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 (12 comments total)

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

Is there something wrong with your current system, or do you just want to hook an iPod into it? For the $350 cost of an iPod Hi-Fi (or similar), you should be able to get an iPod integration kit for your car. If your isuzu has a tape deck, you can get a $15 cassette adapter.

If you actually need to upgrade your stereo system, the two areas to consider are:
1. speakers
2. head unit

If you like the sound that comes out of your speakers, don't try to change them. If your speakers rattle or otherwise show signs of being blown out, you may want to replace or upgrade them.

When it comes to head units, factory units from the last few years typically play CDs, a few might still support cassettes. You can get units that include a built in CD changer, support MP3 CDs, include a GPS nav system or support your iPod.

A basic MP3-CD head unit shouldn't cost any more than $200 installed. Again, less than the iPod HiFi.

If you do have a new head unit put in, ask the service people if they can install a 1/8" jack for you so that you can also plug in your iPod. Some head units will support this, while others won't. It shouldn't cost much.
posted by b1tr0t 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.
.
.
.
The iPod Hi-Fi isn't even stereo...

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

$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

A quick search on Crutchfield came up with this Sony MP3-CD player (model CDX-GT200). For $300, you can get one with 1GB of memory.

Take some time to shop around, there is plenty of good and cheap car audio stuff to be found.
posted by b1tr0t at 4:12 PM on June 2, 2006

BTW, the $130 CDX-GT200 has an "aux" input on the front plate, so you can just plug your iPod right in. The $300 unit is almost certainly a waste of money.
posted by b1tr0t at 4:15 PM on June 2, 2006

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