I am thinking on picking up an i-pod. I was wondering if i could directly hook it up so that it plays right on my head unit? Do i need an mp3 head unit to go do this? I have a basic pioneer flip face HU, w/ the fancy pictures. I herd a rumor that alpine was coming out with a head-unit designed to have a port for an i-pod??

you dont need an MP3 player to do this, all you need is a cd player with an AUX input, then just plug it in. Heres a link of how someone did it to their MK IV jetta, just for use of reference. Maybe itll help, http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=509131

So basically all i need is a set of pre-amp outputs? I am not sure which outputs exactly i need. Does the connection of the i-pod to the HU connect just like amp outputs do?

thanks, that guy could have done a lot claener job. I am going to run a dock perminately of 12v. Hide all wires. I hate seeing open wires and plugs all over my car.

thanks.

if you haven't already invested in a HU i would wait for the alpine unit due out this summer. it fully integrates your ipod with your deck. i.e. you get full browsing capabilites via the HU. you plug in your ipod and then just stow it in the glove box or somewhere. the HU will give you full access to your library (playlists, artists, albums, etc.) while your ipod is plugged in it will alos be charging.

as far as sound quality this this will be better than using an aux. input on another HU. the ipod will be connected via it's dock port rather than the audio output. this means that the signal is being sent digitally to your HU. alpine kicks ass and the integration of the ipod into their HU's just make them even better.

*EDIT*
also just to clarify, it is not a HU that alpine is coming out with. they are releasing a separate module this summer which will allow you to connect your ipod to an alpine HU via the ai-net port thingy they have. they have yet to announce which HUs will support this module or whether it will be compatible with older units.

Originally posted by orzech
So basically all i need is a set of pre-amp outputs? I am not sure which outputs exactly i need. Does the connection of the i-pod to the HU connect just like amp outputs do? thanks, that guy could have done a lot claener job. I am going to run a dock perminately of 12v. Hide all wires. I hate seeing open wires and plugs all over my car. thanks.

if you plan on doing it this way your HU must have auxillary INPUTS. preamp outputs are for signals going out from the HU to your amp. if your HU does not have an auxillary input you will need to either use an FM transmitter (broadcasts the signal from the ipod through radio waves which are then picked up by the HU) or an FM modulator (unit plugs inline with antenna wire to HU sending the signal from the ipod to the HU via the antenna input - slightly clearer b/c it's a direct connection).

but still if you want the least wires go with the alpine unit. one simple dock connection. otherwise you will need an audio connection (sticking out the top of your ipod) as well as a power connection. won't look as nice by any means.

Uhm, I don't know much about the ipods but why don't you just get an mp3 head unit? Either that or a head unit with a cd changer that has a mp3 decoder in it? If you put 12 cd's full of mp3's in a changer you could basically NEVER have to change anything out.

i cant carry around a disk changer or anything like that while working, snowboarding and w/e

Originally posted by orzech
i cant carry around a disk changer or anything like that while working, snowboarding and w/e

agreed. ipods kick ass. i have one and i can honestly tell you once you've had 40gb of music at the click of a button you WILL NOT settle for changing cd's ever again. you've already paid for a portable hard drive, spend a few extra bucks to make it compatible with your car. for comparison's sake look at the price tag on HU's with built in hard drives... well over $1k usually. you can get a 40gb ipod for $500 or less. alpine HU and ipod module could be as cheap as $300ish depending which HU you go for. now you've got a kick ass HU, 40gb of mp3s, and the ability to take your music wherever you go without ever touching a cd again.

Ah, if they're going to be integrated via the AI-Net then it's understandable. I thought someone was trying to use a head unit with a mini-jack input and try to use a headphone output to a minijack input to plug one in, which is just aweful LOL

can i buy the i-pod mod. to hook up to my pioneer (some letters)6500 HU.

Originally posted by a_miller_76
Ah, if they're going to be integrated via the AI-Net then it's understandable. I thought someone was trying to use a head unit with a mini-jack input and try to use a headphone output to a minijack input to plug one in, which is just aweful LOL

haha yea it's using the ai-net connection NOT an aux input. if it were an aux input i'd say go w/ mp3 cds as well. alpine is smart.

Originally posted by orzech
can i buy the i-pod mod. to hook up to my pioneer (some letters)6500 HU.

sorry to say probably not... alpine units use their own ai-net connection for linking to alpine cd changers, alpine amplifiers, and other devices such as the ipod module. the reason this gives so much diversity is that it is not strictly an audio connection but rather a data connection. this is why it can be used to control amplifiers and soon ipods as well. the down side is that it's pretty much alpine exclusive. to get the most out've alpine products you need to use other alpine products. not too worry though as most alpine stuff kicks ass anyways.

Here's a few pics from a thread on DSMtalk I posted about my iPod install. I have a Pioneer DE3500 with an adjustable level AUX input that works nicely. I like the fact that my iPod is hidden from prying eyes. I select a playlist and then never have to access the iPod while driving. I can PLAY,PAUSE,FWD,REV etc all from the little headphone remote that I mounted next to the radio. Works for me and the iPod is always charged and ready to go. It easily pops out of the center console for use in the house or on the hip. The charger adapter is a Belkin unit that also has audio output and a level control. Some users have reported ground loop noise with this but I have had no problems. You could use another type power adapter too. I installed a cig. lighter outlet with a dedicated fuse and on-off switch for extra convenience. While I was at it I installed another cig. lighter outlet hidden below the console that gives me a place to charge my cell phone. It is on the rear of the center console just above the center hump. This outlet is fused and always active so my phone will charge whether the car is on or off. While I was at it I installed a white LED on a tilt switch in the center console lid so when I open the top I get a nice subtle light to see what I'm doing.

http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=114049

nice install dude :thumbsup

that's prolly the next best thing if you already have a HU or don't wanna invest in the alpine module...

the use of the ipod remote is a nice touch. mine is still in the shrink wrap in the box.. :P

hehe i'm very picky though so i think i'm gonna hold off til alpine releases their module this summer. my stock system sucks ass. blown speakers and the tape deck stopped working so i can't use my adapter :(

I have an 20GB IPod and I love it. An ipod can be hooked up to and headunit that has an AUX input. When you do this, use the docking station, it will sound better. The other option is to get one of those FM transmitters and then just use your radio. However when I tried that in my Outback it sounded horrible and the Outback has one of the best factory systems I have ever heard (better than my mom's premium package in the G35X).
Not to steal this thread but.... does anybody now how an ipod can be hooked up to a factory radio, besides the tape adaptor or FM transmitter.

Originally posted by RSClipse9d7
I have an 20GB IPod and I love it. An ipod can be hooked up to and headunit that has an AUX input. When you do this, use the docking station, it will sound better. The other option is to get one of those FM transmitters and then just use your radio. However when I tried that in my Outback it sounded horrible and the Outback has one of the best factory systems I have ever heard (better than my mom's premium package in the G35X). Not to steal this thread but.... does anybody now how an ipod can be hooked up to a factory radio, besides the tape adaptor or FM transmitter.

next best thing would be an FM MODULATOR. it's like an adapter that gets put in line with the antenna input. it works better than a FM transmitter b/c it's hardwired rather than broadcasting a signal for the radio to pickup. not sure how it compares w/ the tape adapter though. go to www.crutchfield.com and check out their ipod section. they've got lots've different methods for hooking up an ipod.

I just hooked up my iPod to a Pioneer head unit. As long as your cd player has a cd changer control you can buy the adapter I have, it was like $35 shipped brand new on ebay. Check out my pics here


http://develitate.yafro.com/