I love my new ipod and my 2000 TL. I would like to enjoy both at the same time. I've been trying to hook up the ipod in my car, trying a couple of options. But results have been less than stellar.

1. Cassette adapter. Useless. Sound is aweful with a lot of high pitched hiss. Sometimes works, sometimes don't. Can't figure out why. But then again not worth it at this lousy audio quality.

2. FM Transmitters. Useless again. Sound quality varies virtually from second to second, and the volume is always weak to begin with. This needs to be battery powered and compared to my ipod's battery that lasts about 10 hours, double/triple-a solutions are too short-lived. I tried typical ones to one that wires directly to the antennaes so it doesn't have to fight with the nearby radio stations. Both results are pathetically bad.

What I would like to do is three-fold (in the order of preference):

1. AUX Port: I would like an aux port on my head unit, or better yet, have the port inside the accessory compartment between the driver and passenger seat. That way, I could neatly put my ipod inside it (it fits perfectly in it) and can hide all the wiring.

2. POWER: I have a cigarette lighter plug inside the cd compartment right underneath the accessory compartment. So once I find a 12v to firewire power convert kit (I think a kit from Dr. Bott is available), I could even supply power to it too.

3. AMP: But the signal strength from my ipod is inherently weak. I would have to find an amp to put a little umph to the sound. Suggestion would be welcome.

What is the most elegant solution to get this done? I don't want to rip/drill/cut anything. I want to keep my car as pristine as possible. But I guess i don't mind puncturing a small hold underneath the compartments to let wires through.

Also, after having heard the atrocious sound quality that other solutions provide, I would like to have the cleanest sound as possible. I guess that means having the shortest distance (wiring-wise) between my ipod and the speakers. I mean, connecting my ipod and the speakers with firewire cable so that there doesn't need to be any d/a conversion would be theoretically render the best quality, but I don't think that's practical.

So, the most practical way is to have it like this:

ipod (mini-jack) -> aux port on CD player -> amp -> speakers

Anyone with any ideas would be greatly and honestly appreciated.

Anyone with a great solution would be a hero in the Mac geek world. I'll see to that...

 

I just bought an ipod and have an 02 TLS and would love to have a better option than cassette/fm modulator to play my ipod in the car. Have you had any luck getting info on how this might be done from outside this forum?

 

Well if that isn't an incentive I don't know what is.


Windoze Wonk

 

In looking for info on this subject I saw a review where they used an AudioControl HPX signal processor to connect their MP3 player into the stock head unit. Here's the review:
http://www.m-emag.com/reviews/review...ewID=99&page=4

I went to AudioControls web site and it looks like it should do the trick. In fact, in their user's manual, connecting an MP3 player is a specific application they describe.

 

I am also planning on getting an ipod for my tls. the arm rest with ac adapter seems like the perfect place to hide...

Anyone have success? Anyone try the ipod styled fm modulators?

Or a particular cas apater that sounds decent?

I would really like an aux connector.

Thanks!

 

I recently used the Belkin FM unit on a road trip with my iPod and a rental car.

Worked very well, got a clear signal once I selected a channel where there was no other station closeby. The sound level was steady and clear - sounded equivelent to FM quality. Can't really expect more from a FM unit.

Now if you got the Blitzsafe adaptor for the TL and the XM SkiFi unit (about $89 at xmfanstore.com) and hooked your iPod into the auxillary input from there you should have a pretty great connection. I'm dual installing my SkiFi and iPod into my 2003 TL-S soon (just got the install bracket for the SkiFi and am going to order the Blitzsafe after my next paycheck).

I'll post some photos and results once I get it done.

George

 

I'm using a Sony cassette adapter with my Nomad Zen with excellent results. The sound quality is excellent -- I'd say it sounds almost as good as the CD audio with very little, if any, discernable hiss. I don't know why you aren't getting similar results, but don't give up yet on the cassette adapter.