So i read through the expensive alternatives and im not sure if im able to afford it just yet so i was wondering what you guys thought of the cassette player alternative. what are the postives and negatives of the cassette player? thanks.

 

It's better than nothing. But seriously, if you're going to eventually get a real ipod interface, save your money. A $20 cassette adapter will be $20 wasted once you've got your interface in.

 

Ehhh @ cassette player alternative. I'd rather go with an fm transmitter.

 

What year TL do you have? If 04-06, the cheapest and best option would be the cassette adapter. If an 2007-2008 TL, you need to buy the cable to hook up your ipod to the AUX input located in the center console, in the bottom compartment.

The cassette player is good, but the sound quality isn't as good as a hardwired solution. As well you have no control over the ipod from the radio, and it doesn't charge either.

 

i have a 2004 model, thanks for everyones input!

 

I guess it would be helpful to find out what you consider "expensive". My USA Spec was $109; is that outside the price range?

 

does usa spec run through aux? if so how much the installation along with the usa spec. my range for now is the cheaper the better, my friend is going to let me borrow his cassette player thing so im going to see how that works out.

 

It's a direct hook-in to the back of the head unit and "fools" the head unit into thinking you've attached another disc changer. You can then use the steering wheel controls to skip tracks.

Here's a thread for you: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/i-160-usa-spec-install-633080/

 

If you want to get adventurous, you can try tapping into the wiring harness to the XM receiver box. If they are anything similar to the 04M 3.5RL, there should be wires to left/right audio channels. I did a test hookup on mine (just left side) and I was able to get good sound through the speakers. I never finished the project off since I traded that car in for a TL Type-S.

I can't remember exactly how I did it anymore, but I vaguely remember disconnecting the connector to the XM receiver box at the back of the car and jerry-rigging a few wires. This method did cause "XM Error" to appear on the radio display on the 3.5RL.

Assuming that TL is a similar setup, you can run some wires to the center console from the XM receiver connector and get sound that way.

 

About a month ago I was all set to get the Peripheral's Electronics PXAMG for my 04 Non Navi TL.

However read somewhere (I think here) that it did not charge the 3G Iphone but, a new cable or something was in the works from them. Last night I was out and my battery died on my Iphone. Got me to thinking I need to do this sooner rather then later. Expecially with the winter coming (not wanting to do this install in the winter).

Anyway I took a look at their website and not only do I not see any updates about the 3G Iphone charging issue but, they do not even list it at all for ANY TL?

Anyone know what is going on? I thought this was the perfect solution for me as I want to keep XM since I am paying for the account for my GF anyway.

 

i had a cassette adapter for a while and it worked fine, but it looks tacky and you always hear the tape hiss. i would save up and do a Dice/USA Spec/Peripheral option. Its not too hard to hook up and you can still keep XM if you want. Plus you dont have to fool around with both the Ipod volume and car volume and the sound is MUCH better.

 

I agree with blkaspec. But I disagree with imj0257, I think the cassette adapter is better quality than FM modulator in the short term. I'll take hiss over static any day...

 

Can anyone confirm that the USA Spec works with the 3g iphone? By working I mean it will play music and charge the iphone. Thanks in advance.

 

it will play music, but it won't charge. You will need to buy a new cable for 12 dollars from USA-SPEC

 

The newer cables are sold separately? Correct me if I am wrong, but it would make sense for them to include the new cable in the new packages?