted by time2switch
sweet.... male to male cable (sounds funny, what can I say?).. lol... :rolleyes: i'll goto Radio Shack this weekend...

Now, if I only had the $400 lying around to get the actual JVC KD-SH707 deck, I'd be all set....

patience young grasshopper.... :)


I got mine for $208 shipped off ebay. Check there for some good deals.

[lowmagnet]

I put my RCA adaptor in last night (http://lowmag.net/archives/2003/05/12/ipod_in_my_accord.html)

I used the P.I.E. module instead of the RCAinput.com model, because the P.I.E. plug is $25 less, and comes with both the din and 14-pin connector for Honda stereos.

For those who just want the link to the adaptor (http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/piehonaux.html)

[Audioboxer]

If anyone is interested, I'm selling my JVC KD-SH707 to upgrade to a higher end deck. It's in perfect condition (only used for a week or two), has all original paperwork, remote, wiring harness, etc. If anyone is interested let me know.

e-mail: mxd125@hotmail.com

[revmike]

Anyone with a pioneer unit in their vehicle can get the cd-rb10 adapter, which plugs into the back of the unit where a cd changer would go. It allows you to plug in a rca to mini cable right into your ipod. I've been using one in my 47 ford pickup and it is far superior to any fm transmitter or cassette adapter. It only cost me 35.00 from my local car stereo shop.

[SandMan]

Some more info for anyone who wants to explore AUX input with their factory or aftermarket car stereo...

Where to get connectors/adapters:
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/logjam/caraudio.html
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/logjam/auxinpconv.html
http://www.rcainput.com/
http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_catalog/blitz_catalog.html
http://www.soundgate.com/

Some of these vendors offer products which allow you to hook up both a CD changer and an AUX connector support varies depending upon your car stereo model.

Mounts for holding iPod:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1&catalog_name=CTLG&category_name=CTLG_001_004_008_002&product_id=17-548


http://www.panavise.com/nf/comm/cell_portagrip2000.html


Cables:
http://www.radioshack.com/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F002%5F001%5F002%5F000&Page=1

http://www.monstercable.com/computer/productPageComputer.asp?pin=1731



step by step installation with pictures:
http://www.installdr.com/

Hope this helps! Enjoy!

[perfecto]

There's also a car remote available for the ipod:

www.metaplay.co.uk (http://)

I got one a few weeks ago - it is pretty cool. Just leave my ipod on random, and flick the remote with a spare finger if I want to change the track...

[Septus]

anyone know if it's at all possible to get an aux converter with a non CD changer setup? It has capabilities to have a CD changer, cause it has the disc change buttons, but it has nop actual CD changer, and all the aux converters I've seen so far require one.

[Dunbar]

Originally posted by Septus
anyone know if it's at all possible to get an aux converter with a non CD changer setup? It has capabilities to have a CD changer, cause it has the disc change buttons, but it has nop actual CD changer, and all the aux converters I've seen so far require one.

That means your car has the capability to add a CD changer. You don't actually need to own the CD changer to use this input.

[Rads]

Originally posted by perfecto
There's also a car remote available for the ipod:

www.metaplay.co.uk (http://)

I got one a few weeks ago - it is pretty cool. Just leave my ipod on random, and flick the remote with a spare finger if I want to change the track...

I've seen the remote (made by Sony, as I recall) on MetaPlay's web site, but there's not much information. How does it interface with the iPod and how does the remote itself mount in the car? What iPod functions can you control with it aside from next or previous track?

Thanks.

[Septus]

Hmm, I throught the adapter plugged into something that the CD player would have if it was a changer, like the cartridge slot for all the CDs. I just can't see how the existing adapters would work with mine, since I have absolutely no place to plug anything in, but I can keep looking.

Any other sites to check besides rcainputs and Pie?

[ArcticGabe]

mike1966

I think I saw what you are looking for. Do a search for Alpine KCA-801B at cruchcfield.com.

Good luck!!

