Ipod Adapters

[mikejb]

Well after much research and looking around I have gone and decided to purchase the USA Spec PA11 VW6 for the Passat.

http://www.ipodforautos.ca/images/hon2.jpg

This product plugs into the rear of our factory head unit and allows for control of the music from either 5 play lists or the Ipod itself. The nice thing I found was a dealer in Toronto who has this product.

I am going to pick it up from www.ipodforautos.ca (http://www.ipodforautos.ca) who are located in Toronto.

I will keep you folks posted if anyone is interested on how it works out.

[wayland]

I've seen these in the past and thought that they were really good because obviously the audio quality is going to be better than FM modulated stuff. However, the con is that it's hardwired to that car so you can't switch it between other cars in the household.

What I don't understand is what do they mean by "USA Spec"? It implies that there's a difference between Canadian types and that USA Spec is better?

[mikejb]

Walyland,

USA Spec is the name of the company that produces the product. Nothing more.

In theory, you could move them between cars if they were from the same company since you would only require 2 cables to connect the stero. The white box is the important part.

[nobdyhere]

from what i know about other products that is a similar concept is that the white box pretends to be a multi-CD changer for the stock head unit. My cousin has a smilar device for his prelude that he bought from best buy.

J

[golfinseb]

How much difference is there in SQ between a FM modulator and a direct connection? Also how good are MP3s really? I have an mp3 capable cd player, with mp3 cds they are not as good as original recordings when it comes to SQ, with a direct cable from my mp3 player again they are no where near what I like for SQ. I personally tend to buy cd's of anything I really like because I can tell the difference big time in SQ, regardless of how the MP3 is made, it cannot sound the same as an original recording.

[guitarman]

How much difference is there in SQ between a FM modulator and a direct connection? Also how good are MP3s really? I have an mp3 capable cd player, with mp3 cds they are not as good as original recordings when it comes to SQ, with a direct cable from my mp3 player again they are no where near what I like for SQ. I personally tend to buy cd's of anything I really like because I can tell the difference big time in SQ, regardless of how the MP3 is made, it cannot sound the same as an original recording.

The higher the bit rate of the MP3 the better the SQ. Its not going to sound as good as the CD as MP3 is compression.

[3whack]

Is that why I have always been disappointed in the sound quality of an iPod?

[golfinseb]

I know, thats what I was getting at, but often the stereo is not really good enough anyway to tell the difference. Is there any format that is better than CD for audio? I know hte sq of cds is limited as well, just wondering if the music industry is doing anything to provide us with better recordings. Blueray maybe?

[mikejb]

Well I can tell you guys the SQ is way better than an FM Modulator. Allowing me to control Ipod from the headunit is great, and it was worth every penny.

[MP33]

The quote I got from the Audi dealership was around $500 for the adapter and installation (link through glove compartment). Decided to try a cheaper alternative (ITrip FM Mod by Griffin) first before dropping the $$. To my surprise, the FM mod works pretty well!! Will probably stick with it.

[slicendice]

I had BMW install one in my Mini (had them throw it in for free when we bought it) and it works great. The only draw back for us is that the head unit does not display the song title and artist info - just the track #. I'm not sure if any do that yet. Ours is the one that plugs into the back of the unit - which keeps the iPod out of the way in the glove compartment. We couldn't live without it - radio blows.