There is a great wealth of information already about using the Ipod in the Mini, but I'm finding it difficult to find the answer I'm looking for.

As you might be aware, there is an issue with the volume. I have the H/K upgrade. And so I'm looking for a way to adapt my Ipod to the stereo that has the same level of volume, in the least, as when playing a CD.

The easiest solution for connecting the Ipod is one of those FM transmitters. I found one from Monster at Frys today and got it. It was 80 freaking dollars, which wouldn't be bad if it was good, but it's not.

The volume is less than that of the CD. The quality is less as well. There is also alot of static that can be heard when changing songs or softer songs like Everytime.

So I really don't want to keep this thing, would rather find a better solution.


What is my best choice? The Ipod adapter that I can get from the dealer? It's $150 right? Does anyone know how much labor will be on that? Also, I'm concerned because I remember reading something some where about it not being as loud as CDs.. Can anyone confirm this or correct this? I can't have something less loud than the CD player as it isn't loud to begin with.

There is also the Drive+Play that I was looking at.. Like others, I don't want all those wires. Nor the screen sticking out. My car has been broken into once already, and in front of our house too, so that won't work. And the wires I don't care about as we have wires all through our house but with drinking and spilling that occurs once and a while.. Not too sure about that. And until we get some reviews back on it, I don't want to spend the $200 and then another hundred or so for someone to install it professianlly and I'm sure the FM transmiter will be no different than what I have now.


I really hate to make this post, really do, as there are already alot of Ipod adapting posts here. But I have work tomorrow and need to know what to do within the next week so I can return the FM transmiter if there is a better way. So if you all can forgive my post here and let me know what you think it'd be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

The best way is to make a direct connection, but if you really truly need to blast it I have no suggestions other than learn to listen to it without damaging your ear drums. :-)

 

Well, I have H/K in my 06 and connected a Icelink Plus as I was unable to obtain one of the left over OEM Ipod kits (BMW is reworking it and it should be out early this year). I used the headunit connected version and it took about 15 mins to install. I ran the wire down into the center console tray so that I can easily grab my Ipod when I get out of the car, but there is enough cable to run it to the glove box if you wanted. As for clarity, it plays and sounds as good as any CD I have played.

We have an FM transmitter in my wife's car and all I can say is that you will have static for the most part, so be ready for it.

 

return the FM transmitter. anything is better than that. then do your research.

 

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IMHO, the best way to listen to your iPod in the car is also one of the cheapest - through the AUX port. Sound quality will be perfect, and you won't loose what makes the iPod so great--the scroll wheel. I've tried using solutions from Alpine and Pioneer to control your iPod from the head unit, and found them to be wayyy too slow. I would recommend you get Belkin's Auto Kit for the iPod (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...uct_Id=149006), which will take care of powering/charging your iPod in the car AND allows you to connect the AUX cord in right on the cigerette adaptor itself, so you only have 1 cord coming from your iPod.

 

Thanks, elbum0 - I've got the Belkin Auto kit, but I didn't realize that the aux-in plugs right into the power adapter. Cool - only one connection now!

I second the Aux Input method. Sometimes I like to listen to a specific artist/album, and the OEM Ipod adapter doesn't allow that. The Aux input is cheap, and installs in minutes if you don't feel the need to drill a hole to mount it. Given that the ipod requires a male/male cable, mounting the Aux input is irrelevant - just connect to the male plug (or Belkin combo adapter) and you're set. Note that I have no experience with the Icelink products.

 

Dension Ice link

 

HOOOOLD ON! Just checked Alpine's website, and it looks like today they put up a new website, as well as new stereos that include a new technology they dubbed "iPod Full Speed", which allows direct connection to an iPod straight from the stereo (no extra box required like their old stereos and the OEM iPod connection from MINI)... I have a feeling this will be much faster and better than previous options.

 

Hmm... I remember wanting to get anew H/U in hopes of a boost in volume but perhaps I should get one to connect the Ipod. No?

What can anyone recommand? And what is teh Ice-link? Is that a H/U?

As for the AUX option, that would be nice but I don't have an AUX input in my car. What would be better: Getting the AUX input installed, the Ipod adapter when it becomes available again or a third party H/U?

How would I go about with the AUX?

 

it depends upon your preference:

do you want a stock look? get a newer head unit and add the aux.
do you want MFSW control of your ipod? get the iPod adapter.
do you want bling, a better H/U? get a 3rd party H/U that controls the iPod.

i prefer the AUX with the stock H/U, but that's just my opinion.

so there. :P

 

H/U = HU = Head Unit = the stereo body, i.e. with ****, buttons, etc. As opposed to speakers, amps, subwoofers, etc.

The Ice Link is a product made by Dennison that connects to the stereo as an interface between the ipod. Its an alternative to the OEM ipod connector.

