I want to keep my stock head unit...
I want a CD changer - not; seems no point in wasting the space these days.
Now I want to play CD's and MP3's.

So what are the chances of getting an MP3 player like an IPOD or Iriver or something and making the stock head unit drive it though an "interface"?

Is this remotely feasible or am I compelled to look at an MP3 playing autochanger (too big!) - or perhaps junking the stock headunit since there are head units out there that can drive standalone MP3 players - a possibility...

Thanks

 

Personally, if you're really stuck on the MP3 capability, I'd swap out the head unit. You'll get better sound quality too. If you've not heard of it before, check out Modifry's DCI unit in the "Marketplace." It'll let you keep the functionality of your dash controls if you swap head units.

Drive Safe,
Steve R.

 

Thanks Steve - so if I do that -

You would be suggesting that I get a nead unit that can play MP3's?

or

Suggesting that I get a head unit that can drive a remote MP3 player? (If there is such a thing)

 

you can have it both ways:

with an aftermarket headunit, Alpine, you can scroll through song titles, playlists, albums and artists directly through your headunit using the KCA 420i.

Or you can get the pioneer model..

these units bothe charge the ipod as you drive and allow you to hide your ipod.

with your stock headunit you can get the itrip, an FM modulator, or hardwire the ipod into your Head unit. Direct connections are always superior to an FM Modulator.

the most basic method of hardwiring would be taking a 3.5 mm headphone or line out jack to RCA, then plugging the RCAs into an Aux in on the back of your head unit. You control the playlist via the ipod itself. For the OEM radio, the PIE HON Aux logjam adapter will work for pre-04 Head Units. this will allow you to plug the ipod into the aux in and control the songs directly through the ipod itself.

There are other methods such as the Denison ICE link, but the ones i mentioned are the most popular among audio enthusiasts.

i hope that helps!

 

Hi Yinmeout,

MP3's are really something I've done a lot of research on. I know that there are head units that can play them. I'm not certain if there's a remote unit that can play them.

Here's a link from Crutchfield that shows some MP3 compatible head units:
Crutchfield MP3's

I also found this little item on Crutchfields web site. It will allow you to plug a remote audio device into the factory radio. You'll sacrifice the ability to use a remote CD player though.
Remote audio to factory radio

I didn't see anything about a remote CD player w/MP3 compatibility but I didn't do that extensive a search. It looks like you do have some options here. I notice that Willie Gee has offered some viable alternatives too. At least you've got some options to consider.

The main reason I brought up changing head units is because I wasn't sure what would be involved in adding MP3 functionality to the factory radio and I knew there were aftermarket units that had this capability. You'll also get the added benefit of much better overall sound quality with an aftermarket head unit than you'll have with the factory radio.

Best of luck!
Drive Safe,
Steve R.

 

Hi Guys,

These are great replies - esp Interepid175 thanks - I'm sorted!