alternative ipod connection ?

[oneHeadlight]

hi... i've always hesitated using the ipod since my first experience with it was thru itrip which sounded like radio basically. subsequently, my ipod went on a roadtrip...from my sis to my cousin back to my sis...now back to me since they didnt like it anymore.

anyway, i'm pretty much ignorant regarding the ipod interface thing.
Importantly, i am using an aftermarket headunit which doesn't allow directly connection from the ipod to the headunit.

so..i am pondering if there is a cheap alternative, besides the itrip ?
i don't intend to spend on the ipod interface since the ipod is something i can do without.

Am i left with only the "aux" option ?
If so, who can recommend me a good connection device (cable or watever we call it), and the price ?

thanks.

 

[jeronlee]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

from another ipod thread in the forum, i'm led to believe that all we need is a short cable where both ends are the 3.5mm headphone jack. one side to the aux jack found in the arm rest compartment, the other to the ipod. such a cable could be bought in sim lim/funan for as cheap as $5 or something. for those who have done it, please comment if i'm correct.

will be going for the aux option if i can't find any affordable integrated ipod adapter soon.

btw, called soundwerkz today to enquire if they carry any ipod adapter. they will check with their suppliers and get back to me by end of this week. i'll post an update once they revert to me. called carsounds too but they don't have a solution for us.

 

[jinooi]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

i have installed the dension gateway 100 unit that is installed via cables to the stock headunit (i'm driving the e46).

for the e90, there's the 300 range that connects via fibre optic cables (at least that what's the guy told me). about $500+. this one is more advanced than the unit i have, and you'd be able to see the title of the songs displayed on your stock headunit.

go check out pin liang at havelock road. boss is a chatty and funny guy.

btw, there's another thread on how to integrate the ipod to your sound system in the forum. go look for it (it's late and i'm too lazy)...

good luck!

 

[doggie]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

Its usually not possible to get a $5 wire with the correct length from Sim lim .. usually comes in min of 1.2m which is very messy.. if anyone knows where to get 0.5m cables pls do share with me the info ..

 

[jeronlee]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

thanks bro. i'll give them a buzz tmr

 

[jeronlee]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

Its usually not possible to get a $5 wire with the correct length from Sim lim .. usually comes in min of 1.2m which is very messy.. if anyone knows where to get 0.5m cables pls do share with me the info ..

i know one of the shops in funan do their own cabling so customised length shouldn't be an issue. located at the 3rd/4th floor if my memory serves me well.

another place to go would be sim lim tower. easily 3-5 of such shops.

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

i am running an aftermarket headunit, so the adapter for the stock headunit does not apply to me unfortunately, or fortunately.

the cheapest option is definitely the 3.5mm jack.
customization of length not an issue at sim lim.

just not sure if its the best way to do it.
i am exploring another method but it may apply only to me due to my headunit. Pretty much connecting directly to the aux input, but may require customization to allow easy plug in access.

will do a quick test using the 3.5mm jack. If i can live with the sound quality, i will simply pop by sim lim and customised one nice one.

lets update each other. cheers.

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

Its usually not possible to get a $5 wire with the correct length from Sim lim .. usually comes in min of 1.2m which is very messy.. if anyone knows where to get 0.5m cables pls do share with me the info ..

apple sells the belkin retractable cable for i think $26. but the reviews pretty bad.
the shielding is actually important.

 

[jeronlee]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

i have installed the dension gateway 100 unit that is installed via cables to the stock headunit (i'm driving the e46).

for the e90, there's the 300 range that connects via fibre optic cables (at least that what's the guy told me). about $500+. this one is more advanced than the unit i have, and you'd be able to see the title of the songs displayed on your stock headunit.

go check out pin liang at havelock road. boss is a chatty and funny guy.

btw, there's another thread on how to integrate the ipod to your sound system in the forum. go look for it (it's late and i'm too lazy)...

good luck!

called pinliang to check. you were right about the optical connection which is supposed to give better sound quality. but the cost is twice of what you paid before. it's now 990 (adapter) + 60 (installation) + GST. i wonder how much cheaper we can get if we do a mass order.

nevertheless, given the same $1K budget, most bros would probably prefer to go back to PML for that extra peace of mind?

