Headunit + Zune?

[masonc 10+ year member]

I want a head unit I can plug my zune into. I'd prefer something via usb but it doesn't matter. Any suggestions?

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[hdj20 10+ year member]

there are a lot of pioneer head units that have aux input so you can connect any type of mp3 player.

 

[masonc 10+ year member]

Couldnt I just plug up the usb from my zune to the headunit and let it see it as a storage device?

 

[BoxdGM 10+ year member]

can ipod capable decks control/charge zunes? I'm givin my sister my old system for a grad. present and I thought it would be only aux in with rcas since none list zune capabilities. sorry I can't help ya but bump anyways

 

[MikeATL 10+ year member]

Zunes won't be recognized as a storage device. DRM FTL. For the heck of it I tried on my Alpine and a friend's Pioneer and neither worked. About your only option is to use Aux in - 3.5mm to RCA or straight 3.5mm jack in on the receiver. Ipod adapters won't work either.

Unfortunately the Zune just hasn't gotten enough market share for anyone to pay attention to it yet, except for Sync which is pretty awesome...too bad you have to buy a Ford to get it.

 

[darkhunter139 10+ year member]

Does AUX sound like crap? I have a zune as well but I dont want to lose a lot of sound quality using AUX.

 

[BoxdGM 10+ year member]

rca aux in is a direct connection, no quality loss. its fm modulators you wanna steer clear of. I use the aux imputs to play my xbox thru and it sounds better than mp3 cds

 

[MikeATL 10+ year member]

It's very tolerable - not as good as CD or a high bitrate file via USB but sounds good enough IMO. If you're playing music downloaded from Zune subscription you probably won't notice much degradation due to the bit rate of the recordings (192kbps) you're starting with.

It's worlds better than the alternatives (i.e. FM modulator).

 

[darkhunter139 10+ year member]

It's very tolerable - not as good as CD or a high bitrate file via USB but sounds good enough IMO. If you're playing music downloaded from Zune subscription you probably won't notice much degradation due to the bit rate of the recordings (192kbps) you're starting with.
It's worlds better than the alternatives (i.e. FM modulator).

I have not got the zune subsciption cause I like to put them on CDs for my car. I might if it sounds good through AUX though ill order a cable I guess and try it out

 

[big_mofo 10+ year member]

http://soundgate.com/index.php?request=product.details&categoryid=309&productid=629&usereferrer=1&snd_SID=74cf092bea3a6f15391882405

just found this. definately will be purchasing one very soon

 

[MikeATL 10+ year member]

http://soundgate.com/index.php?request=product.details&categoryid=309&productid=629&usereferrer=1&snd_SID=74cf092bea3a6f15391882405
just found this. definately will be purchasing one very soon

From looking at that kit, it seems your net gain is the ability to charge the Zune. A creative person could find a way to do the same w/a cigarette lighter or direct connection. For sound, it looks like it's still 3.5mm straight through or a 3.5mm to RCA which is nothing special. You can do everything this kit will do now a lot cheaper.

 

[Phreakshow 10+ year member]

I have a post about this but labeled differently. I use a Zune 80gb and plug it into the Aux connection on my KDC X519. It sounds no where near as loud as using a USB stick. I am relatively unhappy with this. I have the sound up all the way on the Zune and for some reason it must be that using the headphone output as apposed to the proprietary input on the bottom of the Zune the sound isn't as powerful. I got a free Ipod cable when I got the stereo but opted for the Zune as I liked it better. Nothing against my Zune but if it would output through the head unit like my USB stick I would be VERY happy. But, alas this isn't the case. Perhaps someone will come up with a cord solution at some point to remedy this.

 

[xxBURT0Nxx 10+ year member]

I heard Alpine was supposed to come out with a zune connection in 09 but I guess we will see. Otherwise your options are to use 3.5mm jack, buy an iPod, use CD's, or use a portable HDD and store music on there...

 

[masonc 10+ year member]

what if my music is drm free?

 

[xxBURT0Nxx 10+ year member]

nope because it doesn't read a zune as a storage device.... you have to use an external hdd formated as fat32 or w/e to put songs and have your head unit read them....