Anyone have any insight on this? Which is better? I am looking for the best iPod setup with a new speaker system.

Thanks

 

I have heard good things about the DICE, however, I don't have it. I had the OEM MINI iPod adapter put in the car and hated it....so I now have the HK Drive+Play going through the aux input. The Drive+Play is great....love it. The challenge was figuring out where to mount the remote. I decided to mount the remote right on the e-brake handle rather than on the dash or other location. I used a hose clamp to do it and it really doesn't look bad. You only really see it when the e-brake is pulled up and one could probably disguise it pretty easily by covering the band with something.

Either way (DICE or D+P with aux input) will sound great. Just depends on whether or not you want an extra display on your dash. The D+P is definitely the cheaper route at the moment since a new version has come out...the first generation D+P can be had pretty cheap. I got mine for less than $50 on Amazon.

Good luck.

 

Good Question. I need to purchase a new iPod setup for my '03 MCS this week b/c I received an Ipod Touch for Christmas and it doesn't work with the aux cable setup that I had been using with my old Ipod shuffle.

Ideally all I want is something that can make use of the aux port in the glove box that doesn't require a massive install or the loss of any other functionality (nav sys or CD changer).

 

With the Drive and Play can you control the iPod well? How is that interface and where does the iPod go? Does anyone have details and or pictures of this? When the iPod is hooked up to the Drive and Play can you not use it? Does it become locked up?

I also need a new HU, so maybe I'll get the DICE and a new HU.

 

Oh...if you are getting a whole new head unit, I would just look for one that has good iPod integration already. Just about any decent head unit will have a kit that allows you to stash the iPod somewhere and control it totally with the head unit....and some have kits to even utilize your steering wheel controls (if you have them).


As far as the D+P goes, I have the iPod in the glove box out of sight. The display is above my speedo/tach (I have the chrono pkg on my car), and the controler is on my e-brake like I said above. Using the D+P is just like using the iPod control. There is a dial that does the same thing as twirling your finger on the iPod wheel and then four buttons on top that emulate pressing up/dwn/rght/lft on the wheel. The display shows just like on iPod, but no graphics (album covers, etc.). If you want to see pics, I can snap a couple so you can see what it is.

Again, if you're getting a whole new head unit, you probably won't have to bother with the D+P....just get a head unit with iPod integration already on it.

 

Ya I was looking at the Alpine's but I am worried their interface is really bad, that's why I like the DICE because it allows you to still control your iPod and does not lock the iPod. This is my concern.

 

Not sure about the Alpine. I do know that with the D+P you cannot control the iPod directly with the controls on the iPod itself. There really is no need to, though, since the remote does the exact same thing as the iPod click wheel and the display shows artists, albums, playlists, etc. just like the iPod itself does.

If you're looking for an easy and cheap add-on and you have an aux input on whatever stereo you use, I highly recommend the Drive+Play. As for aftermarket head units and how they deal with the iPod, I'm sure someone will chime in with some experience on that.

Heres the D+P in my car...

 

thanks for the pictures...I think I'm going to give the D&P a shot. I really don't need anything fancy and I like where you've got the display mounted.

Did you do the install yourself?

 

The D+P can use either FM or the aux in to the MINI head unit. It also has an additional aux in on the D+P brain that allows a secondary input. The D+P will auto switch depending on input. I put my display on the dash next to the A-pillar. I put the controller, which acts just like the Ipod click wheel, in one of the front drink holders. The install is very easy. Pictures of my install are in my gallery. Here is the manual for the D+P:

http://www.harmankardon.com/drive-1/...ers_manual.pdf

I got my D+P off eBay for $19.99 + $6.00 shipping. Check eBay for pricing now.

 

Yes, I put it in myself....took maybe 1/2 hour? Very easy. That included putting in the OEM MINI Aux input. I did it using the "reach behind the radio and plug it in" method rather than pulling the radio out.

All of the D+P "guts" are under the steering wheel behind that panel. I used double stick tape to attach the box underneath there and zip ties to bound all of the extra wires. Currently, I have the D+P plugged into the cigarette lighter with the provided cord, but plan to hard wire it into the fuse box....it was just too cold to deal with in the garage the night I put it in. The cable going to the iPod in the glove box fed behind the center stack and into the hold in the glove box really easily. The wire for the remote is tucked under the console. I poked a small hole in the underneath side of the e-brake boot to feed the wire for the remote through so it doesn't show much.

I used a 2" hose clamp and pierced a hold in the top of it to attach the base of the remote with a single screw and washer. It is quite secure.

Go grab one...they are cheap and works great. There's a new version of the D+P out with a color screen and other features, but it is way expensive.

Good luck.

 

Your mounting location is probably a better choice....the only reason I can see the display over the steering wheel is because I'm really tall....most people probably wouldn't be able to see it where I have it now that I think about it.

 

Ohhh I didn't even think about being able to see it. I am a little on the short side.

Thank you guys for all your help. Looking at the D&Ps now on ebay.

 

I passed on the D+P b/c of the screen and control module can be seen in plain sight.

Here's my Dice set up: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...g?t=1197854339

The D+P has an advantage in that you have complete access to your ipod. With the Dice, you cannot browse by artist name. But I have full access to all my playlists so I'm a happy camper. And, once you unplug the ipod and take it with you, you can't tell anything was installed.

 

With the DICE can't you just use your iPod to select songs and playlists by artists or whatever?

 

Yes you can. But with my 3rd gen. nano, the screen and click wheel are locked out.