Foreign head-units

[The_Hawk]

There are basically 3 types of inputs these days;

1. iPod input, which allows you to actually control the iPod from the head unit. This option is normally mounted into the glove box or centre console (or sometimes on a dock in the dash if you feel the need). Great option if you have an iPod with a decent music collection.

2. AUX input. Simply a line in, you can connect anything with a headphone jack. You will still need to control your music from whatever device you are using.

3. USB/Memory card. Plays MP3's off the device, just like using an MP3 CD, only slightly easier.


In most cases I suggest getting an iPod hookup if you already have an iPod, otherwise look at something that uses flash memory. The LineIn option just doesn't do it for me.

[rayray086]

There are basically 3 types of inputs these days;

1. iPod input, which allows you to actually control the iPod from the head unit. This option is normally mounted into the glove box or centre console (or sometimes on a dock in the dash if you feel the need). Great option if you have an iPod with a decent music collection.

2. AUX input. Simply a line in, you can connect anything with a headphone jack. You will still need to control your music from whatever device you are using.

3. USB/Memory card. Plays MP3's off the device, just like using an MP3 CD, only slightly easier.


In most cases I suggest getting an iPod hookup if you already have an iPod, otherwise look at something that uses flash memory. The LineIn option just doesn't do it for me.

Yeah they're the 3 other music sources other than the now traditional CD. From reading reviews and the like, iPod connectivity at the moment is generally quite poor especially on units with loads of songs (I'm thinking full 20GB ipods). I heard navigating through them using the head-unit is a pain, especially if navigation is through the use of buttons rather than a knob. Of the reviews, Alpine seems to get the best recognition for iPod connectivity; others just seem to pale in comparison.

Line-in for me was very useful to me before getting an aftermarket head-unit. I had a front AUX-in input on my factory Mk3 cassette head-unit and it worked great with my Creative MP3 player, as I had a remote with it. Navigating was a breeze as it meant I wasn't any more distracted than changing songs on the actual head-unit in the case of CDs. Fast-forward to what I have now (RCA -> Line-in input), I don't have to use my MP3 remote anymore as I could just connect it from my centre console compartment. I hardly use that now cos it's much harder trying to change songs while driving as it meant I had to navigate through the actual MP3 player itself. Needless to say, USB became the new MP3 player for me and I like it so much that my next head-unit/s must have a front USB input.

I like the Sony ones in that they have both line-in and USB inputs on the front. Argh! It's so hard to find functionality, looks, and reliability in these things! Actually, in any gadget!

[peedman]

Ive got one of the latest pioneer 4900 something or rather and also just hooked up ipod connection. It ****s me that i cant actually go thru and pick out a song and play it but i suppose i like the fact that the name comes up and it also charges my ipod.

Anywhoo ive only had pioneer and it always does the job, never had one fail and dont mind getting another one.

[BL33SU]

dont know how u's can use ipods, usb devices attached to the headunit lol.. annoying wires coming out of it..

mp3's/dvd on dvd disc rules

[rayray086]

dont know how u's can use ipods, usb devices attached to the headunit lol.. annoying wires coming out of it..

mp3's/dvd on dvd disc rules

Stealth is the idea I've got my line-in threaded through the back of the dash and only pops out where the centre compartment is. Totally hidden. As with the USB, I always take it out when I leave the car. Better not entice any car thieves.
Most headunits with that functionality has a cover for the USB slot, which makes it look like any other budget head-unit.