OK - there have been several threads around asking basically the same question, but I thought I'd start a new one to see if there are any new ideas or product updates.

My '04 XLT SuperCab has the factory Single CD/Cassette system. It has been fairly well documented in the other threads that the AUX input is basically unuseable for this, since it is designed to accept input from the factory DVD system, and uses an unusual comm protocol to do so. Many kudos to rambunctious for his patient replies in those threads.

So - how best to either connect an MP3 player to the factory system (FM?), or is another option a upcoming Ford solution?

Some solutions talk about using an FM modulator or cassette adapter to connect the MP3 player. I'm dubious as to the sound quality, but more importantly, it seems like a 1980's type solution.

I've heard rumors that the '05 F150's may include a audiophile 6 disc changer with MP3 support (meaning it would play MP3 CDs). Has anyone heard an update on this possibility? I wouldn't mind changing out my head unit for one of these, if I could find it cheap on eBay. Might it also be possible that the new unit might have "better" support for AUX input? Would I even be able to do a direct swap of an non-audiophile system?

Or should I just buy a new aftermarket head unit?

What are you guys (and gals) doing out there?

 

Best thing to do is wait... aftermarket Aux input to RCA products are coming down the pipe. Cheapest way to get clean sound. FM modulator should tie you over.

 

what? and the cassette is modern technology?

if you can live with that you can live with the FM modulator.

OR

you can replace the head unit.

 

MP3's again?

 

Pop it in your DVD system. It plays mp3s although I would love the abiliy to have shuffle. Controls are a little hokey but it gets the job done.

What's that you say...you don't have the DVD system?


No just kidding....it works with the DVD but I'll swap the head unit out, get a firmware upgrade to the head unit, or get a rail system add on....COME ON JOHNSON CONTROLS....MOVE IT MOVE IT MOVE IT. I want my rail accessories.


Jim

 

Just by a new head unit. The stuck HU sucks the big one anyway. You can get a nice MP3 HU for under $200. It will be the best $200 you ever spent. Shop online for a while and you would be surprised at the deals you find. Replacing the HU in these trucks have to be the easiest that I have ever seen. There is tons of room being the dash.

Good luck and make the buy I know you can aford it if you own one of these trucks.

 

Smart-***.

Has Johnson Controls got something coming down the pike that I need to know about? Is rambunctious holding out on us?


Yes - I could certainly go buy a new head unit, but what I really want is a way to plug an MP3 player into my existing system. A 20GB player will hold a lot more music than a CD of MP3's, plus I can use playlists.

I didn't want to mess with trying to upgrade the stock unit when I bought the truck. Trust me, a cassette will never be played in it.

 

Its not out yet but I am hearing rumers that Alpine is going to be compatible with I-Pod soon. I think you can just plug into head unit and you can play from the HU and it will actually keep the I-pod charged. You could set up that I-pod in in glove compartmnet. Hopefully they will make it compatiable with present model because I have a CDA -9827

 

How is this for compatible GreyGhost? Dell DJ 15gig. Can't operate it from the HU but in that holder control is at your fingertips. Sounds Awsome through the AUX on my Kenwood!

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...1100&anum=6222

 

Sweet!!

I think I am still going to hold out and wait till I can control from HU. Plan on upgrading soon and get my XM which will be controlled from HU as well. Always nice to be integrated. I already have one remote if I get anymore it will look like my home theater sytem.

Nice system looks good!!

 

I couldn't wait... need tunes now! Thanks for the compliment

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Nosmo Rex
[B] I'm dubious as to the sound quality

And you havent bought aftermarket yet? Factory is ok at best, but if you want sound quality buy high quality aftermarket. There IS a difference.

 

I posted a possible solution in the Other Audio System category.

Check it out.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=2

 

I'm sending an e-mail to Pac Audio to get some clarification for 2004 compatibility. If that works like TheClear55 thinks it does, it would work just fine for me.

GreyScab - you've got pretty much the setup I want. I can get a good price on the Dell DJ 20GB. Does the cradle thingie seem pretty secure?

 

Let us know how it works out.

Some of us are on the fence just waiting for an easy fix to get MP3 sound