i-pod connections

[bacalaito]

Does anyone have any info on how to connect an i-pod to a factory radio? I am using an FM modulator and it is a bit of a pain. I have a 2003 Boxster S.

PS-I am newbie to this forum, so pls. forgive any newbyness in my post.

[Wintermute]

Well if you have the CDR-220 or CDR-22 radio, there is an auxiliary input in the back that you can use to plug an iPod in directly. Here's the part you need:

http://www.epiqautosport.com/mode/products/prid/230/1143

This will allow you to use a direct connection to the stereo. If you want a full on iPod interface, I'd recommend the Harman/Kardon Drive+Play system. I am installing this in my 2002 S right now and so far I love it. The only things I have left are to hook up the aux connection (parts on order, using crappy FM modulator now) and to splice the power directly into the car's 12v DC (currently using the cigarette lighter).

There's also other options such as the Denison Ice>link or Monster iCruze. But if you just want a direct iPod connection, just get the cables from EPIQ and you'll be good to go.

[bacalaito]

Thanks a lot for the info, anything but the FM modulator. Oh BTW, I guess it will not be an issue for you anymore, but I found that fooling around with the settings on the I-pod can improve the sound. You might want to keep that in mind once you directly hook up the pod. Thanks again.

[NickCats]

bacalaito ,

"fooling around with the settings on the I-pod can improve the sound"

Please elaborate...

I have my Ipod directly wired into the AUX and it sounds great, except for the base.

Any improvements you could offer would be appreciated !

Thanks,

Nick

[subgraphic]

Originally Posted by Wintermute

Well if you have the CDR-220 or CDR-22 radio, there is an auxiliary input in the back that you can use to plug an iPod in directly. Here's the part you need:

http://www.epiqautosport.com/mode/products/prid/230/1143

This will allow you to use a direct connection to the stereo. If you want a full on iPod interface, I'd recommend the Harman/Kardon Drive+Play system. I am installing this in my 2002 S right now and so far I love it. The only things I have left are to hook up the aux connection (parts on order, using crappy FM modulator now) and to splice the power directly into the car's 12v DC (currently using the cigarette lighter).

There's also other options such as the Denison Ice>link or Monster iCruze. But if you just want a direct iPod connection, just get the cables from EPIQ and you'll be good to go.

How do you know if you have the CDR-220 or CDR-22 radio? I have a 2003 S with the Bose system...

[Wintermute]

Originally Posted by subgraphic

How do you know if you have the CDR-220 or CDR-22 radio? I have a 2003 S with the Bose system...

It should be printed on the front of the radio.

CDR-220 front face:


I don't know if the Bose system replaces the radio or just gives you new speakers and such.

[bacalaito]

Nickcats:

I noticed that when I used my pod with the FM modulator, the base seemed overdone and the speakers had a shaky vibration sound to them. I went into i-pod itself, under the "settings" directory (I don't have the I-pod in front of me, so going on memory here...), from there to the "EQ" directory. In the "EQ" directory you will find settings like "bass reducer", which I selected, that improved the I-pod sound. The improvement was that the sound was better at louder volumes. Check out the different options there, I think they make a big difference.

You may also want to adjust your Porsche's bass and treble levels. Let me know if it works for you. Good luck.

[slogans7]

Also keep the iPod's volume fairly low - not much higher than half way up. Beyond that it tends to distort and the bass will be terrible.

[NickCats]

bacalaito, thanks for the tips. I'll try the "bass reducer" setting.

I have adjusted the bass and treble on the radio, but I did not try adjusting the Ipod. I'll give it a shot and see what happens...

slogans7, good advice. I usually have the Ipod at 3/4 volume, I'll try lowering it and see if it helps...

I thought about picking this up so the volume would not be an issue :

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=337247&pfp=cat3

Thanks to you both !

Nick

[mach schnell]

setting the ipod's EQ to jazz seems to be the best for overally sound quality and bass, treble, reverb, etc - no matter what style of music. the difficult thing, and unfortunately i have yet found a way to achieve this, is that each song or cd you download (and depending if its directly from cd or a website) has a different overall production quality. therefore, one overall EQ setting for the ipod isn't the most functional. ideally, (although time consuming and cumbersome) it would nice to be able to program the ipod to reset it's EQ settings for each song or cd, so that you achieve the best sound quality - especially when playing the device (whether RF or direct connect) through another device.

[subgraphic]

Originally Posted by Wintermute

It should be printed on the front of the radio.

CDR-220 front face:


I don't know if the Bose system replaces the radio or just gives you new speakers and such.

Ahhh- thanks for the reply..

I dont have that model...

[NickCats]

Found this online as well :

http://www.xtrememac.com/audio/cables/roadshow.php

Wouldn't have to worry about the volume level, and would also supply power to the Ipod...

Thanks for all the advice...

Nick