mngo

Is there a way to replace the xm option with the ipod adaptor??? I was under the impression there was 2 14-pin adaptor one for the cd/dvd and xm. Can't we unplug the xm and plug the ipod adaptor. Does that sound to good to be true????

rstark

Yes! Unplug the factory plug and plug in the iPOD interface. That's how I did my installation (no XM in Hawaii).

manonstreet

You still didn't answer my question. It takes the place of an "external CD changer". Well I have an internal CD/DVD player. Does that mean I can no longer use my internal CD changer? What if I wanted to play a CD/DVD-A? Is there an off button on the device, or does it need to be physically unplugged from the back of the HU first in order to get my internal CD player to work again?

tejesh83

Internal CD/DVDA player still works. This device connects to the audio BUS and enables the CDC (CDChanger) input. They both work at the same time, and you just hit a button on the HU to switch between CDC(ipod) and CD/DVDA, XM, etc.

manonstreet

I'm probably beating a dead horse here but...

The stock stereo has an internal 6 disc CD/DVD-A disc changer. The buttons for mode/source are:

DISC/TAPE
AM/FM
and XM

Hitting DISC/TAPE currently goes to my built-in changer. The only way I can see this working is if the XM button will now access the CDC emulated Ipod?

zax123

Hit DISC/TAPE TWICE, not once. That switches to CD-C mode when an AUX device is connected.

manonstreet

The concise answer I was looking for.

Cheers!

luniz97

i just ordered it...hopefully it works perfect

daver111

This adapter looks perfect. Anyone with an '05 non-navi installed this? Any problems? What about the XM bleed-through?

mngo

Does anyone know where I can get the USASpec adaptor for my 04 Acura TL w/Navi? I’ve ordered from two sites and both are telling me it is on backorder. I have been waiting patiently for over three weeks. Thanks

tejesh83

crutchfield
enfigcarstereo

there may be more. try froogle.

mngo

Did anyone try to install the usa spec without removing the radio and reaching from behind? I actually removed the CAS-H2 with a medal hook very easily. My problem now is to plug the CAS-H2 (usaspec cable) back into the radio. Is there a trick to this? Thanks

Crook

I used this tool which had a hook on its tip to press the tab and pull the plug out of the back of the radio accessed near the gas pedal.



I used a long screwdriver to guide the harness plug back into the radio.



I got lucky and it only took about 10 minutes for this part of the install which is probably the most difficult. I ran the ipod cable to the lower bin below the armrest and the USASpec sits under the driver's seat. The length of included cable will limit your mounting options.

Crook

Sorry about the nice thumbnails.

JustinZ

man i really wish somebody couldve told me i didnt have to take apart the center console to install the music link

mngo

Thanks for the pics Crook. Helped out a lot. I used a medal hanger as my guide to plug the adaptor back in.

luniz97

i just installed it...no xm bleed or xm problems at all....
my tips for easy install to come next...

luniz97

1. remove left silver trim
2. remove drivers side panel understeering column..just pops right out
3. unscrew screws to remove drivers side inside panel
4. pop out the side panel..
then easy install from there...i did some crazy thing where i followed the music link install instructions...talk about a waste of time
also...make sure you don't scratch your car...i did a little bit then when to kragen and bought a tool for 8 bucks...its panel remover ..definately worth it

ducati748R

Installed the Usa Spec adapter with the Xm y-cable this weekend. This thing is awesome! I'm in love with my TL all over again... Sounds great and no issues. Install wasn't too difficult, the hardest part was putting the 14 pin connector back in.

TonyS

How did you get the I-Pod cable to the lower console compartment? Did you have to remove the console?

luniz97

my xm bleeeeeeeds

luniz97

when i turn on my xm and i have my ipod plugged in...if my ipod is on...then all i hear is the ipod...but if i unplug the ipod then it sounds clear with the xm...it sucks...anyone found a way to fix it

rx7magic

Ok, I just purchase one and will be installing it sometime this weekend. Weather permitting. If i don't use my XM anymore will i have any problems with interference or bleeding. Would like alittle more input on this. Thanks!

luniz97

No problems if you don't have xm...but this thing really sucks. I want to ebay it..i don't think discountcarstereo takes returns do they?

mngo

I just installed the adaptor this past weekend. The sound is amazing no interference whats so ever. I am also not using xm. This is a must have if you own an ipod and love the thrill of driving your TL. My only negative note is that when switching from different source of music the ipod fails to continue playing music. But all you have to do is hit the disc up/down button for the music to start. No matter what product you buy there will be it's negative. I am big on sound quality and very satisfied with this product. I can only speak for people not using xm.

gt1

iPod bleeds over XM, if it is playing. Pause your iPod and XM works fine

luniz97

if you pause you ipod it sounds like crap ...only if you unplug ur ipod does it sound good

ITL

gt1, your PM is full and my emails do not seem to be reaching you.

to everyone else, sorry for thread-crapping here.

gt1

luniz97, it is strange. You can't do much to mess up the installation, it is rather simple. Re-check youtr power and ground connections, if not- may be the adaptor is defective.

ITL- I'll clean up my PM box

cadesigns02

Finished up the install this weekend, took about an hour without removing any parts. The connector is a bitch to get to, I'd advise anyone about to do the install to get a long skinny tool with a hook on the end, will make it a hell of a lot easier/quicker. I ended up using a long flathead and kinda forced the connector out, but now one side of the connector is a little messed up... A hanger works great for reinstalling the new connector, after that you're done!!! I feel much better not having removed any interior trim parts b/c my car rattles enough as it is. Sound quality is great, exactly what I expected and the direct mode controlling the ipod is sweet. Now all I have to do is a get a good ipod mount.

jaymd123

Just curious, where did you put the brain if you didn't remove any trim parts?

luniz97

you don't have to ground anything? or hook up power?

mngo

No! Plug and Play.

cadesigns02

Just mounted it far back in the passenger side footwell. Works well there and enough slack to run the ipod cable to the center dash.

cadesigns02

Like MNGO was saying, it's simply plug and play. It runs power/ground from the head unit, so the install is clean and simple.

vvuong

Just finished the install. Didn't do it myself, but got a Honda mechanic buddy to do it while I watched. Took about two hours since we ended up taking apart the center console. He used the KTC tool to take the metal strips off. Everything came off without a hitch.

Since I don't have a Navi, we stuck the brains of the unit directly behind the Radio/AC display. We ran the cable to the iPod under the shifter and up through the crevis of the parking brake. There is enough slack in the cable to let me either set my Nano next to the shifter or on top of the cup holder cover.

I am extremely happy with the clean look of the install and the quality of the sound. I couldn't be happier to be rid of the d-mn cassette adapter.

luniz97

start using your xm and then plug in your ipod...your ipod will start playing over your xm

palmultiacura

That's why I used the Blitzsafe V2.0, no bleeding, excellent sound. I was disappointed with the Soundgate Aux3 though. Got rid of that guy!

gt1

Sorry, I was thinkg about something else. Power is supplied through the 14pin connector, no separate hook up is needed.

Crook

I didn't have to dismantle the center console. I only had to loosen the console by removing the two screws in the lowing armrest bin. I used a coat hanger and fished it into the driver's side of the console at the carpet line until I reached the square hole in the bottom of the center console bin. I taped the din plug (round end) of the ipod cable to the hanger in the bin and pulled it back through until it came out next to the driver's seat where it plugs into the USA Spec unit. All of the cables are concealed under the carpet.