would i be happy with this setup?

[punksteve]

Alright, heres the deal... I have an older head unit that I want to replace, but not yet. I want to get one like the Alpine CDA-9855, but don't feel like spending the cash yet. So heres what I have been thinking about doing:

Buy an AUX input adapter for my HU ($20) and then buy an RCA to 1/8 cord ($5.99)

That seems pretty reasonable for around $26.00.

The only problem is that the ipod wont be charging at the same time. I'm not sure if the battery goes faster when plugged into a car deck. Would it be worth it to add these:

Add a new outlet ($7) and the Sik imp ($29.95)

I thought I read in the forum that the sound is better from the bottom than from the headphone jack.

Also, a side question: has anyone used the Alpine ipod interface and just hated it?

[DrewT]

I'd rather have control on the ipod itself than the HU

Sound out the bottom IS better!!

-Drew

[punksteve]

i totally agree with you about the control, i dont see how any head unit could match the controls on the ipod. the only thing nice would be being able to control play, pause, next and previous song. other than that, switching playlists, artists, etc seems like it would be easier with the ipod than controls on the HU.

so, if i would get the sik imp... i would connect the RCA to 1/8 cord comming out of the HU to the line level audio output of the imp right?

[weezer0321]

If you have an amp you can bypass all of that. My head unit died and I just ran an RCA to 1/8 cord to the inputs on my amp and had my iPod in my car for $5.00. All you have to do is just run the switched power from your head unit to the power lead on your amp and presto. That way you keep the iPod controls and you could get a charger/line out and have it charge as well...oh the options.