What's the best iPod AND HD Radio head unit?

[DarrenO'sideCA]

I'm going to upgrade my stock Boost head unit (with Dice) to something that has both iPod and HD Radio built in. The current top choice seems to be the Alpine iDA-X305 but I'm open to considering other options. I really want full-iPod controls with a good user interface. Also, as in the Alpine, I'm willing to buy separately the HD radio "control module". As a nice-to-have, red LEDs would be cool so it matches the dash lights...

Any recommendations? Thanks!!!
Darren

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by DarrenO'sideCA

I'm going to upgrade my stock Boost head unit (with Dice) to something that has both iPod and HD Radio built in. The current top choice seems to be the Alpine iDA-X305 but I'm open to considering other options. I really want full-iPod controls with a good user interface. Also, as in the Alpine, I'm willing to buy separately the HD radio "control module". As a nice-to-have, red LEDs would be cool so it matches the dash lights...

Any recommendations? Thanks!!!
Darren

The HD DICE would work perfectly. This is the kit you need:

DICE High Definition Radio w/ iPod Integration
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=467

The HD DICE will allow you to receive High Definition radio broadcasts with your stock BMW system. Expect CD quality from your HDFM stations and FM quality with your HDAM stations. There are no programming fees with HD Radio and the sound is simply awesome - much better than Sirius or XM.

The kit will come with everything needed including the trunk harness and HD Micro antenna. If you would like to integrate your iPod, the option iPod cable can be purchased allowing full iPod integration. The iPod can be safely stored away in the glove compartment for 100% stealth installation and accessed completely from the steering wheel controls.

The HD DICE allows for full text display on your Radio or NAV display and looks like it was integrated from factory. A listing of HD radio stations in your area can be accessed by visiting www.hdradio.com.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

[DarrenO'sideCA]

Thanks for the advice Tom. The setup that you are suggesting is what I already have installed. I'm looking for something with a more iPod-like interface. The HD Dice is a good system but I'm looking for alternatives.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by DarrenO'sideCA

Thanks for the advice Tom. The setup that you are suggesting is what I already have installed. I'm looking for something with a more iPod-like interface. The HD Dice is a good system but I'm looking for alternatives.

My mistake, didn't see you already had the HD DICE. Other than replacing the radio to an aftermarket system - you won't find much choices in the OEM route.

[lencap]

I went to the DICE website and it seems as if this product does not work on 2007 or newer cars. Can anyone find a DICE unit that is designed for the newer cars?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by lencap

I went to the DICE website and it seems as if this product does not work on 2007 or newer cars. Can anyone find a DICE unit that is designed for the newer cars?

Nothing for HD Radio, but iPod integration would require the mObridge kit instead:

mObridge - iPod integration kit for MINI Cooper
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=1653

[DarrenO'sideCA]

Bump once to see if anyone has feedback. I'm following the X100 thread and it seems to be well regarded. Any info's appreciated!

[o-ron]

Tom-

I'm curious about the HD kit... is the iPod portion of this the same as the SILVERLINE PRO ipod integration kit?

Also, how/where do i install the extra antenna? Can't I just hook it up to the factory antenna?

edit:

also, the link to that product on your site is no longer available??

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

The HD DICE would work perfectly. This is the kit you need:

DICE High Definition Radio w/ iPod Integration
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=467

The HD DICE will allow you to receive High Definition radio broadcasts with your stock BMW system. Expect CD quality from your HDFM stations and FM quality with your HDAM stations. There are no programming fees with HD Radio and the sound is simply awesome - much better than Sirius or XM.

The kit will come with everything needed including the trunk harness and HD Micro antenna. If you would like to integrate your iPod, the option iPod cable can be purchased allowing full iPod integration. The iPod can be safely stored away in the glove compartment for 100% stealth installation and accessed completely from the steering wheel controls.

The HD DICE allows for full text display on your Radio or NAV display and looks like it was integrated from factory. A listing of HD radio stations in your area can be accessed by visiting www.hdradio.com.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

[DarrenO'sideCA]

Since this thread came back to life, I thought I'd post an update.

