iPod connection

[Chris_CDT]

So it's Sept 2007 and we still don't appear to have a really decent option for attaching an iPod. Connects2 and Denison options appear to be compromised or unreliable based on what I've read. I'm not surprised, I spent £1000 on a top of the range JVC with an add on iPod box and this was complete rubbish - slow as hell and locked up the whole time requiring it to be switched off and back on.

I'm coming to the conclusion that it would be simplest to try to get a 3.5mm jack output from the Alpine Highline in my 75 and just plug the iPod into this and stick it on random play. The Ipod interface is about as good as it gets anyway.

I have removed the Alpine CD changer from the glovebox as I never use CDs in the car anymore, so I do have a connector sitting in the glovebox that could connect to something. Is it possible to get an adaptor to connect to the iPod (that actually works). I'm amazed no-one has cracked this yet, the market would be massive.

[lwindridge]

Get yourself a Harman/Kardon drive+play for ipod - I did and it's much better than the others I've found.
Nice display with it too that mimics the ipod's so you feel at home using it.

[Jontie]

Hi Chris,
I believe that the Dice unit is OK, much more stable than the Ice link and IIRC you can connect usb as well. I think its called "gateway" with 3 different models, 100, 200 and so on with differing degrees of connectivity.

[trebor]

Sorry if the link below doesnt work but just copy and paste into search engine - thisd may be a solution but costs £99 and only available with certain model years - maybe worth a look though


http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/prod...?product=21304

[trebor]

Found another

http://www.nexxia.co.uk/iPod_MP3_Adaptors/rover.htm

[Martin75]

I have a Harmon Kardon 'Drive & Play' version 1. It was fitted 15 months ago. Reception is awful, because the transmission frequency to the cars radio cannot be tuned anywhere on FM without loads of hiss and static, from various stations. Also when your radio is tuned to a broadcast the same problem occurs. When you visit their website, where they advertise a cable connection lead to override this problem, you have to deal with the UK agent at St Albans. Ask them where you get it and they never reply! No luck on eBay either.

I know someone who has a cheap (£20) cigar socket version, which sounds just the same, so at least his poor quality has a cheaper baseline!

There is a Drive and Play version 2 out now, which appreciates that it's not good to have the unit automatically connect when the ignition is activated, whilst I appreciate it's not much to turn it off, it's a design fault they have obviously corrected.

Stay away from Harmon Kardon ipod players, they're obviously still developing the technology at our expense!

[lwindridge]

Originally Posted by Martin75

When you visit their website, where they advertise a cable connection lead to override this problem, you have to deal with the UK agent at St Albans. Ask them where you get it and they never reply! No luck on eBay either.

I think this must be included in the package now as it came in the box with mine - perhaps they listened to the criticism and acted on it?

Certainly I haven't had any problems with the sound quality on mine at all.

[Per Ardua]

Personally I'm coming to the conclusion that an Ipod-compatible Head-unit is the best way forward.

Some of the higher-spec Alpine units look like they may be a really good investment - they can hook-up to the steering wheel controls and afterhaving played with a couple in a shop, I reckon they are easy to use, look good and have a nice sound.

time to start saving...

[Alex30013k]

Ive have one from Connects2 and its been faultless, well happy with it!
Works with the Symphony Alpine,

[Christopher]

Sorry to hijack thread - we missed you at the meet Alex, how are you?