[mike1966]

Thanks ArcticGabe. I have since found out that the 801b is what I need. Now my next challenge is to open up my dash to install the power to run the switch/adapter and put a plug somewhere to plug my iPod into. I'm still looking for info on opening up a '98 Subaru Forester dash.

[Septus]

Thanks for the help, but that won't work. I really have no place at all to plug anything into my stereo system, unless there's the off chance that I can pry open the "blank" area on the face of the stereo where you can normally put in an MD player or tape, and find an input, but I doubt it, and none of the products I've seen anywhere have said something like that would be necessary.

[Dunbar]

The plug for the CD changer is typically close to where the changer would be mounted in your particular model of car (glovebox, trunk etc.) It probably is not located by the actual headunit. It should be a round connector about the size of a dime with maybe 10 pins on it. I'm telling you, if you have controls for a CD changer than your car is pre-wired for it.

[SandMan]

Completed the installation of the aux connector to my factory honda car stereo via CD changer connection. I used this aux adapter: http://www.logjamelectronics.com/logjam/piehonaux.html

I also used the acoustic research rca-mini cable - at 12.99 from BestBuy you can't go wrong and it beats the hell out of radioshack crappy cables.

Also bought the monster iPod car charger - low profile plug fit my installation needs but generally I hate all Monster products cuz they are overpriced and usually poor quality - I hope I don't regret this purchase - other iPod car chargers are less money and may fit your needs better - shop around.

I also ordered this mount (still waiting for it):
http://www.welovemacs.com/cm128.html
do a web search on part number 'cm128' and you will find it for less $$$.
one example:
http://www.dsmiller.com/cgi-dsmiller/sb/productsearch.cgi?storeid=*202b094a9518b44f83fe013 071419affba89


Lots of nice accessories here (prices are a bit high):
http://www.welovemacs.com/ipod-stuff.html


So - how does it sound?

I compared an album on my iPod which I ripped with EAC and then encoded to MP3 using LAME 3.90.2 -alt-preset extreme with the original CD - the subtle differences were not worth mentioning - the iPod sounded just as good as my CD player.

Overall, I'm very happy with the result and the effort is well worth the small investment.



Check out my earlier post in this same thread for a list of links - many of which will help those of you find switches or adapters or mounts, etc.

Hope this helps you with your installation!

[BigBohn]

I would just like to endorse cheapo wires. I never thought I'd do it, but I am. Just went to Circuit City, got some RCA $5 buck 35 mm to 2 male out, and it sounds incredible on my home audio system. Just superb; the bass is good, the high end is crisp, no hum, hiss, or any of that. BIG BIG BIG improvement over tape adapter and it was only 5 bucks.

In conclusion, I would give a caveat emptor warning on getting a Monster cable for iPod or other more expensive cable. I bet they'll perform just as well, but I think that for 5 bucks, this thing performs like a champ at 100 bucks. And what makes it even better is that just knowing I only spent 5 bucks on it, it sounds that much better.

Good luck guys! iPod is very good! :D

(As you can see, I'm very happy :cool: )

[MidPack]

I was going to buy a super-duper wonderful Monster Cable male mini to male mini plug to hook my iPod into my car stereo. My wife bought me a $5 cable at BestBuy (to my dismay, but act happy-it's a birthday gift from the wife). You know what, it works perfectly fine, no loss of sound quality or signal strength. So I guess she saved me some bucks and did me a favor after all, I guess I'll keep her...

[Nashatd]

I'm wondering....

Car stereo theft is a huge problem where I live, and since the source of the music in my car will be coming through the iPod, is it possible to rig it up in such a way that I wouldn't need a cd player (or receiver or head)?

In otherwords, what if I had an amplifier in the trunk, with a wire that snaked through the car and came out my dash, close to the iPod holder - which plugged into the headphone jack of the iPod. The speakers would all be hooked up to the amplifier as well.

Could this work? Is an amplifier even the right device for what I am thinking of?

More questions:

- Are there cigarette lighter chargers (or power adapters) available for the new Ipod yet?

- The iPod holder that hooks into your car's air vent: should I be worried about the hot or cold air coming through the vent?

