I just ordered one and thought this was a great deal and works well. http://www.amazon.com/inspiretech-3-...5032022&sr=8-9

 

RadioShack it, no shipping cost !

 

don't waste your gas going to radio shack-they don't have the 3.5mm to dock connector cable. shipping $2.99 and no wasted time hoofing it from store to store.

 

why not use the 3.5 to 3.5 cable from RS and plug it into the earbud jack on the IPOD? Thats what I do.

 

Because the sound with the cable the OP mentioned is significantly better than using a cord with the earbud jack.

 

Yes, the signal coming from the dock connector is better because it bypasses the headphone amplifier, which degrades the sound.

For just a little more, you can get a retractable version of the cable, which I find very convenient (look on Amazon or eBay). On eBay, there are also black versions.

 

i didn't order the ipod/usb option, but I did order my MINI with navigation. where would i plug this in?

 

Is that so?
Well, I learned something new! Now I need to order a few of those adapters, because I play an IPOD through the MINI jack, and through the whole house stereo, and through my shop stereo, and through my office stereo (computer speakers) all using the mini-phono plugs.
Is the difference noticeable?

 

HUGH improvement to my ears. Get it.

 

What are you guys talking about, The "USB/Bluetooth\Ipod Option has 1 USB port + 1 analog 3.5mm Aux, The Ipod uses both USB and Aux port to play ipod music, the audio does not go through the dock connector\USB cable, it goes via the aux cable and it uses the dock USB connector to charge the ipod and change songs, volume and display artist name in the stereo.
I'm not sure what the "dealer" ipod dock has as far as cables and connectors but my USB\bluetooth\ipod options connects like that.

 

No is not noticeable, we are talking about compress digital music here, not vinyl records, if you want to get the best possible music quality in your MINI, play the original uncompressed CD albums.
I don't see how going from analog to digital on a 128 or 256 compres bitrate track is going to make that huge of a difference.

 

You know what they say when you assume. Everything on my ipod is 320kbit/s high quality stuffs. Over 4,000 songs. There is definitely a difference playing thru the dock and the 3.5mm jack. You don't know jack.

 

I do know that on my 08 MINI S with the USB bluetooth ipod option, Audio passes via the AUX cable, I don't know what's on your MINI, but I know mine is like that. Again, mine was not dealer installed, maybe the dealer installs a dock connector only, who knows...

 

"Product Description
The iPod Compatible 3.5mm to Dock Connector Audio Cable allows you to play music from your iPod through your home or car stereo, computer, or notebook. The dock connector sends line level audio out from your iPod, providing better sound quality then when using the headphone jack. The dock connector also allows you to control the volume of your iPod through your stereo or computer instead of having to adjust the volume on the iPod. This cable works with all iPods with a dock connector, and the lightweight construction makes it easy to take it anywhere you go."

 

Sorry if this is very elementary - but I have the Bluetooth and USB/ipod adapter for $500, (did not get the convenience pkg). I am taking delivery of my PW/B MC on the 15th. Do I need to buy an adapter like the one on Amazon, Cables To Go - 35508 - 4ft iPod Dock Connector to 3.5mm Cable (White)

or will my iPod just 'plug and play' in the secret comparment? (I have the Multifunction Steering Wheel.

I'd appreciate any feedback from those who have the same setup - Thanks!
CJP

 

No, you don't need another cable with USB/Bluetooth. It already comes with a cable that plugs into the iPod dock port, and under the toggle switches (not in the secret compartment -- that's the dealer installed iPod adapter).

 

thanks!

 

Can the ipod be controlled with the Multi-function steering wheel with this option or does that require the $1000 "Comfort Bluetooth/USB ipod adapter?"

 

There are three connections that allow iPod control with the MFSW.

1. iPod Integration that goes into the secret compartment and connects only through the iPod Dock.

2. Comfort Bluetooth/USB iPod adapter that is part of the $1500 Convenience Package, or available separately for $1000. This includes the horrible armrest.

3. Bluetooth/USB iPod adapter that is $500 and does not include the armrest.

 

Cool - thanks for the great information! I'm looking forward to using my iPod with my new Mini in just about 10 days!
Thanks again!

 

Thanks for the info Robin!

 

Just to clarify, the $4.99 cable that is the topic of this thread is only for people who did not purchase any of the extra iPod connection options. If you have the dealer installed iPod adapter, or the Comfort Bluetooth/USB, or the $500 Bluetooth/USB, they all include a cable that connects to the iPod at its dock port.

This cable is for those who have only the standard factory aux input. In that case, the iPod options are to use the headphone output, or the line-out in the dock connector. For connecting to aux input, the line-out signal is superior, and it is what this cable provides.

 

rkw you nailed it perfectly, well explained.