I Want My Mp3!!!
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 4
From: Torrance, CA
I Want My Mp3!!!
Okay.
Here are my requirements....
1) Hard Drive based MP3 player
2) 6GB storage
3) Easy upload from a laptop
4) Doesn't look like a prototype
5) Less than $1250
6) Keep Dash Controls
7) Line-level output
8) Reputable company
9) FM Tuner
The closest I've seen is the empeg.com RioCar, but it fails in #4, 6, and 8.
Does anyone know if any major car audio brands (Alpine, Kenwood, Realistic
), have a Hard Drive based MP3 player in the works?
Here are my requirements....
1) Hard Drive based MP3 player
2) 6GB storage
3) Easy upload from a laptop
4) Doesn't look like a prototype
5) Less than $1250
6) Keep Dash Controls
7) Line-level output
8) Reputable company
9) FM Tuner
The closest I've seen is the empeg.com RioCar, but it fails in #4, 6, and 8.
Does anyone know if any major car audio brands (Alpine, Kenwood, Realistic
), have a Hard Drive based MP3 player in the works?
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 0
From: Poconos
The MP3/CD decks have been an attractive alternative to the bulkly computer based setup. I'm sure you already considered them though.
I bet that probably as DVD-R becomes more widespread it will make its way into the car as well.
Keep us posted on what you end up doing.
I bet that probably as DVD-R becomes more widespread it will make its way into the car as well.
Keep us posted on what you end up doing.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque, NM
DJ Cube:
I have been considering the hard-drive MP3 route, myself, just because I seem to be terribly inept at changing CDs and driving at the same time (even with the my old in dash mp3 player it still seems like I was changing discs several times a day-but I do drive alot).
It seems like you could mount any of the HDD mp3 players in the trunk (usual changer spot), but I guess then you would not be able to update your music collection from the laptop without going to the trunk....?
I would like to know if you come up with a good head unit-to-HDD player control scheme, if you go that route.
I have been considering the hard-drive MP3 route, myself, just because I seem to be terribly inept at changing CDs and driving at the same time (even with the my old in dash mp3 player it still seems like I was changing discs several times a day-but I do drive alot).
It seems like you could mount any of the HDD mp3 players in the trunk (usual changer spot), but I guess then you would not be able to update your music collection from the laptop without going to the trunk....?
I would like to know if you come up with a good head unit-to-HDD player control scheme, if you go that route.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 0
From: Arlington
Check out the PhatBox at http://www.phatnoise.com
It looks as though they are finallyready to go retail after almost two years of development.
In a nutshell, the unit is 6GB or 10GB hard drive based and allows you to transfer you music via a USB connection. Once the HD module is in the car, it interfaces w/ your stereo via the CD changer interface.
Initially they are going to support OEM Honda, Audi, BMW, Toyota and VW, as well as Kenwood.
Check the website above for more details. I think they're set to start selling the things this November.
It looks as though they are finallyready to go retail after almost two years of development.
In a nutshell, the unit is 6GB or 10GB hard drive based and allows you to transfer you music via a USB connection. Once the HD module is in the car, it interfaces w/ your stereo via the CD changer interface.
Initially they are going to support OEM Honda, Audi, BMW, Toyota and VW, as well as Kenwood.
Check the website above for more details. I think they're set to start selling the things this November.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 4
From: Torrance, CA
Check it out.... Kenwood is backing and repackaging the PhatNoise system!
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/product....&productId=2373
Hmm... maybe it's a late christmas for me this year!!
Oops! Not available until Feb-02
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/product....&productId=2373
Hmm... maybe it's a late christmas for me this year!!
Oops! Not available until Feb-02
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
From: Redondo Beach
My roommate works for Phatnoise and has one in his Boxster. It's pretty kick ass. There were some talks of using my car once they finish the OEM Honda codes for real world testing. Sweet. I'll let you guys know and take pics when I do get one...
InsaniT
I'll let you guys know and take pics when I do get one...InsaniT
