A Car Mounted iPod Hi-Fi?

June 2, 2006 3:20 PM

I want to get a decent stereo system in my car (an Isuzu Rodeo). Nothing too fancy, but decent. I got to thinking: could I just stick the iPod Hi-Fi in my back seat? How would that sound? Any ideas on positioning, or mounting? Also, is this the lamest idea ever?
posted by JPowers to Technology (9 answers total)

Best answer: The iPod Hi-Fi isn't a decent stereo system. It's not even really stereo. It's a mediocre mono system.

It would sound crappy, cost more than getting a real car stereo with ipod connectivity, and get stolen fast. Oh, and you'd have to turn around and fiddle with stuff in the back seat every time you want to adjust the volume or change songs.

The iPod Hi-Fi isn't even stereo, and it won't run off your car's power supply without the same amount of installation cost that you'd put into getting a real car stereo.
posted by JekPorkins at 3:33 PM on June 2, 2006

Anyway, not to be too negative, I just put a pretty nice stereo system in my car that has ipod connectivity and sounds amazing, for less than $300 including professional installation.
posted by JekPorkins at 3:35 PM on June 2, 2006

The iPod Hi-Fi isn't a decent stereo system. It's not even really stereo. It's a mediocre mono system.
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The iPod Hi-Fi isn't even stereo...

Are you sure about that?
posted by timeistight at 3:43 PM on June 2, 2006

Response by poster: $300! Damn! Brands, names, model numbers, stores?
posted by JPowers at 3:45 PM on June 2, 2006

Are you sure about that?

Yes. "stereo" speakers only a few inches apart do not create stereo sound. It's a boombox without detachable speakers. It's not true stereo.

And JPowers, try your local big box electronics store.
posted by JekPorkins at 3:53 PM on June 2, 2006

Best answer: JPowers - I was thinking of doing a very basic upgrade for my Acura, and $300 (or maybe closer to $250, I'm not sure) was about what BestBuy wanted for a basic CD/MP3 player, two speakers and installation.
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 5:12 PM on June 2, 2006

Aiwa has models with front-panel aux input for under $100.
posted by kindall at 6:38 PM on June 2, 2006

Not that I care to debate whether this iPod appliance (or any boombox with close-together speakers) is real stereo, but the reason I'd avoid anything like this "in the back seat" is it'll be attractive to thieves due to its visibility.
posted by Rash at 8:18 AM on June 3, 2006

If you're the DIY type, Crutchfield sells better systems than you'll find at your big box store, and makes it extremely easy to install your new components in a couple hours. (You'll most likely do a better job than some Best Buy/Circuit City employee too.)

Starting at $199 this Alpine head unit combines Mp3 cd playback, and also accepts an ipod interface cable allowing you to control the ipod with the controls on the deck.

I've been extremely happy with Alpine's head units, and use another model right now to control my ipod, playback mp3 cds, and integrate XM.

The leftover $100 is enough to get a decent set of door speakers that will sound miles better than anything that was stock.
posted by FearTormento at 11:42 AM on June 3, 2006