I'm hoping some of you out there can offer some suggestions/input on the best route to go with integrating an iPod into my 2005 non-NAVI Canadian-spec TSX.

First off, let me start by saying I'm not interested in building an all-out audio system in my vehicle -- I'm only interested in finding the best solution to get my 4th gen iPod integrated into my car with proper digital sound (no FM modulators!).

Initially I was considering the Dension ice>Link products, but I have several hang-ups with their products for the TSX. Although I like the fact that it utilizes the available AUX port on the factory HU and would act like a CD changer would, I do not like the fact that the only way for me to fully access my music on my iPod is through the iPod UI itself. I have no desire to have my iPod out in the open, nor do I want to be trying to play around with the iPod as I'm driving. The interface through the factory HU doesn't offer enough functionality to satisfy my wants/needs. I've also read about the bugs that are still being worked out in the ice>Link and about Dension's hit-or-miss customer support.

My next consideration was the Alpine iPod interface. I had spent some time reading up on the various aftermarket solutions and the Alpine solution was impressive. My interest in this solution was re-ignited on Monday when a co-worker demo'd his newly installed Alpine CDA-9835 HU with the accompanying KCA-420i iPod adapter in his BMW Z3. I was overly impressed with the Alpine UI and the control it allowed with his iPod -- it provided everything I had been looking for in an iPod solution for my TSX!

I've read up on the Clarion solution (very cool, but pricey), and also on the Pioneer interface (looked promising but doesn't really stack up), but the Alpine interface works so well and is quite easy to navigate... so I'm leaning towards it.


So...here come the questions:

Question 1
I think the Alpine setup is the way I want to go to integrate my iPod into the TSX, but I need some input from the mobile audio masters here. I'm looking at 1 of 2 decks... either the older CDA-9835 that my co-worker purchased, or the model that replaces it, the CDA-9855. Opinions on these head units?

Question 2
If I add an aftermarket head unit to the TSX, what is the best way to do this (in terms of connections, etc.)?

Question 3
Will the factory head unit be rendered useless? What about the factory amp (there is one right?)?

Question 4
Have I asked enough questions yet?

Question 5
Does anyone have experience with Alpine's OEM Steering Remote? It apparently allows you to retain your factory steering wheel controls on the aftermarket HU. (It's a feature of the CDA-9855.)

Question 6
Is there anything I'm forgetting to ask?


A lot of this mobile audio stuff is beyond my realm of knowledge, so any insight you guys might be able to provide is GREATLY appreciated. If you have suggestions for alternate solutions that will give me the same functionality, please provide those too.

 

I am quite happy with my ICElink setup - no complaints here. It does what it is advertised as doing and I did not need to replace the HU - completely stock looking. My iPod sits in the center console upper area.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm still considering the ice>Link as an option, but I'd really like to be able to see the titles, album and artist names for times when I'd like to get to a particular song (or find out what the title is). I wish Dension would come out with an add-on screen like Monster is planning for their iCruze.

Does anyone have any answers to my questions?

Thanks.

 

It sounds like you are not one of those people who just uses "Shuffle".

I have no preferences on those 2 HUs. I suspect that many of their differences are immaterial to someone who only wants the iPod info, and is not upgrading the rest of the audio system (amps, speakers). In my opinion, the "best" way to add a HU is not one you are looking at doing. The best way IMO is to do it as part of an audio upgrade, not as part of a feature add-on (hey, you asked : )

If you are adding an aftermarket HU SOLELY to get the display of the iPod info, the simplest way to do it is to run the RCA output of the new HU into an SHOND adapter and then into the OEM HU. Then the factory amp still works. This allows the OEM HU to still work. Use the OEM volume control, not the new one - leave the Alpine's volume alone once you find the right setting.

The factory amp is 8 channels, with tweeter xovers built in - you don't want to try to run the OEM speakers off of the new HU's internal amp. You could upgrade the amp to a new one...which would allow you to have better sound with better speakers... we do system upgrades with a multichannel amp and 6 speakers for about $600 in components.

It is POSSIBLE that the new HU could be interfaced with the factory amp and the HU itself become dormant and inactive... the only benefit I see to this would be to buy the PAC or other steering wheel control interface for the Alpine. Then the new HU would be controlled by the steering wheel. This could require some installation work to make the new HU sound right with the OEM amp (and if the new HU is 4V output on the preamp, then the volume would be unusable on the top end... probably get too loud.)

 

elduderino, many thanks for your informed response. I'll have to really give this all some serious thought.

I'm waiting for that one solution that will provide me with all that I'm looking for in an iPod interface, but it may not come any time soon. I may end up having to settle for an ice>Link after all (no display really sucks!) or perhaps go the route of running an aftermarket HU into the aux on the OEM HU (is there no line-level output on aftermarket HU's?).

 

So I've had some time to think about this and I can't justify putting out a whole bunch of cash on a second head unit just so I can get iPod functionality. I've decided to bite the bullet and buy an iceLink... now the only problem is finding someone who will ship to Canada.

Best Buy's US website won't ship to Canada. Logjam Electronics doesn't ship to Canada. Dension does ship to Canada but they're more expensive than the other two and their online ordering system refused to accept my credit card for some unknown reason.

Does anyone know of a place that has the new iceLinks in stock and will ship to Canada for a reasonable price???