I am in the market for a new HU. My top priority is having an Ipod connection. Ive always loved alpine's HU's but I realize the only way I can use an Ipod effectively with them is through their "full speed" connection. Ive tryed it out on my friends car and it worked well, however it isn't for me. Alpine disables the use of the ipod itself when connected and forces you to use their interface. I HATE this. I looked into the pioneer premiere units and it seems they have an option to use the ipod itself but.......

before i commit to that unit I wanted to see what other peoples ipod setups were like, more specifically if they found a way around alpine's full speed connection.

So thanks everyone for the input ahead of time

 

I have an alpine x100 and using just the usb cable that came with it connected to a 160gig classic. I have never needed to use the ipod while it is connected. ( dont know why you would need to). the interface is almost identical to the ipods? about there full speed connection. I dont understand what the difference is? Mine is really fast and displays album art and everything. Maybe im missing something though.

here is the hu http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/p...?model=iDA-X100

here is a small clip of it i found http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRku-VttOHw

 

I'm using the 9886. It's interface isn't like the iPod's at all but I can't see the need to use the interface on the iPod itself. I just leave it in the secret compartment.

 

the x100 is nice in that its user interface is most like the ipod's in its look and function, but I still like the ability to play cd's if I needed too (i.e. a friend that doesn't have an ipod wants to bring along some music that I don't have yet). That being said, I still would much rather have the abiliity to use the ipod. I understand that people still won't get this no matter how i phrase this, but it's just a personal preference thing. As fast as the x100 is (i've tried it out before, btw) I still find it easier to scroll with the touch of my finger at a speed only limited by my ability, not the turn of a wheel.

But, judging from lack of responses I'm guessing my problem is a unique one, and I may have to settle for one of the pioneer premiere units.

But I still appreciate the responses and anything else in the future that someone may have to add to this thread...

 

I personally have an iPod touch and would like to keep using the touches interface as i have read about the slow speeds of flipping through albums or songs from the Alpines interface. Only way i see around this so far is just getting a HU with aux input but not sure about the sound quality.

Plus if i can mount it using modifry's bracket i can technically use it to watch videos.

 

Here is one possible solution for those that prefer to use the iPod itself for iPod navigation and song selection.

Belkin Auto Kit for iPod w/ Dock Connector

This plugs directly into any iPod variation with the dock connector and will charge the iPod. It also has a 3.5mm audio output jack that can be used to connect to any HU that has an auxiliary input. (An additional wire will be necessary; either a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm or a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable.)

Using the line-level audio output through the dock connector is superior to that of the headphone jack as the lower frequencies are not filtered.

For a more permanent installation, an additional power receptacle can be installed behind the dash (cheap at Radio Shack and easily wired into the fuse box).

Before iPod interfaces were as widely available for OEM HUs, I used this device along with a auxiliary input interface to connect my g/f's iPod to her factory HU with fantastic results.

So in summary...
- Direct line-level connection from iPod to auxiliary equipped HU.
- iPod navigation and song selection from the iPod.
- Volume control at the HU.
- A lot more equipment and wiring just to use the iPod's menues. But it works.

Also comes in white.

 

Problem with the belkin is that you rlimited to HU's with auxiliary inputs. Most of the higher end HU's (i.e. alpine, pioneer) don't use auxiliary inputs. At least not anymore, to the best of my knowledge.

 

I can't speak for any other HU brands (e.g., Pioneer), but regarding the Alpine CDA-9886 and similar Alpine HUs (which seem to very popular on this board)...


KCA-121B, MSRP: $15

A little research goes a long way.

 

cool. nice find. looked right past on their site cause i assumed that their full speed connection was the only way to go. the only other thing it says you need is a "RCA to mini jack adapter cable" which radioshack will hopefuly have. I wonder if anybody has used the KCA-121B, and if audio quality is diminished at all? the only disadvantage i see to this is that it wouldn't charge the ipod, but i guess you win some, you lose some.

 

personally i have a pioneer unit with an ipod adapter... i dont use the ipod at all.. it sits away in the little mesh on the right side of the center console... and i use all the controls on the radio... personally i like this method better because instead of having two volume controls i only need one... and personally its a pain in the ass using the ipod while driving and having wires all over the place... but if you really wanted to use the ipod on any radio... without interfacing it... you can go with a wired FM modulator... and a standard rca to 3.5mm headphone adapter plug.. this will tune in on one of your fm stations.. (ex. 88.1) and you will have clear sound... and all your regular ipod functions will work from your ipod itself