super20g

Hello.

I am wanting to connect a 3g Ipod Touch to my 06 TSX w/ Navi.

I am reading through a lot of info with regards to isimple this and usaspec that.

What is wrong with plugging directly into the aux input in the center console / arm rest?

Mskierki

Nothing is wrong with the aux input. You just won't be able to control the ipod from the head unit, which most people are concerned about.

Earlier models of TSX didn't have this which forced the use of the adapter.

super20g

Is there a sound quality difference?

mrgold35

I have the USASPEC ipod adaptor for a 3GS and 1st gen iPod touch and I find there wasn't any difference in sound quality compared to using the AUX connection. The only advantages I found was being able to change tracks from the steering wheel and charging the iPhone/iPod at the same time with one cord. I don't use playlist, I like to pick an artist and play randomly from the albums. I found myself selecting songs from the iPod/iPhone screen to be faster compared to doing a playlist and having to click pass songs on the steering wheel.

If you use the USASPEC, you will lose your XM2 selection (only have XM1). My wife likes different XM compared to me and we have the share 3 pre-sets between us on XM1 compared to having 6 each before.

My 1st Gen iPod touch is starting to show its age and now I’m having problems getting a good audio connection with the USASPEC. It charges just fine, I have to play with the connection to get the audio to work before hitting the next bump in the road. This is more of an iPod problem compared to USASPEC problem. I personally never liked the docking connectors for any iPod, they don’t seem to provide enough support against damage while connected. I think my pins on the iPod are bent and not making contact with the USASPEC adaptor. Strangely enough, the problem didn’t start until several months after installing the USASPEC.

chris24mar10

I posted something similar awhile back and did some testing myself. Honestly, the AUX input is fine and I really don't mind changing songs with my iPod.

I bought a new 16GB nano and it's cool having video as well, gotta find some nice way of mounting it so I could watch videos without holding it.

I also found the best way to get good sound quality doesn't depend on using a 1/8 inch cable vs. dock for iPod connection but really on the quality of the mp3's you're listening to. 320kbps all the way!

elliott44k

look into the kuma mount for your ipod

I used the aux jack for about 6 months, but I wanted integration for that exact fact, it integrates seamlessly into the car and I don't have to have it out and in the way.

chris24mar10

Cool, do you have a link for that mount?

Thanks man

mrgold35

Are you talking about the Kuda mount?

http://www.kudausa.com/kuda_mount_an...04-08-1-7.html

I think you still need to purchase something like the USASPEC to connect to the device and a holder for the iPod/iPhone.

I looking for a wireless aftermarket solution (Bluetooth) for the 04-08 TSX to use with any Bluetooth enable device (iPhone, blackberry, etc..). I think the new Acura's with hard-drive based navi systems can do streaming audio (DVD base navi can't do Bluetooth audio).

Not sure if that would interfere with the hands free or not?

Jottle

I wholeheartedly agree that higher bitrate mp3's or no compression at all is a must for sound quality, but I noticed a clear improvement going from the 3.5mm jack to the dock output jack on my ipod. You get a better signal out of the dock cable because you are bypassing the ipod's woefully crappy headphone amp used in the 3.5mm output. Since your tsx speakers are amped already, using the headphone out is basically amplifying the sound twice = distortion. Just my

chris24mar10

That's a good point Jottle. Do you use a dock cable that has the 3.5mm on the other side of it? Like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-3550.../dp/B000J022G6

Thanks

Jottle

i do, but I'm going to upgrade to an isimple for the ability to control the ipod via nav screen/steering wheel. The isimple also has a dock connector as well. The cable I'm currently using is here:

http://www.amazon.com/INSPIRETECH-Au...8878346&sr=8-6

read the reviews as well. I ended up purchasing this cable directly from inspire's website since it was cheaper at the time.

chris24mar10

Thanks a lot man, appreciate it.

super20g

I'd like to control the Ipod using the oem stereo / steering wheel.

The isimple was looking good until they said they had problems interfacing with the latest Ipod OS 3.0 and havent been able to fix it yet.

What do you all think is the best interface between our cars and the Ipod's?

Jottle

Where are you reading about this incompatibility? Peripheral may be slow with their firmware updates, but they do tend to work the bugs out for most issues.

super20g

http://isimplesolutions.com/ipod-adapter/iphoneinfo.asp

I was wanting the isimple interface but I am also looking to buy a new 3g Touch with the new OS...

Jottle

It's strange because their latest firmware update page states the following:

"Adds support for iPhone/iTouch 3.0 Operating System
- Adds Satellite Radio Support for all Honda and Acura applications
- Also improves general functionality"

The new firmware is dated 2-4-10. I wonder if the warning about 3.0 compatibility is old, or if the firmware info was written before the problems with the 3.0 software were discovered?

Jottle

I just emailed peripheral regarding the problems with iphone/ipod touch 3.0 software. Here's what they emailed me...

"Thank you for the inquiry. The incompatibility was fixed in the form of a firmware update that needs to be done to the interface: http://www.pac-audio.com/firmware/index.html

Rick Costello
Technical Support"

Can anyone confirm that the latest firmware has no problems with iphone 3.0 software?

super20g

They should really take that page and link off their site, I almost went with another manufacturer because of that.

Thanks for emailing them and getting down to the bottom of it!

Jottle

No problem. I'm going to be in the market for an iphone soon. So incompatibilities with it would have been a deal breaker for me as well!

R3GUL8OR

I still use the AUX input. Until I can get my nav conversion done, Im just going to do it old school

elliott44k

that's not really old school, tape deck cd player is old school