 

[jinooi]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

doubt that PML would have anything OEM that would have a solution for iPod integration which will not cost an arm and a leg.

i wouldn't have gone for an aftermarket solution otherwise.

hope that i am wrong... but... sigh!

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

one humble suggestion.... try out the using aux input, and see if the sound quality is a bother to you. To spend $1k is crazy to be honest. for less money, you can get a really good aftermarket headunit which has direct ipod connection, which in turn sound way better than the stock.

 

[jeronlee]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

agree it's crazy but i'm so used to controlling the ipod from the steering control of my previous ride, it's hard to go back to direct control on the ipod. nevertheless, since the aux cable is such a cheap option, i'd probably get a cable to try out first while i take my time to scout for a more affordable option.

the headunit option did crossed my mind but i'm reluctant to trade the flush and integrated look cos ride is only 2 weeks old.

 

[jeronlee]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

PML replied me. their ipod interface cost $1,005 (after GST). surprisingly, it's cheaper than pin liang.

 

[JuzMe]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

Another much cheaper alternative is to burn in CD and stick into CD stack in the boot. CD are cheap, burned a few and swap them once in a while. Spending $1k is too much...

 

[doggie]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

i know one of the shops in funan do their own cabling so customised length shouldn't be an issue. located at the 3rd/4th floor if my memory serves me well.

another place to go would be sim lim tower. easily 3-5 of such shops.

Thanks for the info .. BTW i did go check out Sim lim Tower.. and most of them refuse to custom a wire for me .. was told to buy those already pre-packed... which comes to same conclusion again 1.2m> above . Might have to pay for the Berklin after all ..

 

[jeronlee]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

went sim lim square on sat and saw quite a no. of those pre-packed aux cable that are only 5cm long selling for only $4.

found something interesting from griffin at one of the shops which is a aux cable with a charger connected to the cigarette lighter but it cost $99. there's something similar from belkin at $79 from apple store. i've attached the link here: Apple Store (Singapore) - Belkin Auto charger with audio for iPod

 

[davidtch]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

found something interesting from griffin at one of the shops which is a aux cable with a charger connected to the cigarette lighter but it cost $99. there's something similar from belkin at $79 from apple store. i've attached the link here: Apple Store (Singapore) - Belkin Auto charger with audio for iPod

Get it from ebay. It is cheaper. I got mine < S$50 (including postage). Have been using it 4 yrs now.

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

Thanks for the info .. BTW i did go check out Sim lim Tower.. and most of them refuse to custom a wire for me .. was told to buy those already pre-packed... which comes to same conclusion again 1.2m> above . Might have to pay for the Berklin after all ..

went sim lim square on sat and saw quite a no. of those pre-packed aux cable that are only 5cm long selling for only $4.

found something interesting from griffin at one of the shops which is a aux cable with a charger connected to the cigarette lighter but it cost $99. there's something similar from belkin at $79 from apple store. i've attached the link here: Apple Store (Singapore) - Belkin Auto charger with audio for iPod

i have this belkin thing. It works like itrip... i wouldnt recommend it.
basically you tune the freq on the cable to be the same as your headunit.
the good thing is, it charges your ipod.

sim lim can customise...but must know which shop.

 

[davidtch]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

i have this belkin thing. It works like itrip... i wouldnt recommend it.
basically you tune the freq on the cable to be the same as your headunit.
the good thing is, it charges your ipod.

sim lim can customise...but must know which shop.

Belkin auto charger is difference. There is a aux out port on the unit that plug into ciggy lighter to connect to ur HU. In addition, there is a volume control next 2 d aux out port.

 

[oneHeadlight]

Re: alternative ipod connection ?

Belkin auto charger is difference. There is a aux out port on the unit that plug into ciggy lighter to connect to ur HU. In addition, there is a volume control next 2 d aux out port.

oh is it. haha...my bad then.