I've seen several threads for installing iPod interfaces -thanks for those, they are helpful.

I'm early in the process and have not purchased anything yet. What I'm wondering in -what is the best device to buy?

I've not seen anything about audio quality specifications -when you buy a new head unit, part of the specs is usually the S/N ratio, distortion, and other such factors. Why am I not seeing that here? Are they all perfect? Or too cowardly to post their specs to compare?

In addition to quality, what has the best features?
- Displays on the existing factory screen
- Retains ability to use either iPod or factory controls
- No loss of ability to use XM
- Ability to connect MP3 player other than iPod
- Retain ability to answer phone calls

If anyone has done research on elements such as these, I'd love it if you would share. Again, I'm just looking at which device to buy, not how to install it.

thx,
Ross

 

I ended up buying an iSimple pghhd1, and had Car Toys install it. That unit lasted a year and 7 months, which is 7 months past it's warranty, and is now going bad.

I'm thinking of replacing it with the same unit, hopefully the bad one I have is a fluke, and I can therefore re-use all the wiring.

Before I do that, does anyone have a suggestion for a better unit to use?

 

Was u just trying to replace ur tape deck or did u have to replace ur whole dash equipment? If u wasnt replacing anything how did u like the isimple?

 

iSimple pghhd1 is an add-on product that connects to the existing Acura sound system. The shape of the head unit in the '04 TL is not compatible with alot of aftermarket sound systems. The iSimple worked fine, until it broke a few months after the warranty expired. Again, I'm looking for anyone who's had a positive experience with an iPod interface device, since it looks like I'll need to replace the iSimple.

 

Isimple and USAspec are the two most recommended on here.

If you get an isimple IIRC the gateway units are the same, its just different harnesses. Means you can shop for whatever model happens to be on special/closeout since you just need the box.

 

Autotoys.com has a few solutions you can consider...they have a bunch of videos on youtube of their products..