What is the cheapest route when wanting to connect an iPod to the factory radio in an 05' TL? Once it is done, how do you choose the auxilary input from the radio?? I do not have a cd changer...

Thanks,
Mike

 

Get a cassette tape adapter and a Belkin cigarette lighter power cord with aux input jack on it. That's what I have and it works great. A hardwired solution would be better of course, but that costs a lot of money and involves tearing apart the dashboard. Cassette adapters actually sound pretty good.

I also have the iPod mount from Kuda USA in Quartz leather matched to my interior. Highly recommended and not too difficult to install.

 

I used a USA Spec Hon2 adapter with my 05 Nav. Its about $120ish (maybe less on ebay). I installed it myself using the behind the dash technique (no dash dismantling required - ~30min). Search the forums for the install guide.

To turn on the ipod input, just switch to the disc mode (mode button on steering wheel or disc button the radio). You can use either the radio/steering wheel controls or the ipod controls to change tracks, fast forward, etc.

Its not the absolute cheapest solution, but a good alternative to Acura's music link.

If you want absolute cheapest, pick up tape adapter for under $5.

 

I know what NOT TO USE. that stupid ass FM modular crap. OMG. it sounds horrible.. I didint wanna be like evryone else. I have an I river. Is the setup behind the dash just a generic way for using any MP3 player??

 

There are many ways to connect an iPod to the factory headunit.

Cheapest is via cassette adapter found at your local electronics store. $10 - $20.

The more elegant method is to add an aftermarket module that connects to the back of the factory headunit. There are two main module options: auxillary input or iPod integration.

Aux input simply provides a stereo plug for you to connect any portable audio device to the car (similar to what the cassette adapter does).

iPod intergration allows you to connect, charge, and control your iPod. The features vary from module to module.

See this post for a summary of popular modules.

You can also use search for additional info.

 

Is this using the FM Modular connection? Or does this plug directly into either the radio wire harness or an auxilary input on the back of the radio?

 

i have the new usa spec hon2y ipod adapter. the radio connector you must unplug and with the y-adapter, you don't lose any functions. the sound quality is incredible!

 

The USA Spec uses CDC emulation (pretends to be an external CD changer) and connects to the back of the head unit.

 

Using this method, did you lose any controls that you had previously? I read that you can also connect a dvd player or PS2 to this module, have you done this?

How is the quality of the iPod playback using this module?

I read that you have to buy something additional to keep the stock navigation functional, did you buy this or do you not have navigation?

 

The newly update USA Spec PA11-HON2y includes the XM harness for you to keep XM radio. You don't lose any standard functionality. The quality I've heard is superb.

Many people have connected media devices with the USA Spec, but you will also need to invest in a TVandNav2Go video module to accomplish that.

Please perform a search. You are asking questions that have been answered many times before.

 

I am trying to decide whether or not the USA Spec module is worth the additional money over the blitzsafe module. Is the quality of sound there with the blitzsafe as well? If the only negative about the blitzsafe is that you cant control the iPod with the radio controls, isnt it worth almost spending less than half of the usa spec?