My first iPod.

Upload your CD's in WAV format at 44.1 (Uncompressed) and what a tool. All your music in one place with no fumbling.

Get the larger capacity iPod if you go this route.
I just love it. I had been deprived for a while and had no listened much to my music...Wow!!!

 

I agree. I just bought one one week after getting my Mini and dumped my whole music collection. I'm not going to get into the virtues of a uncompressed format because MP3s sound just fine to me on a "stock" car radio. But having an Ipod with your whole collection sure beats the heck out of a CD changer. Just make sure you are using a "line-out" adapter for your Ipod versus the headphone jack.

Jon W.

 

Yeah, I remember when I got my ipod, a few years after I bought my wife hers. Initially, I was reluctant, saying, "When do I ever get to sit around and listen to music without interruption?" Then I found it's utility, especially for someone with tons of music 40 gigs on my computer in itunes, less than half my total CD collection. I still marvel at the capacity of my 30 gig and connecting it to the MINI has brought new joy to me.

 

Jon,

I am using my iPhone headset jack seemingly without issue. Would you elaborate on the need for the line-out adapter?

Thanks,
Terry

 

Line-out should have a cleaner signal since it does not go through the headphone amplifier, and will make iPod battery last longer (because it does not go through the amplifier).

 

My first gen 3 year old 4GB iPod Nano works fantastic with the OEM iPod adaptor in both of my MINIs. I don't think I have carried a single CD case in my cars since 2005..

 

I bought an iPod nano specifically for my Clubbie. Between the bluetooth phone integration and the iPod, I am a happy, happy girl!

 

A lossless compression format such as ALAC or FLAC will be equivalent while taking up much less space. Since you're using an iPod, try ALAC.

 

I know its confusing becasue both the "aux-in" and "heaphone" jacks are the same size. But the headphone amplifier adds distortion to the signal. There is a voltage difference between what powers speakers and what an amplifier likes to get as an input. When I have mine connected with a line-out, changing the volume on the Ipod does not change the volume playing on the Mini's HiFi system.

By far the worst way is an FM transmitter. If you have a USB connection, it should be great without any adapter - I think. A simple 3.5mm cable is by far the cheapest route and probably sounds okay.

Your best bet non-USB may be something like the Griffin TuneFlex Aux that I got at Best Buy for $50. I have it and it works great as a stand (especially where our power jack is located), charger, and line out adapter. Another cool thing it does is pause/stop the Ipod when you turn the car off (based on the fact that the power changes to the power jack based on the ignition). It turns back on when you start the car, but waits for you to press "pause" again to get your tunes going. It also has base adapters for older Ipods.

Belkin and DLO also make something similar, so find a brand you like.

Jon W.