You can buy the Aux Input from any dealer for ~$40. Install is very easy - it just plugs into the back of the head unit. Great instructions with pics here.

 

also you can "boost" the sound level in iTunes to your songs, I usually give them a boost to 80%.

Then, on the AUX input, you can boost that as well, I usually run it at 4 or 5 input level.

As you've seen above, aside from the more expensive Ice-link, etc., the AUX input is your best bet, note that you'll want the Griffin adapter w/ powered line out -- don't plug the headphone jack into your AUX input, that output is attenuated so it doesn't overload the headphones.

 

The recording format in which you "burn" your songs into the iPod also may affect volume and sound quality. For me personally there is a huge difference between a song file coded in AAC format vs the same file coded in Apple Losless format.

Forget the FM transmitters. Biggest waste of money. Unreliable and not good sound reproduction. Get a direct cable/port connection type adaptor. Opt for either the MINI OEM iPod adaptor or the Dension Ice Link Plus.

 

Thanks for the info!

Where can I but the icelink at? And is it something I can install myself?


I think for the moment I will do the AUX.. I just buy it from a Mini dealer? And does it come with everything I need or do I need some other things? so I can go out and get everything altogether.

I figure I'll do the AUX cause it's the most affordable and easy. So if I am disappointed in it I can cut the losses and go for one of the other alternatives.

 

I've called all the dealers in So. California and not been able to find an AUX kit. My installer was talking about the the Harmon Kardon Drive and Play I guess.

 

How am I supposed to get the AUX kit then? Gosh, this pisses me off! I finally find a solution that is both affordable and practical and am screwed! Why do I always get screwed over for? >_<

Why can't Mini just offer this stuff on their website? I would much rather prefer ordering it online to begin with.. I hate visiting the dealer!

 

They have them here.

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini_auxi...dio_input.html

 

Outmotoring and all my local dealers have been back ordered on the AUX for a long time now. I ordered mine from Classic Mini a couple days ago. My local dealer is pretty useless anyway.

 

Oh thank God.. I'll be placing my order in just a few moments.

This is the same thing as the kit from the dealer right? There is no missing pieces or lack of quality in comparison.. Right?

 

OMFG.. It's out of stock on outmotoring!

Is there any other website?

I saw a low in detail walkthrough on installing the Icelink.. Looks like just plug and play to me. Is that true? More plugging than the AUX but just plugging nonetheless. If so, maybe I can do that. However, for the price I rather stick with the AUX... I don't care about the ID3 tags being displayed or controling the Ipod through the H/U or MFSW.. Sound quality alone, is there any difference between the Icelink and AUX?

Also, has anyone heard of eagleday.com? They seem to have the AUX kits on there, not sure if the site can be trusted though or not. And are all the AUX kits the same?

 

Classic Mini *is* a dealer in OH. I'm new to this - seems to me the AUX is just an analog input. not sure about the difference with a digital input. My h/k system is *barely* listenable to me with the bass turned all the way down, and i will use my AUX mostly for podcasts and talk. don't get me wrong - I'm an audiophile at heart. first thing I'm going to do to mine is have the doors dynamated. might help with that huge peak in the bass a bit.

 

Oaky everyone....

I did the AUX install on my own, very easy.. Though the other night the AUX input would disappear. I was listening to my Ipod through it when suddenly it went to the CD and the AUX option was gone. I thought maybe the connection came lose but didn't. Simply unplugged and replugged outside the tanning salone when I was finished but it happened again moments later. Was very annoying. Replugged it again at a stop light and so far it's been ok.

Problem is...

The sound quality sucks.

On some songs it is okay. Other songs, not so okay. Sometimes it is the bass, other times something else. Like the beginning of Everytime from Britney Spears is awful. Nothnig but static and ****, there ain't no bass there to blame that on. I have no idea what the problem is. I tried having the Pod's EQ at off and the AUX down to 3.. Nothing.

Also, I bought that Belkin Auto Kit that everyone was raving about on that install guide thread.. Sucks. Worse quality then plugging the AUX directly into the Pod. It sounds like a freaking airplane when connected to the Auto Kit whenever switching songs, on pause or a softer song like Everytime.

So.. The AUX input is a waste of $40 but one I can live with. The $40 for that Auto Kit.. Upsetting. Going to try and return it to Frys but the box is so screwed up.

Needless to say, I'm back where I started.

How difficult is it to install the Icelink?

 

i know quite a few audiofiles that have the MINI aux input and they love it. one for sure, i know, has the belkin. my wife has one as do i. i'm not taking offense to your comment, but are you sure you got it installed correctly?

 

I do.. The only thing that may fix the problem in quality is lowing the volume on the Belkin amp.. Problem is, it's not that loud as it is. Sounds slightly louder than CD, but not too much and with alot of static on the Belkin.

Plugging the line directly into the Ipod has much better quality but on some songs, nothing but static. It's quite upsetting but I am making do.