I ended up purchasing the X305 and LOVE the ipod integration. The good also includes a nice look (round dial matches the interior), red lighting, and the nice screen. The bad is that the FM and HDFM reception are really poor (read REALLY POOR). I can't keep a strong station connection in an area that I could get one with the stock system. The other bad is the really high price. I'm checking some other options and may ebay the X305.

[slocraiger]

if you have bad fm reception it is because you didn't hook up the power antenna lead on the HU... hook that up and you will have great reception.

[DarrenO'sideCA]

Slocraiger - I've done just that and EVERYTHING else I could do. I'll go through it again just in case but it's been frustrating...

Thanks for the advice.

[ZJedi945]

Originally Posted by DarrenO'sideCA

Since this thread came back to life, I thought I'd post an update.

I ended up purchasing the X305 and LOVE the ipod integration. The good also includes a nice look (round dial matches the interior), red lighting, and the nice screen. The bad is that the FM and HDFM reception are really poor (read REALLY POOR). I can't keep a strong station connection in an area that I could get one with the stock system. The other bad is the really high price. I'm checking some other options and may ebay the X305.

Do you have an HK system in yours, also how is the color match the factory lights?

[DarrenO'sideCA]

I do not have the HK system. The color of the buttons is more "red" than the rest of the interior lights. I'd call the dash lights orange compared to the red of the Alpine.

I did purchase a power-boosted antenna wire, which helps a bunch. All connections checked out but I have a rental car this week while my MINI is in the shop and the reception is sooooo much better.

[DarrenO'sideCA]

Since I hate stuff that's unfinished and really just for archive purposes, I wanted to update this thread.

I've been so frustrated with my poor radio performance with my Alpine head unit that I was getting ready to take it out today put the Boost back in. While in there, I figured that I would try the reception WITHOUT the optional HD-Radio module that I had installed. I unhooked the HD module and plugged the antennae directly into the head unit. Wow! Huge improvement.

Apparently, having the extra module in line really hurt the regular reception. I'm going to contact Alpine to see if the module is possibly defective but I can now happily endorse this head unit. The iPod controls are great and the radio reception is now up to snuff. Also, the screen is a nice-to-have for seeing the album artwork.

[expeditionaryman]

Darren,

Just curious if you had a picture of the Alpine unit in your Mini? I am interested in putting in a new unit that offers full iPhone/iPod integration, but want to make sure that a nice integrated look is maintained.

Thanks.

- Rich

[ronster22]

Another line of stereos to try is JVC Mobile...full iPod integration, thousands of display colors (can match the Mini dash), some models with HD Radio and bluetooth...

I haven't had the chance to get mine, with my job and life getting in the way, but i'm going to get the KD- A805

http://mobile.jvc.com/product.jsp?mo...hId=142&page=1

[Act_04]

I would recommend a Kenwood 1-DIN flipout screen. Flipouts are the only way to get a truly user-friendly ipod integration. This one will do everything you want and leave room for future expansion...

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert...gation/KVT-614

[ronster22]

Originally Posted by Act_04

I would recommend a Kenwood 1-DIN flipout screen. Flipouts are the only way to get a truly user-friendly ipod integration. This one will do everything you want and leave room for future expansion...

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert...gation/KVT-614

Wouldn't the screen partially block the Centre Speedo? or did you mount it lower to compensate?

[Act_04]

Originally Posted by ronster22

Wouldn't the screen partially block the Centre Speedo? or did you mount it lower to compensate?

Sorry for the slow reply.

The HU, when opened, does block the majority of the fuel gauge and the temp gauge. In my experience, I get the i-pod playing in the playlist, album, or whatever songlist I choose and then close the screen. It remembers where you left off and will continue there the next time you start the car (assuming you leave the i-pod connected).

When cruising with the screen out I use the miles remaining readout on my digital readout to keep fuel in check.

The only issue I've had is the system freaks out every once in a while on startup and I have to reset the ipod for it to be recognized. I'm not sure if this is the ipod or the HU though. I have an old 8GB nano...

[bettyv]

Thanks for the advice. The setup that you are suggesting is what I already have installed. I'm looking for something alternatives.

[Act_04]

Look up the Alpine iDA-X305