ipod intergration kit vs. cd player with aux

Hello... this is my first post. I just bought a 2005 Mazda3 on Sunday. Great car so far!!
 
I love having my ipod hooked up to a stereo in the car, and need to do something quick in this car. So I was wondering, to people who have either the cable integration or an aftermarket deck, which do you like better??
 
There are advantages and disadvantages to both. With the integration, you can still use the steering wheel remote, but with a new deck, you I can see what my ipod is playing right on the deck, but no steering wheel buttons.
 
Can some people elaborate on what they have, why they selected what they did, and how you like it?? and if you would have changed what you bought. (you have a deck and would have got the cable, and vise versa)
 
Also, I did do a search through the boards for the cables and such. So awesome job on putting this info up for everyone.
 
Thanks in advance!
 

theres in no cable intergration for an 05 mazda 3 u need to get an after headunit and get the steering wheel adaptor controls

I read in another topic, I could get one...
http://www.therpmstore.com/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=142&osCsid=cfbb4e26d0eaa9da95f2d9813968f2bd
 
what would you suggest for the head unit, and steering wheel adapter controls?

quote:

ORIGINAL: mazda3power

theres in no cable intergration for an 05 mazda 3 u need to get an after headunit and get the steering wheel adaptor controls

Well that's just absolutely false.  Please look at THIS for details.

colonel, the down side of PAC steering wheel control adapters is that there's generally a significant delay between pushing the button and the function being activated.  If you want a display and control of the ipod then check out the harman kardon drive 'n play (also in that link).  

thanks for the input and links. after checking out the different options, I think I will go with an aftermarket deck. I dont know how often I will change the volume and songs with my steering wheel. I never have before, so why start now.
 
A friend of mine found this site, and they are local to me. They also include a warranty and a free dash kit for your car. This model reads the ipod info on the screen.
 
http://sonicelectronix.com/item_8520.html

Pioneer premier headunits are all I have ever put into a car and have NEVER been unhappy.  I am not planning on putting an aftermarket HU in my 07 because I LOVE the way the dash looks as is.

You will not go wrong with a pioneer HU

i bought the ipod integration kit from the rpm store for 125.00 it came in 2 days and works like a charm...

and i can use the steering wheel controls

Not to burst the bubbles of anyone who just bought an integration module recently but I just came across a new method which:
-charges the ipod
-lets you control it from the steering wheel
-and......... DISPLAYS ID3 TAG INFO ON THE LCD!!!!!!!!!

It also comes in two versions.  One version gives you ipod/auxiliary input, and the other gives you ipod and a XM receiver.

Check HERE and look at the AXXESS ipod adapter for more info.

Does doing this on your own void any warranties?    

quote:

ORIGINAL: Draconius

Does doing this on your own void any warranties?    

Not unless you break a bunch of stuff or fry your HU.  There's no reason that it should void anything.  

icspots-

The audio link charges the ipod, even when car isn't on, picks up and leaves off were the song was when the car is shut down, i can control it all from the steering wheel, HU, or ipod itself, the only nice thing is the ID tag but if a song is on my ipod i know what it is, so it doesn't really bother me that much.... and i've had it for a while.....

I just looked at that on ebay... it doesn't seem logical, you can still use the XM/Navigation, but you plug it in where those plug in? Maybe i read it wrong but it doesn't make sense, plus it's from ebay, not to bash but i've had bad experiences....

akusy.1, I only mentioned the charging and steering wheel controls as you made two different posts about how the audiolink does those things.  In reality all of the ipod integration methods do those things.  The thing that's special about this new one is that it displays the ID3 tags.  Lots of people have been waiting for years for sylfex to come out with the Auxmod Advanced which is supposed to do exactly what this new method is doing.  Really it looks like someone got a hold of one of the beta modules and reverse engineered it and hit the market first.

This method plugs into the TAPE/MD slot on the bottom of the HU..... that's why it's compatible with everything else... well except for the tape player or mini disc player anyway.  The navigation on the 3 runs through the main harness, and the OEM sirius plugs into the back of the HU (in the same place the audiolink, et al plug in).  Also since you can get an XM module hooked up through this people now have an option of either XM or sirius in their cars without having to buy a standalone unit, and while still being able to use the LCD on the HU.

As for ebay, sure lots of people have had bad experiences there.  This guy does have a store through ebay which i think makes him a little more reputable.  I believe they're going to leave ebay at some point and open another online store too, but I could be wrong about that.

I see....