I am looking to buy an i-pod. i want to connect it to the stock stereo. How hard is it to remove the stereo? Is there a Aux in for the stock stereo to conect to the i- pod?

 

There is no aux input available on the stock unit to connect an Ipod or anything else. Your only option, if you don't want to replace it with an aftermarket head unit, would be to install an external FM modulator which would accept the input and transmit it to an unused spot on the FM band. The sound quality with this method won't be as good as a direct line input.

 

Those FM Modulators suck. I bought one for my ipod and I didnt get any reception at all. I had to throw the modulator in the back seat in my 04 so i could get anything. Dunno if its the same for earlier models because of the antenna placement. I ended up returning it.

 

I second that motion, I got one that got ok reception and then at stoplights would pick up my exhaust tone and amplify it. It was retarded, ended up selling it. Good luck

Rush

 

does the wrx have a cassette deck, if it does, then you can get the cassette adaptor. if not the fm thing is your only other chance without a new hu

 

ehh. do they make ipod compatable hu yet? i know that alpine has a good line of em.

 

not really ipod compat.

even the bmw contraption, it just makes the ipod appear as a cd changer to the car. you have to program 5 playlists and you dont even see the names on the display.

eventually, someone will create a truly ipod deck that can CONTROL and SEE the data...

 

**coughALPINE HAS ONE THAT DOES ALL THE STUFF ldivinag SAIDcough**

 

if you have an ipod and want to stick with the stock headunit in the WRX there are two ways to go - FM Modulator or Tape Adapter - both arent really of great quality. the FM modulator route is very easy and uses fewer wires if you get something like the iTrip, the tape adapter method uses a tape that goes in the tape deck that has a wire that you plug into the headphone jack. Sony makes one for about $20 .. you will probably also want an iPod power cord for the car - i think Monster Cable has a power cord that has an FM modulator built in for about $70 .. or .. do it properly and ditch the stock headunit and go with the Alpine setup when it comes out next month ..

alpine ipod demo:
http://www.alpine-usa.com/driveyouripod/ipod_demo.htm

itrip:
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/itrip/
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...More=T7194LL/A

sony tape adapter:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...More=T4332LL/A

monster:
http://www.monstercable.com/productpage.asp?pin=2084


good luck ..

 

wow... i stand corrected. and it charges the unit too.

i was hesistant ever since i heard and went to the bmw site for their implementation of the ipod interface. theirs was kludgy at best.

 

i guess sometimes im glad i dont have a bmw.

alpine also has said the 2004 (current) head units dont work 'perfect' with the ipod control and the 2005s will fix a lot of the issues (which are all very minor things supposedly...)

 

i was inches from getting an ipod this weekend. good deal going on.
http://www.pcmall.com/pcmall/families/ipod/

anyways. do you think that the Ipods themselves will improve? i'm hoping that there will be a new generation of mini-ipod soon.

 

yah mini ipods are only 4gig which is kinda lame.

the 4th gen looks a little better than the 3rd gen i own, but the difference isnt enough to make me want a 4g over 3g - maybe the next generation will introduce something worthwhile.

the alpine controller looks good but not perfect; i have read a bunch of reviews and seen it around online stores - i may wait til the 05 alpine head units are out -- hopefully thats like January but thats unlikely .. bah.

 

dension makes some nice looking 'ipod integration' kits for cars .. works with some aftermarket units and some OEM head units as well .. nothing i own is supported

http://icelink.densionusa.com/