Whats the best way to hook my iPod up in my truck?

[Kaos 10+ year member]

I just got an iPod and wanted to hook it up to the system I have in my truck. I tried a Belkin FM tuner but I really didn't like the way it sounded. So, what's the best way (and/or device) to hook this iPod into my truck's audio system? If it makes a difference I have a Pioneer DEH-P3600 H/U. TIA.

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[theothermike 10+ year member]

several options, if u have an cd changer input or what ever the plug is for another cd changer or dvd or tv or other electronic device, you can buy 2 types of plugs

auxillary input plug

ipod adapter plug

the auxillary plug will allow you to get a mini jack to auxillary input adapter which you then plug into the auxillary plug that plugs into your head unit. to sets of plugs and it plugs into the head phone jack.

or the ipod adpater plug is normally a plug that just goes straight into the cd changer input on the headunit and has an ipod harness pin on the bottum that goes into the charging spot on the ipod.

Both are around 30$ total and it just as good as those 80$ ipod modules that only allow 1 more benefit which is adjusting songs, and artists through headunit which isnt a big deal.

I prefer option #2 the ipod adapter plug because it also charges the ipod and sounds a little better but not much.

Here

#1 http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=2629&CFID=2929456&CFTOKEN=88c4360fbfa98fbe-8E32C10C-1422-7C6E-50D0B3325538F0EB

^

Note: still need to buy an mini jack to auxillary adapter to plug into the wire above.

#2 Best option

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=4553&CFID=2929456&CFTOKEN=88c4360fbfa98fbe-8E32C10C-1422-7C6E-50D0B3325538F0EB

 

[Kaos 10+ year member]

Thanks theothermike! That's (option #2) exactly what I was looking for. I'm really picky about SQ. The FM transmitter, w/ it's static (no matter what station I tuned it to) and horrible sound when the bass line kicked, just had to go.

I never really considered a MP3 player until someone brought to my attention that it would be great to have all my favorite music in one spot (instead of some on my PC, CD's, tapes, etc.). When I heard how bad the FM transmitter sounded I was disappointed because half the reason I got the iPod was to listen when driving. The only other place I would use it would be in the gym and it's not worth the $$$ to use in the gym alone.

 

[theothermike 10+ year member]

i dont have my system in my car yet, my amps, sub, and comps in my room in boxes not installed. right now i have option #1 with the mini jack and auxillary on my alpine cda 9847. it sounds great compared to my friends fm transmitter. Hard bass line and everything but i hear there is an even bigger difference between #1 and #2 so im going to be switching them out.

Hope i helped.

Mike-

 

[Kaos 10+ year member]

Thanks allot theothermike, you were a big help!

 

[k3113y 10+ year member]

don't get an FM transmitter. unless you know of a radio station with 0 static... ever... don't get it. any static transfers over to the ipod. it's horrible for roadtrips, etc. seeing as how you'll spend more time searching for clear stations than you will actually listening to the dmn thing. if you're tring to save a few bucks, go with the tapedeck transmitter (if you have a tape player, of course). only about 18$, and the SQ's great compared to the FM transmitter. you just plug the ipod into a tape and play the tape. no static or anything. your best bet, though, is just a plain ipod adapter for a CD player. costs about 50$, but there are absolutely no disadvantages. period. no static, excellent SQ.

i went through this same problem about a month ago. ipod adapter ftw.

EDIT: oh yeah. and it charges the ipod while playing... like theothermike pointed out. get the adapter. you won't be disappointed.

 

[viperrgh2 10+ year member]

fm ***** stink. If you have the ipod interface plug on your head unit the cheaper way I took was a plug on ebay for $12 shipped that went into the interface blue pin connector into a red/white rca set up then u just get a $6 y connector to make it 1/8 stereo at radio shack...

 

[Kaos 10+ year member]

I just got finished hooking up the iPod to Pioneer radio (through the cd changer port on the back of the hu) cable. This sounds allot better then the FM transmitter did. The only complaint I have so far is the music sounds a little muffled. I'm playing w/ the settings on the iPod and and think I may have gotten most of it out. When I first hooked up the cable and started playing music I had a buzz in the background. I remedied this by turning the volume on the iPod all the way down.

I think once I get all my settings correct this will be the best way (atleast that I've found) to hook an iPod up to a hu.

 

[Team Hammer 10+ year member]

One good thing about IPODs is you can turn The EQ on or off. Remember I-Tunes has the built-in EQ. You just have to play around with it to see what sounds good to you.

 

[expo5.0 10+ year member]

"flat" is very likely to be what sounds best to you

 

[Team Hammer 10+ year member]

Flat is a wish with MP3's. Kinda like Bose you get half the Freq's to your ears cause there missing!