I want to get rid of my OEM unit and replace it with a pretty good unit with the ability to connect my IPod...maybe having a wire hanging down from under the dash. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

Alpine and Kenwood make an interface that connects your iPOD directly to your Alpine or Kenwood HU.

 

Actually, most car audio manufacturers now have an iPod adatper of some sort, retail for all of them is right around $100.

 

I just had Circuit City install the alpine 9825 for $149 and an iPod adaptor (KAC-420i) for an additional $99. What a great combination. I wanted to be able to play my iTunes music files in my 2004 STX. I also wanted 3 pre-amp outputs at 4 volts with a subwoofer volume control. I looked at a lot of other units such as the Pioneer DEH-7700 $269. I thought that the Alpine 9825 with the iPod adapter was the best situation for me. I am able to access all 3000 songs in my collection from my truck. SQ is excellent and the iPod interface is flawless.

 

I just installed a kenwood KDC X589 and KCA-Ip500 interface controller in my truck, I got them from crutchfiled and they give you a free install kit with the purchase, I ran my I pod wire behind the dash and into the glove box, The owners manual for my 05 has a zipper on it, What I did is slide my i pod into the owners manual case then zipped it up and put it back into the Glove box, You can't see the wires at all and it works great. I also thought that I got a pretty good deal on the set up.
$249.99 for the head unit and 99.99 for the interface, including free shipping and the install kit, I found the unit a little cheaper else where, But you can't beat Crutchfield for there service. I think I have a discount code that would save you $20.00 if you are intrested, if so let me Know.

 

You can buy adapters that will let you hook up an iPod to the stock HU.
http://www.cardomain.com/shoptype/Fa...Pod+Interfaces

For aftermarket HU's there are PLENTY of them out there. Find one with features you like, because every major aftermarket HU has an iPod adapter for it (I know Alpine, Pioneer, and Kenwood do, I would not doubt that most of the others do as well).
I just bought a Pioneer DEH-P7700MP and I'm very happy with it

 

how can you hook up an mp3 player to a head unit?

 

Most of the Head Units now play MP3's even the entry level units. You can also try www.crutchfield.com they have a ton of iPOD adapters also, just more sites for you to look at.


rockafella
2002 F150 Supercrew FX4 rollin 22's

 

You can do this:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-hHk25hD...2500&I=581DFF2

Or you can get an FM Modulater.