You have many choices when it comes to your iPod car connection. Here are a few aftermarket integration solutions for your iPod that will help you to understand the range of options that are available, with your budget in mind.
First, the DICE Electronics iPod Kit is universal and claims to work with any factory stereo system. This one is lower in the price range, costing around $130. You have two options of installation. You can hard-wire it so that it ties directly into your car’s electrical system. This allows the audio signal from your iPod to be routed directly into your stock radio using an FM modulator. It allows for a cleaner sound and you will experience much less static. You can also connect this one using your car’s 12-Volt outlet with a built-in FM transmitter. This will send your audio signal to your radio wirelessly. Either way, you will see the song title and artist information on the screen of your radio.
A bit higher up the price ladder is the Alpine iDA-X100 Digital receiver. There is no CD slot on this one, which leaves room on the front panel for the 2.2-inch color LCD screen in which you can see album art. The control functions are also displayed here with a large rotary knob located in the center for finding your iPod music easily. This unit uses a direct USB connection to give you the highest sound quality and allows you to connect other Mp3 players as well. You can add an optional HD radio receiver to make tagging your iTunes easy and gives you the ability to buy and download tracks when you connect to iTunes on your player. At $400, this one virtually does it all for you.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Kenwood CarPortal. The KOS-V1000 version comes in at around $700 and is perfect if you do not want to give up controls from your steering wheel or if you do not own but lease your vehicle and cannot make changes. You can connect your iPod with this version, while still keeping all your car’s factory functions perfectly intact. This processor taps into your stock stereo system and permits you to connect your iPod, giving you the ability to control it from your factory dash monitor or from an added touch screen monitor. It also allows you to display video from your iPod on a separate monitor, which can be used to keep passengers in the back seat entertained. A perfect choice for those with children, or those looking to spend a little extra to get extra features and functions. It also provides you with Bluetooth hands free calling as well as satellite, among other extras.
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