Technical ipod/mp3 players

[TrueBlueAngel]

My hubby is nagging me what i want for christmas and i dont really know. Thought about an ipod or mp3 player but i only really listen to music in the car. I've a abarth stilo and wondered if an iPod or mp3 player can be connected into the stereo. I don't want mp3 files on a CD, I'd like to clear my CDs out of my car as I have so many.
I'd appreciate any help and advice.
Thanks.

 

[mhowse]

there is an actual device to plug into standard head unit for aux and sd card connection not sure of name of device roughly £80 if remember someone am sure will have more info...myself i use a basic fm transmiter device that pugs into headphone clead of dmy phone which is quick and cheap option you would have better sound quality with another type that plugs into head unit of cd changer socket

 

[mhowse]

also Bluetooth FM transmitter devices similar as in link below but give you idea of an option available

http://uk.cellphoneshop.net/mp3.html?adtype=pla&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CK7UmJnGi7QCFaTKtAodvTsACA

 

[gadge]

My hubby is nagging me what i want for christmas and i dont really know. Thought about an ipod or mp3 player but i only really listen to music in the car. I've a abarth stilo and wondered if an iPod or mp3 player can be connected into the stereo. I don't want mp3 files on a CD, I'd like to clear my CDs out of my car as I have so many.
I'd appreciate any help and advice.
Thanks.

Hi true blue, there is such a device as I have one fitted to mine. It's called an "iPod interphase" box - there not cheap, about £90 but what it does is convert your head unit (stereo) into a semi iPod ready system meaning that you can control certain functions directly from your stereo by pressing the disc selection button (just number your 6 favorate playlists 1 to 6 and it will play them in that order or just play the album you want).

The box connects to where your 5 disc CD changer would plug into and you can run the lead into your glove box and connect the iPod and shut it away - I routed my into my top glove box. It also charges your iPod too?

 

[alexGS]

With my Alfa 156, I had great success with the XCarLink. This is the one listed for the Stilo: http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=248&cat=13&page=1
I used mine with an iPod Classic (160GB) and controlled the music from the iPod itself (not all interfaces allow this), no need to set up playlists. Also really nice to be able to use the next-track steering wheel button to skip tracks. The mute button even paused the iPod.

I always meant to purchase the optional Bluetooth module so that I could make phone calls.

The other option to explore is the Stilo-styled touchscreen headunit as described in my recent thread and one previously: https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo/313...l-singing-all-dancing-chinese-head-units.html

-Alex

 

[MarkThompson4]

What about one of these? From Germany...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-SD-MP...=CE_Auto_Hi_Fi_Autoradios&hash=item3a788cc995

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-iPod-...=CE_Auto_Hi_Fi_Autoradios&hash=item4abf0d506e

 

[volxstu]

Just buy an Aftermarket unit that has ipod compatibilty. Im no fan of Halfords but i saw they were selling one for £69. That is roughly the same cost as could sell A Stilo MP3 Cd Head Unit for.
You get what you want, and can do it better than any add on box and then even £70 in your pocket.

 

[alexGS]

Just buy an Aftermarket unit that has ipod compatibilty. Im no fan of Halfords but i saw they were selling one for £69. That is roughly the same cost as could sell A Stilo MP3 Cd Head Unit for.
You get what you want, and can do it better than any add on box and then even £70 in your pocket.

You're right of course - But then there are no steering wheel controls - and the head unit will look out of place. No-one would ever think it was original, as it will be silver or black and buttons will be the wrong shape (the horror!) Also most aftermarket units can't be turned on with the ignition key off, and cheaper ones won't dim at night - and will be illuminated in the wrong colours... and all of this will make you wish you'd bought a Kia or Hyundai or even a FIAT with Blue&Me

The XCarLink or Denison moves control to the iPod (I haven't seen a head unit do that?) and also allows Bluetooth to be added (generic car stereos with Bluetooth are in the more-expensive £200+ category, in my experience.)

-Alex

 

[gadge]

I have the Xcarlink on mine. I did toy with the idea of buying a double din head unit, but I didn't want to have the iPod lead trailing down the front of the dash board so to buy one with a rear USB would've cost over £200. The Xcarlink cost me around £90 and effectively did the same job - certainly the bits I was concerned with which was to select songs and playlists without having to fiddle with the iPod. Ok so I can't see the name of the track but I get to keep my dash looking original and the standard head unit in my stilo isn't actually a bad one? It can play mp3 discs, has all the rds and other stuff you normally find and has an adjustable equilizer which can either be set on rock or classic or pop etc or you can adjust each one yourself and with my external amps sound quality isn't an issue :yum:

 

[StiloBoy]

I have an Xcarlink unit too, works a treat on the basic tape head unit too.

 

[Lee800m]

With my Alfa 156, I had great success with the XCarLink. This is the one listed for the Stilo: http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=248&cat=13&page=1
I used mine with an iPod Classic (160GB) and controlled the music from the iPod itself (not all interfaces allow this), no need to set up playlists. Also really nice to be able to use the next-track steering wheel button to skip tracks. The mute button even paused the iPod.

I always meant to purchase the optional Bluetooth module so that I could make phone calls.

The other option to explore is the Stilo-styled touchscreen headunit as described in my recent thread and one previously: https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo/313...l-singing-all-dancing-chinese-head-units.html

-Alex

Looks good mate! Will you be able to provide some step by step instructions with pictures if possible on how you installed this product? i am extremely interest in buying one but worried about the installation!! (i am crap at all this) Thanks Lee