I would like to get a decent head unit that i can hook my ipod up to, which brand should i look to? and how hard will the install be? also, are there any specific ones that are direct replacements of the stock? anyone have any pics of thier head units? thanks alot for any help!

 

depends on what you mean by 'iPod ready' - if you want to control everything through the HU there are a number of adapters available for stock head units (dension, peripheral) or aftermarket head units (pioneer, alpine, kenwood). if you just want to have the sound wired directly to the HU while controlling everything through the iPod there are also plenty of adapters that you can connect to the AV IN on the back of the stock HU. alpine's website has a few HUs that connect directly to the iPod and allow you to control everything through the HU interface.

 

I'm also curious to know what everyone is using and whats recommended. I like Alpine equipment, any specific HU they make that is reasonably priced (under $400) that fits this bill. Thanks guys.

 

9857 will be a direct I-POD hook-up, just a cable from the radio to the I-POD. This unit should be avaailable in Feb. 2006. Estimated cost is $400.00 but street proce will be less.

 

I know alpine has an ipod interface that will work with any 2004 alpine or newer. It's direct plug and play into the AI-net and you can control what music you want through the deck instead of fumbling with the ipod.

The alpine interface retails for about $100. I'm going to do an install consisting of a cda-9815 with the interface. Should be neat


If not, you can get an FM transmitor (you may or may not need an auxilary feature on your deck). It's cheaper than the ipod interface, but you wont be able to control the ipod through the deck.

 

Quick and dirty:

1. FM modulator - the fastest solution, but sound is lacking and major urban areas (like Los Angeles) will not have much in the way of empty frequencies to tune to. Lots of fade and static. Can't charge iPod. Must use iPod interface while driving (major distraction). Cheap, approx $20 and up.

2. Cassette adaptor - not compatible with the S2000. Cheap, approx $5 and up.

3. Line-in converter - Like the HON-AUX - Mostly compatible with 2000-2003 models, some work with later models. Superior sound. Requires removal of head-unit but minimal wiring (usually just add a ground wire). You lose the CD changer and have to use the iPod interface (driving distraction). Can't charge ipod. $80 and up. Not including installation.

4. HU integrated converter - for stock HU. Mostly work for 2000-2003 models, some work with later versions. Works like #3, but you gain the use of in-dash controls. Problem is, most of these are buggy and many of them went on and off the market in a matter of a few months due to quirks and incompatibilities with the various OEM HU's. Some still remain available like the Denon. Lose CD Changer. Charges iPod. Some have song display units (iCruze, no longer available). $150 and up. Not including installation.

5. Harmon Kardon unit - this is a unit that uses either FM or a line-in converter. No HU integration, but it adds a dash display and a remote joystick that mimics the iPod controls. Drawbacks: need a seperate line-in coverter to avoid FM usage, which can add up to $100 to the price. Can retain CD changer with FM usage, otherwise no CD changer. Charges iPod. $200 with FM. $280+ with line in converter. Not including installation.

6. Aftermarket HUs - w/iPod interface - usually require a separate adaptor ($100) to play iPods. Good sound but iPod interface seems like an "afterthought". Slow iPod controls. You lose dash controls unless you spend approx $100 for a DCI interface to get them back. 2006 Alpine models promise an improvement in iPod performance, but that's a wait-and-see. Charges iPod. Some will allow use of CD changer. Approx $300-400 min. Not including installation.

7. Aftermarket HUs - no iPod interface - use AUX in for iPod. Retain use of aftermarket CD changer. Won't charge iPod and must use iPod's controls to control iPod (Driving distraction). Lose dash controls. Various prices.

8. OEM iPod integration - for 2006 and up Hondas. It sucks. Google "Honda Musiclink" for the sordid details. Charges iPod. Dash control integration. $180+, not including installation.

Note: options 1, 2, 3 and 7 will work with every single iPod made (including shuffle). Some use the headphone jack, others will use the dock connector (if available).

All other options require a 3G iPod or later (anything with a dock connector, not the shuffle) to work.

 

the monster FM modulator charges the iPod as well and is about 79.99...I got it for my car and its a lot better than the iTrip FM mod. cus it actually stays on the dock, rather than the iTrip which comes loose...