OK

I just got my iPod mini and I want to be able to play it through the radio in my car. I was looking at the Monster iCarPlay wireless FM transmitter (can be seen at http://www.monstercable.com/power/productP...r.asp?pin=2084) but I am worried how good of sound quality can be achieved with this. Anyone have any experience with this product? I've also read a little about the PIE HON AUX, which seems like a pretty good solution. My question about this product is how hard is it to install? and is it worth the extra effort to install it? also, does it charge your iPod, or do you also have to get a car charger for the iPod and have them both connected? Somebody please give me some advice because I am confused about what to do.

Thanks in advance

 

if you really want information on devices for the ipod check out ipodlounge.com - then forums, gear, in car solutions.

But for a quick summary:

From best to worst
direct connection - PIE Hon-Aux98 or through aftermarket headunit
cassette adaptor
wired FM modulator
wireless FM modulator - goes from ok to worthless depending upon your location

 

Of course it doesn't charge the iPod! It is a general product for attaching and audio source to a Honda headunit. It's not like they built it specifically for the iPod or any of the myriad of other potential sound sources.

 

You left off the best of all - the Alpine-Ipod connecter, which charges your IPOD, lets you control/view it from your Alpine HU and dash controls (assuming you got Qubes Controls), etc. Due out THIS WEEK.

-JD

 

The Alpine KCA-420i iPod interface is now out and it is definitely the best option, but you will have to buy an Alpine Head unit as well if you don't a;ready have one. If you but the KCA-420i and one of 5 different alpine head units between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 you will get a $30-$50 (depending on the head unit) discount off the $99 price of the KCA-420i.

 

My KCA-420i is scheduled to arrive on Monday. Not sure if I'm going to install it right away or not.

It's probably the "best" solution, but it's not the "perfect" solution. I still am going to use it, but I've heard of some gripes that I know I'll personally find annoying.

 

Can you elaborate on the gripes, I what like to know what they are before I order my 420i tomorrow.

 

In order to access playlists or individual files, you have to press a function number on the HU before you hit the Quick Search button. And when you're searching through songs apparently the scrolling is very slow, which would be tedious if you're searching through a large list of songs, especially while driving.

I'll see how bad it is when I get mine, and I think the advantages will probably outweigh the gripes, but we'll see. I still believe it's the best in car solution so far.

 

Sound quality through the FM / wireless car stereo links is bad.

 

I did read that some of the gripes your talking about might be fixed with the 2005 Head units. The problem is that the 2004 Head units came out before the 420i, so all the limitations and gripes your talking about are actually issues with the Head Unit not the 420i. So hopefully some of the issues will be addressed in the 2005 line of head units.