how do you use your mp3 player in your car?

[GreatDane]

I use the analog input on an Eclipse HU. The connection is in the rear so I have the cable routed through the dash. Lately I've been using a Sansa e250 which sounds as good as iPod line out imo...plus I have 4 of them so I don't care if it freezes in winter climate.

 

[Mher6]

Luckily almost all new cars come with aux inputs (AFAIK). This is exactly how my ipod is connected.

 

[bhd812]

i use a device like this..

Scosche FM-MOD01 Modulator Play your iPod, satellite radio tuner, or other portable music player through any FM car stereo at Crutchfield.com

its not the exact thing cause i think mine was from audiovox, same crap though. you can buy these at any CC or BB for $50 installed i think.
it's cool cause i connect my classic from its line out dock or my Garmin buvi lineout or my iphone with the shure adapter for hands free ghetto style calls...

i didnt want to use any other way cause i needed my cd changer controls to be left intact and i still wanted the factory radio also. it does the job perfectly really esp for $50.00

 

[AuroraProject]

I use this:

USA Spec IPOD Interface Connects your iPod to select Chrysler factory radios at Crutchfield.com

Lets me control the iPod from the factory head unit and steering wheel controls.

 

[rockin_amigo14]

FM transmitter. found it in my brothers room. it will do until i can afford something better.

 

[kydsid]

Alpine IVA-W200, previous version of this, with an Ipod connector which gives line out and full control of ipod to the deck.

And hoping to get an iMod to work with the system. Will probably have to do some work on the cable if latest iMod because of the cable, unless I can find an older iMod.

BTW, rest of the car is fully coated with dynomat, have 4 sets of component speakers on a 4x100 amp and two 10'' woofers in the trunk on two 500w amps.

 

[Luminette]

nice flower kings CD great dane

i've always wondered about this, head-fiers really seem to slack on the in-car hi-fi compared to how some of our home and portable rigs

 

[Uncle Erik]

My car had an iPod radio option when I bought it. Only added about $240 to the car, so I went for it. There's a LOD in the center armrest and the factory head unit controls it. Not perfect, but works mostly well.

 

[uofmtiger]

I have a 60GB Kenwood Music Keg with an optional display. It uses a cartridge that you can load with your own tunes (I use FLAC files, but it can also use mp3, ogg and a couple of other formats) from the computer. It also has a program called "VIOT" (Voice Index On Tap) - It allows the user to hit the scan button and the program will say "Genre", "Playlist", "Album", or "Artist". It will then allow you to scan through any of those choices. I usually listen to my music by artist. If I go to the artist menu using the scan button, I can then navigate by artist name or the first letter in an artist's name. This allows the user to navigate easily to any artist in seconds. The great part is that your eyes can stay on the road because the program will actually announce each artist name or letter so you do not need to view the display while navigating. Once you get to your artist, then you can skip to the album you want to hear or even randomly play all of their music.

I had a Phatbox for my old car that I got addicted to and the Keg was the next best option for my new car. The setup uses the aux input in the car.

As you can see, I mounted it in the ashtray. This way I can close it when I am not in the car:

If you are interested, you can read more about it here.

 

[craiglester]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luminette /img/forum/go_quote.gif nice flower kings CD great dane i've always wondered about this, head-fiers really seem to slack on the in-car hi-fi compared to how some of our home and portable rigs

If you're interested, remind me at the Colorado Meet and I'll show you the Ipod integration in my car. It's stock, so nothing fancy but works quite well.

 

[poo]

Some Alpine headunit with an 'iPod connection box thingy'. The iPod connects via the lineout into the head unit, then on to the appropriate amps for each channel. Sounds fantastic because (to my surprise) it also plays back Apple Lossless files!

 

[poo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kydsid /img/forum/go_quote.gif Alpine IVA-W200, previous version of this, with an Ipod connector which gives line out and full control of ipod to the deck. And hoping to get an iMod to work with the system. Will probably have to do some work on the cable if latest iMod because of the cable, unless I can find an older iMod. BTW, rest of the car is fully coated with dynomat, have 4 sets of component speakers on a 4x100 amp and two 10'' woofers in the trunk on two 500w amps.

Sounds remarkably similar to my system, but I'm using Focal drivers. My only complaint is the dynomat which tends not to stick so well to the underside of the trunk.

Let me know if you get the iMod thing happening - have been considering approaching ALO about it, but haven't bothered so far...

 

[kydsid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by poo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sounds remarkably similar to my system, but I'm using Focal drivers. My only complaint is the dynomat which tends not to stick so well to the underside of the trunk. Let me know if you get the iMod thing happening - have been considering approaching ALO about it, but haven't bothered so far...

Had the same problem with the trunk. My trunks support frame had a gap between the skin and the frame to get a zip tie through. So I bought some 12'' zip ties, punched a few hole in the dynomat and zip tied it to the frame. Hasd worked pretty well so far.

As far as the iMod is the fact that my head unit has full control of the iPod and in fact it is intentionally wired through the dash to hide the iPod from view. I don't want to loose control over the iPod. I think I can get the sound right but if not I might turn to Ken for help. Is anyone else interested in iMod cables for car? What I would like to see is an iMod cable that terminates in a female iPod dock to connect directly to another iPod dock cable.

 

[bhd812]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luminette /img/forum/go_quote.gif i've always wondered about this, head-fiers really seem to slack on the in-car hi-fi compared to how some of our home and portable rigs

Two reasons why i have what i have...

first and main reason is: when i listen to music in HI-FI mode i focus in on the entire album like you would read a book. since i am behind the wheel to get from point A to point B i have to focus in on the road. the music is more or less just background that i can jam along with but not get into deeply. for example when i listen to some "devo" i practice my Robot dance but i do not listen to how "devo" recorded the track or where the instruments are or something along those lines...i just don't get deep into cause i have to pay attention to the road and other drivers.

second reason is: i had some great luck with my older Ford Probe being stolen and broken into a few times over..the last thing i want to deal with is that crap again or even ask for it.

when i get home and kick back to relax i throw on some Vinyl and fall into the album with every note and vocal hitting my ears like a connoisseur would taste a fine wine. focus in and fall in love...
as for my portable setup (setups for that matter) i do not slack in that area..

 

[Computerpro3]

Like this: 60GB of music available through the standard ipod interface on beautiful touchscreen/dvd player

Focal 165 K2p Polykevlar Upgraded Edition in custom made black leather door pods, with TN52 tweeters in the sail panel

Zapco Reference pure class A amplification all around

Sounds incredible.