Best Way To Adapt iPod To Play In Cars?

For best result - you have to give up all the products of FM transmitter for iPod. Best way is connecting the iPod with a car stereo with aux input option.

Best thing I bought was a new deck (alpine) with a direct input specifically for iPod. It hooks into the dock connector at the bottom of the ipod, and with the deck I bought you could control the iPod through the deck. So in other words you just put the ipod in the glove box and leave it. Always charged, always reliable.

you can probably get some sort of a deck/ipod cable for under 100 online now...i bought a really good one, as i hooked up satellite radio etc to it, so it was a bit more $$$...

As for the previous person suggesting an AUX-input thing...yeah, that's probably the second-best option. It's of course lower sound quality than what I suggested, but much better than an FM transmitter (don't waste your money on this crap)...other issues to consider with the AUX-input things are that you have to constantly charge, and that you can use the volume on the iPod. I personally don't like having two volume controls...

If you've got an aux-in on your current deck, just buy a cable to hook the ipod up through that, its only a dollar or two...if you've gotta buy a new deck, i would suggest getting an ipod compatible one, just don't get an FM transmitter...

which deck did you buy? i've been looking for awhile now for a deck that is sirius, hd and ipod ready.

Hi there,

I have a Kenwood Excelon receiver that does all the functions you requested. The new model most equivalent to mine is:

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/CarEntertainment/eXcelon/1-Din_CDReceivers/KDC-X592

you can buy the iPod connector (not an aux connector - actually charges iPod and controls iPod playlists like a cd changer):

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/eXcelon/Accessories/KCA-iP500

the HD Radio receiver:

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/CarEntertainment/HD_Radio_nEqualizers/KTC-HR200

the Sirius receiver:

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/search?q=sirius

I only have the iPod connector personally, but in my experience (I have the radio and wife has the Kenwood DVD player - navigation touch screen unit) Kenwood is easy to use, high quality stuff. I figure you can get the receiver, iPod connector, Sirius, and HD for $600 - $700 installed, out the door at a reputable local car audio specialty shop (avoid big chains like Al & Ed's or Best Buy).

E-mail me if you need more info. I don't check this forum often. If you are in SoCal I can recommend a very nice shop. Good luck!

i'm in texas but you actually recommended the one i've been looking at for some time now. i'll definitely check into some more. thanks!