06-28-2008, 06:53 PM

So I've been thinking about the best way to play my iPod in my car; I'm kind of tired of using headphones while driving (I have to crank it up, can't open window, etc.). So what other options do I have?

I've considered FM transmitters, but they don't always seem to work well. Considering that you could easily drop $50 on a decent FM transmitter, why not just go with a car stereo with an AUX input right on the front of the stereo. Are there any downsides to this? They have car stereos at Wal-Mart (and other places, I assume) with AUX inputs for as little as $70. I can probably snag one off of eBay for even cheaper.

So are there any downsides to going this route? Obviously, they'll probably be a pain to install, but how do they work with an iPod (Touch)?

06-28-2008, 06:58 PM

You need an iPod integration unit. They're the best possible solution in a car. What make, model and year is it?

06-28-2008, 07:03 PM

I have an Aux port on my radio that I use for my iPhone. Works great for me.
I also found this link that seems interesting. (for cwa107's idea)
http://www.icarkits.com/

06-28-2008, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by cwa107

You need an iPod integration unit. They're the best possible solution in a car. What make, model and year is it?

Well, I'm not in need of the best possible solution. I just need something so I don't have to use headphones when driving.

06-28-2008, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by Soulwar

I have an Aux port on my radio that I use for my iPhone. Works great for me.
I also found this link that seems interesting. (for cwa107's idea)
http://www.icarkits.com/

Interesting. Though, I don't see how that'd be any better than using the AUX in on a stereo. Plus, for the same price, I could get a whole new (better) stereo.

06-28-2008, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by atomheartmother

Well, I'm not in need of the best possible solution. I just need something so I don't have to use headphones when driving.

I have a DICE iPod integration unit for my Honda. It allows me to treat my iPod as though it were an XM Satellite Radio or a factory CD changer (two different modes of operation). So, I can change tracks, play playlists, read all of the text right on my stereo - and the best part of all, hide my iPod out of sight while still being able to enjoy it. For $120, I'm quite pleased with it and would recommend it to anyone. DICE isn't the only company that makes them though, there are dozens of other third party solutions that make it easy to connect your iPod directly to your factory stereo.

06-28-2008, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by atomheartmother

Interesting. Though, I don't see how that'd be any better than using the AUX in on a stereo. Plus, for the same price, I could get a whole new (better) stereo.

My only concern with going that route is that you now have a shiny new aftermarket radio, which is appealing to thieves. Call me crazy, but I'd much rather have a factory stereo that is only compatible with my car - particularly if you park in crime-prone areas.

06-28-2008, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by cwa107

I have a DICE iPod integration unit for my Honda. It allows me to treat my iPod as though it were an XM Satellite Radio or a factory CD changer (two different modes of operation). So, I can change tracks, play playlists, read all of the text right on my stereo - and the best part of all, hide my iPod out of sight while still being able to enjoy it. For $120, I'm quite pleased with it and would recommend it to anyone. DICE isn't the only company that makes them though, there are dozens of other third party solutions that make it easy to connect your iPod directly to your factory stereo.

That DICE won't work with my car. I checked the list.

06-28-2008, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by atomheartmother

That DICE won't work with my car. I checked the list.

There are others - what kind of car is it?

06-28-2008, 10:37 PM

how about a wired FM modulator. it plugs inline into your stereos antenna cable and you tune your radio to 88.6 or something like that. I had a CD changer that worked that way and it was great and easy to install

http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-...ar.html?page=2

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...MMOD01&tp=1701

06-28-2008, 11:07 PM

I installed this in my car. It has a specially designed iPod cable. I control everything through the head unit, not the iPod. It's pretty cool. Sounds great too. I had an FM transmitter and couldn't stand it.
The only downside to the AUX input is the inability to also charge the iPod. With the Alpine unit I got, it charges so I can keep the album cover glowing or use the maps feature without worrying about the thing dying on a long trip.

06-28-2008, 11:49 PM

I got an integration cord made specifically for my car's factory unit. There are tons of companies making these for pretty much every car on the road. Though, they are a little more expensive because you can control your iPod/iPhone from your head unit and keep it charged. The downside with mine is that it only recognizes 10 playlists max.

The solution to plug into your FM antenna looks good, but you loose the ability to listen to the radio. It may be a minor loss if you can listen to your favorite music anyway. I think I'm going to pick one of those up for my '65 Mustang since it's an original-styled unit with no other inputs.

06-29-2008, 12:40 AM

Originally Posted by fleurya

I got an integration cord made specifically for my car's factory unit. There are tons of companies making these for pretty much every car on the road. Though, they are a little more expensive because you can control your iPod/iPhone from your head unit and keep it charged. The downside with mine is that it only recognizes 10 playlists max.

The solution to plug into your FM antenna looks good, but you loose the ability to listen to the radio. It may be a minor loss if you can listen to your favorite music anyway. I think I'm going to pick one of those up for my '65 Mustang since it's an original-styled unit with no other inputs.

I used to have a wired FM modulator in a former vehicle and it allowed for a passthrough for the factory antenna. You could switch it on and off via a switch mounted somewhere on the dash.

Not to get too far OT, but I think I saw a company (I want to say Custom Autosound) that makes a drop-in replacement for early Mustangs and a few other popular classic cars that has built-in iPod integration. I'm sure it's not cheap, but something to think about.

06-29-2008, 01:47 AM

My car is a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier. I'll look into the wired FM thing. I've decided to forgo getting a new stereo; I'd need a special harness adapter thing, which would end up running me at least $170 with a lower end stereo, plus all of the time to install.

Anyone know anything about AUX input adapters? Apparently it somehow would hook up to my stereo through CD changer or something. Would this mean that I can no longer play CD's?

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-tR00O08...x?I=469GM12AX2

06-29-2008, 03:56 AM

Kudos to whoever posted the iCarKits link... I am buying one of the Neo Pro Link kits, I had been using a crappy Belkin FM Modulator. This is about the only other option for my Jeep. The 2006+ models have the auxiliary input on the stock head unit, but mine's a 2005. I don't wanna change the head unit, so this seems to be a decent option.