Opinions on Best iPod Interface

**08blackbase** · 10-29-2009

I want to hook up my iPod to my stock head unit (2008 / 6 disc in-dash / Monsoon). I want to be able to display text (e.g. artist, album, song) in the HU. I also want to control the iPod from the HU, not the iPod click wheel.

I know I could go with an aftermarket HU but I want to stick with the stock appearance. I'm not interested in a FM modulator. I've tried that with another car and wasn't happy.

I've been checking USA Spec, Soundgate, Scosche, PAC. It seems like some offer text display while others don't. The amount of control and the buttons used also varies by manufacturer.

I'd appreciate any input or guidance on these units or if there is something better out there. Thanks!

**whiney** · 11-01-2009

Kenwood - KOS-V500
Something like that? you've at least got a few options with that one/

**Texas** · 11-05-2009

I've got a 2006 GXP Grand Prix w/Monsoon audio package stock and am trying to figure out how I can rig my ipod to it but there's no input. I also hate fm modulators. any advice?

**Sandman** · 11-05-2009

I know what you are talking about, check out 3800 performance or the w-body store. I believe that they sell something that connects to the factory system and allows you to play the ipod through the factory HU, BUT I don't believe that it controls the ipod, still have to use the click wheel. Also for the cost of one of those you may as well get an aftermarket HU.

http://www.3800performance.com/Merch...roduct_Count=6

**UCF04GPGTPCompG** · 11-16-2009

I have a 2004 but it's the 1 CD player with AM/FM radio. But I installed the PAC AAIGM24 which gives me 2 RCA Female Plugs (2 x left/right). I just converted one of the female stereo left/right plugs into a female stereo plug which i drilled into and installed in the space under the air conditioner controls. After that there is a male-to-male stereo plug that plugs into the stereo output of my MP3 player. Not I own a Philips MP3 Player and for controlling the player you still have to use the control on it, the only thing you can obviously do with the stock stereo system is change volume. It works just fine for me, but I don't think this will give you the functionality that you want with your Ipod. But this will give you the opportunity to plug in whatever you want to, and not be restricted to ipods. I got pics if you want to see.

I should note, the PAC device is inside the trim pieces. The only part you can see is the female stereo plug, the male-to-male stereo plug wires and the MP3 Player

**mikesarebetter** · 11-19-2009

sound quality like cd? lookin to get away from my monster fm transmitter.. ok but not great

**UCF04GPGTPCompG** · 11-19-2009

Yeah, sound quality is pretty good. It mostly depends on the quality of the song that is recorded on the MP3 Player. But I haven't really noticed any difference between CD or MP3 quality, other than needing to turn up the volume a little more on the MP3. But that just equalizes the extra wiring and interfacing.

Response to your PM: This was installed on my 04 GTP. Also it was for a Philips MP3 Player for audio hook up only. You can't control the MP3 Player. For my setup, there is a band button the PAC works for. And allows me to select, AM, FM1, FM2, Aux 1, Aux 2, CD. My radio has 2 Ports on them, a 12 & 24 pin port. I have pictures of the back & front of mine (though for some reason it won't let me upload the pics even though they are within all sizes.)

**matt5112** · 11-19-2009

Originally Posted by UCF04GPGTPCompG

Yeah, sound quality is pretty good. It mostly depends on the quality of the song that is recorded on the MP3 Player. But I haven't really noticed any difference between CD or MP3 quality, other than needing to turn up the volume a little more on the MP3. But that just equalizes the extra wiring and interfacing.

LOL! 99% of cars don't have sound systems that would let you hear the difference between a CD and an MP3 so your best bet is get a flash drive or an ipod and hook it up digitally and letting the deck do the A/D conversion and call it a day.

To the OP: You can't get that without spending a ridiculous amount of money. Namely because you'd have to buy a CD player out of a car that has a built in ipod interface and put that into your car. Most people just buy aftermarket decks and live with that.

