Ehhh...the KCA 420i is not impressive. Thats the reason why I dont have one. Its simply too slow. The new ones however, will be in my car by the end of the month.

 

I have the KCA 420i and completely agree with NFRs2000NYC - it's slow and the interface to the iPod is not well done at all. The only way I have found to work with it that I like is to always organize what I want to hear into playlists.

 

I'll address your questions based on the units I am familiar with:

1. HON-AUX and Dension will have no problems fitting.
2. This is normal for all interface devices that put the ipod in "serial control mode" - that is all of them except the HON-AUX and the Dension's special iPod UI mode. I think the iPod2car uses the same method. Dension displays track info on the iPod, but the text is a bit smaller than the iPod's native interface.
3. This is the serial control mode. See #2.
4. These are bugs. I tried an Axxess on a coworker's Prelude w/ an iPod Nano. It didn't work at all - I was rather surprised. Both the Dension and the iCruze will sometimes play a second or two, cut out, then cut back in. It seems to be normal.
5. Pull out the iPod and it leaves serial mode - it basically resets.

Do be aware that some of these problems are because of the iPod. The serial mode is clunky and slow.

Of all the units I messed with: Dension, iCruze, HON-AUX, Axxess, I found the Dension to be the best of the lot.

This isn't meant to say it's perfect. I've seen the Dension glitch on occasion but nothing like what I saw with the Axxess (unusable) and the iCruze (buggy).

Some of the oddness of the Dension:
1. Sometimes turning off the ignition will not turn off the iPod when in iPod UI mode. This happens about 1/2 of the time. What will happen is the iPod will keep playing until the batteries crap out.
2. I've had the Dension hiccup while skipping songs and watched it "reboot" itself. The iPod kept on playing, but it was weird to see it.
3. I've also had 2 or 3 lockups where the iPod would stop responding. I initially blamed it on the Dension, but resetting it did no good. I had to reboot the iPod to get it working again (hold down menu and enter for 5-8 seconds). This was most annoying problem but it was the iPod's fault.

One of the good things about it is that you can use the ipod manually or use the full radio integration. I have a write up on it here:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=354544

I'll also do a full install tutorial w/pics probably this weekend. My iCruze installation is in my sig below.

 

I bought the PIE Hon-Aux and it worked perfectly without issues for the 3 days I had it in the car.

My problem was that I am somewhat deaf and couldn't hear the sound over the other noises in the car. When I bought the Hon-Aux I was hoping that the cleaner signal of the iPod (over radio) would make it livable as I wanted to keep the factory radio (with controls.)

I will sell my PIE Hon-Aux for less than it will cost you to buy it new. Make me an offer. I think I have $65 into it. PM me if you are interested. If you are in SoCal, I'll put it in for you...will take about 20 minutes.

I am currently using my kenwood deck with Aux in to run the iPod in the S2k. I have found that I prefer using an Aux in (mini plug) instead of the adapter for a couple of reasons. First, as you have seen, the interface is maddening. Second, I can also plug my laptop in should the need arise. Finally, using the Aux in, I control everything from the iPod and have full access to all features.

I turned the Kewood volume way up and now leave the door closed unless I need to look at the clock. I listen to 99% iPod and have been happier with this setup. I will be doing component speakers and amplifier as soon as tax money gets here.