"USB Link to Factory Stereo" - Does it worth it?

[naxxal]

I wanted to know if it worth to buy this converter, or better to replace factory stereo for an MP3 player? The reason i ask because i have a portable MP3 player 6GB, and i use FM transmitter, the sound is not as perfect as CD's, and lots of frequency interfierence, What do you all think? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/872-M...spagenameZWD1V

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[Kernel]

I'm in terested in this solution as well, but I'm wondering as to the installation. Anyone have instructions/pics of how to get one of these installed?

[MrSpike118]

It will sound a lot better, and I hear it is not that hard to take the plate off...you just wire it into the glove compartment...(Ihave never done it though...)

[JQMazda3]

This site sells products that are amazing. I have an iPOD and want to play it out of my 3, but there is no cassette player, and those fm transmitters are complete garbage. So, I finally found this site with products that allow you to hook the device up to the back of the factory radio and then run the RCA or headphone cord into the cabin, then you can just plug in your iPOD.
http://peripheralelectronics.com/web/ipod_splash.asp

Also, I spoke to my local Mazda dealership today and they told me about this auto store which does work for them. The shop allows you to change your SAT or TAPE buttons to an auxillary button, which would allow you to play your iPOD through your speakers, I will find out more soon.

[icspots]

Several people over at the mazda3forum have used the audio link without problems, though I'm sure you'll find the occasional dud with any method.

Here's a quick breakdown of the options available for you. If anyone sees something I've forgotten please let me know.

PIE- Line in only. Provides RCA inputs through the sirius/CD changer jack on the back of the HU. ~$100 http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=445 (you also need the ALP/M RCA connector) http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=124

Aux Mod Basic- Line in only. Provides 3.5mm input through the Tape/MD jack. ~$55 http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/

Audio Link/NASmusic- Full Integration with steering wheel controls. Provides a line in plus either a ipod dock connector or a USB plug, and charges the ipod. Connects through the sirius/CD changer jack on the back of the HU. ~$140 http://www.therpmstore.com/index.php...03e6 fb416b97

Aux Mod Advanced- Not yet released will give full ipod integration with steering wheel controls. Provides a 3.5mm line in with connections to a dock connector. Should also integrate with WinAmp. connects through the Tape/MD jack on the bottom of the HU. ~$150 http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/

Neo Ion- Full ipod integration with steering wheel controls. Connects to ipod with dock connector, and into the sirius/CD changer jack on the back of the HU. Charges the ipod. ~$220 http://www.mp3yourcar.com/productdet...&productID=617

Here's a thread with links to pretty much all of those, and links to discussions about them.


Look here for a walkthrough on installing the sylfex Aux Mod. the install it pretty similar for the Audio Link.... just plug it in in a different place. As to where to mount it, you can put it in the glove compartment if you want. You could also run it to the ashtray, and some people have mounted it right underneath the HU (where the tape deck would be).

Hope that helps.

[Iceman72]

I just got the factory iPod link installed. I am very happy. It wasn't cheap. But I look at it like its a new radio. Also now my iPod stays in the glove box out of site and gets charged. Not to mention it sounds much better than the aux junk in the arm rest. I hated that thing.