Hi,
I've got an iPod, and at the moment I use a radio transmitter to play music through the radio. Reading the instructions for the radio, I get the vague hints that it's possible to play iPod music through the cars stereo direct, and possibly even control the iPod from the console.

Using the radio to receive the iPods music is passable - far better than the old cassette adapter I had in the Skoda. The stereo on the car is much better than anything I have had before, so I can’t complain that much. However, as it’s radio, I can get interference and there is nothing more distracting than random pops and crackles. The other problem is the practicalities of the iPod connector. It holds the iPod in a cradle which plugs direct into the “cigar lighter”*. This probably works in other cars, and would work on a left hand drive Crossfire, but for me, it obstructs controls. Any other options involve trailing wires.

Are there any kits which will let me have a direct connection to the car's stereo system? I’d much rather have the iPod out of the way in the glove compartment.

I know that there are stereo systems which can take an iPod directly, but I don’t really want to buy a whole new system - I’d rather use what I have and spend my money on a holiday - something that we both need here.

*Yes - the manual calls the cabin power outlet a “cigar lighter” - which gives me an idea of the car’s perceived audience.

 

Well, my solution was to get a Becker iPod kit and a 6 CD changer. The changer is used to trick the head unit into using the CD changer input and the iPod kit has the hook up for the same input. I wrote a thread on it a long time ago.

I'm not able to control the iPod from the head unit, but I don't usually need to. If I want to skip a song, I just reach down and hit the skip on the iPod.

Others have had good success with the Karman Drive-n-Play or something like that.

Cheers!

 

I see your dilema, Ive through the same issues with the ipod. There is no easy way of getting round this prob. The standard head unit, while good quality, is basic and rather old fashioned and featureless by todays standards. In the end I bought a new head unit for Ł160.00 which plays cd,dvd,radio and most important for me, SD card. Ive put all my music (approx 200 tracks for now) onto an 8GB SC card. I'll never be able to fill the card, and I can navigate the menus through album to track. I also use the remote control to flick through music when Im detailing the car and have no need to carry lots of CD's anymore. You dont have to spend lots on a head unit unless you want a well known brand, and then you are paying for the name.
Cheers Steve

 

Buy a aftermarket head unit..........

 

Steve,
interested in what model you bought, I like the SD card option. Also is it a similar colour to the dealer model ?

Paul

 

Paul - This is the one I have, it looks much better in the flesh than this pic but you will see the spec. Ill show you it when we meet up.
http://www.caraudioplus.co.uk/BEAT_-...0_DVD_USB%20SD
This is another one in silver, again with SD card slot.
http://www.caraudioplus.co.uk/BEAT_-_BEAT200S
Its not a classy brand but I went for the spec and the performance is very very good for the money.
Cheers Steve

 

Hi,
thanks. I'll be interested in taking a look, though looking at the spec, it's not likely that they will work with my music collection - most of which is in the AAC format. AAC is supposedly better than MP3, and I have the best part of 25GB of music in that format. The iPod plays this format, and would provide the audio stream for the stereo to amplify and play back.

 

I wish to return to this question a little more. Having looked at a few iPod compatible car stereos, I find that they all use fly leads to connect to the iPod in the glove compartment. Does this require any drilling or cutting to achieve, or is access to the glove compartment from the back of the stereo fairly straight forward?

 

Hi All just been on the Parrot handfree site & come acroos this
http://www.parrot.com/uk/products/ca.../parrot-rk8200
I know its not out yet but looks like it fits the bill , did not see the price . I have a parrot handfree in the Jag & works very well & the price was not bad too . how about fitting a new head unit in the armrest box , Keeping the standard look on the dash . Also could with better subs behide seats .

Hairydalek have you done the bang for bucks fix ( lowers the bass coming out the two larger door speakers) works like a dream its like a new system
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ead.php?t=9938

Cheers

Andy

 

HI,
the Parrot one looks like it could do the job (though it seems to do more than I need - I don’t need the phone connectivity stuff). I'm not sure if I want to lose the armrest storage area - I use it to keep tat in when driving. It's actually quite useful.

Anyway, I’ll add this to the list of possibles.

I haven’t done the “bang for bucks fix”. I do find the bass a little over eager at times, so it may be worth me having a look into this when I have some spare time.

Thanks for the info.

 

Hi- Paul,
The ipod does'nt have to live in the glove box, I've had mine slipped into the net storage netting pouch thingy, thats on the passenger side footwell (near to where Amanda's right knee would be) the cable just drops down from back of head unit and down through gap (above net) between plastic trim and carpet. (Hope this drivel makes sense!) and no cutting or drilling required - Steve

 

Steve - that makes sense. That makes the idea a little less destructive. Thanks.

 

Im assuming of course that the ipod will be conected to back of head unit, but this is a nice neat solution that does'nt impact on the car in any way. In mine, my music is mainly stored on 8gb sd card (mp3's) which my head unit plays, addittionally, I have a usb cable routed from back of head unit, the end of which just sits in the net. Steve