**UCF04GPGTPCompG** · 11-19-2009

well, how about you put a CD in and compare it to the MP3 Player turned all the way up but the stereo at the same volume? I bet you'll notice a difference then, that is what I was talking about, the needed difference in volume. Meaning, CD @ 10% Stereo Output = MP3 @ +10% Output. Get it now?

And in my case, an aftermarket stereo would cost alot more than getting my PAC Part that cost a whole $65.22

**matt5112** · 11-19-2009

Originally Posted by UCF04GPGTPCompG

well, how about you put a CD in and compare it to the MP3 Player turned all the way up but the stereo at the same volume? I bet you'll notice a difference then, that is what I was talking about, the needed difference in volume. Meaning, CD @ 10% Stereo Output = MP3 @ +10% Output. Get it now?

And in my case, an aftermarket stereo would cost alot more than getting my PAC Part that cost a whole $65.22

But you still have to control it manually, but given the OP's desire for retaining the stock system, its probably the best choice.

Most people define the louder sound as the better one, not the higher quality one. Also, a fair number of people like the BBC dip and the 100 Hz bump. Neither are good for sound quality, but give the impression of high end extension and low end grunt.

Also, when most people go to show off their sound systems, be it their car or home, they end up clipping their system. Clipping automatically makes any sound quality comparison useless because clipping = distortion.

**mikesarebetter** · 11-28-2009

best choice by far for the newer vehicles is this iSimple - Apple® iPod® Direct Connect Kit for Select GM Vehicles - ISGM74 granted this is Ipod specific but thats what i got.

YouTube - iPod2Car vs. FM modulator

wish they did this with the 2003's. my problems would be solved

**matt5112** · 11-28-2009

LOL if your FM modulator sounds that bad then you def bought a cheap one.

Dude also can't say "genre".

Other than that, if you're cool with the price... You might as well buy a new deck for that much.

**mikesarebetter** · 11-28-2009

new decks are gay.. imo.. plus if you have the bose system.. like i do.. the harness to make it work is over a hundred alone

**matt5112** · 11-28-2009

New decks = a chance for sound quality.

So if you're just looking for ipod control, you're going the right way.

If you want a better sound system, new deck is the first place to start.

**mikesarebetter** · 11-28-2009

really? that bose sound system sounds better than my buddy's car and he's got close to 2000 invested into it. all i got is two ten inch subs and mine sounds way better. even he admits it.

**matt5112** · 11-29-2009

Because he's a noob and doesn't know how to setup car audio.

One nice feature on bose systems is that they all have soft clipping so you can keep cranking the volume knob, but you're not going to get any more volume so it still sounds decent no matter how high you attempt to crank it.

**BossyRN** · 11-29-2009

Originally Posted by mikesarebetter

best choice by far for the newer vehicles is this iSimple - Apple® iPod® Direct Connect Kit for Select GM Vehicles - ISGM74 granted this is Ipod specific but thats what i got.

YouTube - iPod2Car vs. FM modulator

wish they did this with the 2003's. my problems would be solved

I have a 2004 grand Prix GTP with a Monsoon system and the isimple was not compatible. Did I do something wrong?

**mikesarebetter** · 11-29-2009

i would guess you did... says its compatible with that year. but no experience with it myself. just basing it off what i've read

**matt5112** · 11-29-2009

It might be because of the monsoon system.

"The iSimple GateWay IS NOT compatible with...
GM vehicles equipped with a "Monsoon" stereo system"

From The iSimple GateWay - The Ultimate iPod / iPhone Integration Solution

Also note:

"Vehicle Compatibility Note:

The iSimple GateWay iPod integration kit is only compatible with factory-installed radios that are satellite capable or satellite ready. This means the radio MUST feature a button labeled...

GM
CAT
BAND
XM"

**BossyRN** · 11-30-2009

So is there an iPod interface for the monsoon system?

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