Best way of integrating iPod into car stereo

nommy · 11 May 2009 at 09:33

Morning,

Hoping for some advice on using my iPod in my car. The system as it currently stands is a Pioneer cd headunit (DEH-P4500) - fitted by the previous owner into my 2003 Mini. Now I would like to be able to listen to the music on my iPhone, though I may end up just keeping my old iPod permanently in the car if that would work better. Have considered one of the iTrips but I would love to control the iPod/phone from the stereo itself - is it better to go with an aftermarket kit (like the HK drive and play), buy a new stereo (if so, which one for around £120...) or just get an iTrip and spend some time doing some good playlists so I dont have to keep changing tracks etc...

Many thanks

monkey_boy · 11 May 2009 at 09:47

Wait until the software update in June/July that enables A2DP and get an IO Play. The HK Drive n Play, is absolute rubbish, the sound quality is naff and isn't as good as a £10 FM transmitter.

iaind · 11 May 2009 at 09:50

Or replace it with a HU with full ipod control, the Alpine X series are really good

randal · 11 May 2009 at 09:52

I'm sure they do an iPod adapter for the P4500, see if this one is compatible.

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/pioneer-cdib100-ipod-adaptor-p-5302.html

Firestar_3x · 11 May 2009 at 09:54

Yes the proper Pioneer adapter is the way forward, look on e-bay for an older model, i don't think its worth paying more for the current revision Pioneer adapter when your HU can't take advantage of its newer featureset.

monkey_boy · 11 May 2009 at 10:11

I know it wasn't part of what the OP asked for but surely not having to connect wires up each time you get in the car and having handsfree built in as a bonus is the way forward?

Jono · 11 May 2009 at 10:41

What does anyone know of those Parrot kits that let you connected your Ipod and bluetoothness to your phone?

iaind · 11 May 2009 at 10:42

monkey_boy said:
I know it wasn't part of what the OP asked for but surely not having to connect wires up each time you get in the car and having handsfree built in as a bonus is the way forward?

Depends - A2DP will give lower sound quality, control of ipod via HU will be slow or non existent and it will need to be charged....

Firestar_3x · 11 May 2009 at 10:45

Depends if he wants a handsfree phone or not, if not then the Pioneer adapter is the way forward, you wire it into the IPBus round the back of the HU, connect up the 12v to the HU wiring loom, fit the box out of sight, you're left with an Apple connector, stick ipod in the glovebox and forget about it basically, everything is then done through the HU controls.

nommy · 11 May 2009 at 12:38

Thanks for the replies guys - not really to bothered about handsfree really as likely just to keep my old ipod in the glovebox as music source - will look for the old pioneer adapter and see if there's one kicking around ebay! thanks