- This holder (http://www.welovemacs.com/cm128.html) has me confused. It says it mounts directly into the cigarette lighter, while keeping the socket of the iPod free. Is it just using the cigarette lighter as a means for mounting the holder to the dash, or is it also acting as a power supply for the iPod?

Thanks for any help!!

[MidPack]

Are there cigarette lighter chargers (or power adapters) available for the new Ipod yet? Yes, Belkin has one out, available at Apple.com among other places. Wife ordered it a few weeks ago, showed up a few days ago. It has a line out and amp/volume control.

[deeznurmouf]

Nashatd, yes you can do it. Here's a link of how someone did it in an espirit. I can't tell you exactly how because i didnt do it. Hope this helps.

http://www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EMaintenance/ipod.html

[Nashatd]

That's EXACTLY what I was looking for deeznurmouf - thanks! And thanks also MidPack for the Belkin recharger info!

[ATB]

Does anyone know if the new Belkin car adapter has a line out avalible? The specs avalible on their website (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201526&pcount=&Product_Id=149006#) mention an adjustable amplifier but are not clear if it can be disabled. I want to use pure RCA line in and not go through an adjustable amplifier.

[SpacemanSp1ff]

The Belkin adapter's amp cannot be disabled, however I have found that it sounds wonderful. I just set the adapter to a volume that matches my radio/CD volume, so that I won't blow out my ears switching between devices.

Check out my setup:

http://ww.ee.byu.edu/~jtb8/iPod/index.html

[M0nkeyMan9700]

Doing a line out from the headphone jack to a direct RCA input on a car stereo should sound great. I can't yet speak from experience, but am about to purchase a aux line adapter for my 2000 Passat. Check here:

http://www.rcainput.com

[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, 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.

[AndyH]

Not sure if this was mentioned in this message thread or not (I skimmed through it), but Alpine recently announced iPod integration with their headunits. Here's the press release:

Mobile multimedia specialist Alpine has developed a system that enables consumers to connect and control their Apple iPod portable music player from their in-vehicle sound system. Alpine's iPod Ready strategy is part of the company's overarching mission to create innovative in-vehicle electronics that are easier to use and provide great sound in the mobile environment.

"The integration of iPod control into selected 2004 Alpine in-dash receivers addresses the growing market of portable digital audio device users who want a safe and easy-to-use solution for playback in the car," says Graham Johnson, Alpine?s UK Marketing Director.

With a simple one-cable connection, iPod users will be able to operate key playback features from the Alpine receiver's buttons and have display of playlists, album, artist and songs on the head unit. The iPod can then be safely stored in the glove box or console because it acts like a portable hard drive connected to the head unit through Alpine?s powerful Ai-NET system bus. The Alpine connectivity solution also provides charging of the iPod?s internal battery.

"Alpine?s iPod Ready in-dash receivers will allow iPod users seamless control of up to 10,000 songs easily in their car," said Stan Ng, Apple?s Director of iPod Product Marketing. "Being able to display song information and browse the iPod?s entire music library right from the Alpine head unit makes this a superior way to enjoy non-stop music in the car."

Alpine has engineered a unique interface box that takes advantage of the iPod Accessory Protocol allowing audio, track information, and control signals to be communicated over the Ai-NET system bus to the in-dash receiver. This seamless integration provides emulation of the iPod?s controls through an Alpine head unit using both the front panel buttons and the wireless remote control.

Launched at the recent CES exhibition in Las Vegas, Alpine?s iPod Ready Interface kit will be available later this summer through Alpine authorised retailers.

About Alpine

Since 1978, Alpine has been at the forefront of in-car entertainment development, producing some of the world?s most advanced audio systems, on-board navigation and multimedia applications. As a result of focussing exclusively on high-fidelity in-car systems, Alpine has been nominated No.1 for customer satisfaction in the US for four consecutive years and is specified as original equipment in some of the world?s most prestigious marques.

I read about it over on the VW Vortex website, here's the direct link with a photo:
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/industry_news/article_650.shtml