ICE specialists usually aren't all that polite, they know they have a captive market...

I haven't heard any of the players to be able to comment specifically, but they will probably all sound good enough, especially when compared with the Symphony. So you're best going for the one that is the cheapest with the features you want. The front AUX-IN probably won't make any difference - if you look at the top of the cubbyhole beneath the HU, there are holes cut into this through which the I-pod cable could probably be passed (though it depends on the size of the cable!).

The Skoda CD changer won't interface with a new HU, so you would lose that...

Rob.

That's fine Rob, it's been a bit of a battlefield knowing which route to take with this one.I definately want a new HU so will be going for one of the above from one of the vendor links on here.I'll probably go for either the Pioneer one or the Panasonic.

As I mentioned, it won't be a great loss losing the 6-changer but I thought it best to make sure what I was told was correct.I plan to leave the original 6-changer where it is in case I need to fit the original Symphony back in at some point, do you know if this will be possible??

Cheers

Hugh

You've probably already noticed, but the Pioneer does need an adapter for AUX-IN (just making sure... )

You'll be able to leave the changer in place, it just won't be plugged into the HU (so won't get any power to it - make sure you remove the cartridge before you unplug it... )

Rob (do I use too many parenthesis?)

lol Rob,I thought I was bad for that!!

Would you believe me if I said I have just twigged about the Pioneer needing an adapter (it must be me, but trying to find out exactly what a system has is a b$%$dy nightmare!!).I'm really looking for one that doesn't need an adapter so I'll probably do some phoning around to make sure the model and make of the hifi I order has an AUX-in already fitted.

The changer will be left in place then and don't worry, I'll take the cartridge out first!Many thanks for the help and advice again,if you come up to Bonnie Scotland on the Scottish run (if it is planned) there will be a beer (or two) awaiting you.

Will keep you posted as to what I end up with and who from etc.

Cheers

Hugh

Hi Rob,

I have now ordered up a Panasonic cq-dfx783n from Scenic so I'm looking forward to it arriving up here tomorrow.I also ordered up the antenna amplifier cable at the same time. I was wondering though after looking at some old forum topics about the 'memory loss' issue when an aftermarket HU is fitted.

Sorry if I'm being dull again (!) but do I also need the VW adaptor which prevents the HU from losing memory settings etc??

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated......

Cheers

Hugh

Yes, unfortunately you will need the adapter

Thanks Quinten,I presume Bluespot do one??

Cheers

Hugh

Yeah, or you can just go into Halfords and get one if you don't want to mess around with mail order. IIRC it's the PC2-69-4 you want, Autoleads make one, or it might be Halfords own.

Rob.

Cheers Rob................................

Now ordered,I'll bet you'll all be glad when this install is over and I've finished asking all these (silly) questions........

Cheers

Hugh

:)

LOL...nooo, it's good we're getting posts about diverse projects, and I'm glad to help where I can...

Rob.

Originally posted by robmawer in this post

Not much luck to date getting an MP3 player working through the standard head unit. IMHO, if you're moving to MP3 so you don't need a CD changer, you might be best using the 80 pounds to invest in a head unit with decent amplification and an AUX-IN...

A bit late for Shugz but my Kenwood M9021 has a CD changer connection, an optional extra AUX-IN and 3 RCA 4.5V pre-outs for some serious preamp stuff, while it will also play MP3 CDs, eliminating the need for a CD changer anyway.

Plus it has a nifty anti-theft switchback-and-hide HU front, which doesn't require taking out the front every time you leave the car. For me, that's a massive bonus.

Hi Mattijs,

Sounds pretty good, although the cd/amp I ended up with had a dedicated AUX-in and didn't need an adaptor which was what I was most interested.Got it for a very good price compared to my local dealer too. The switchback Hu front sounds cool though,didn't realise that was an added feature on some HU's (complete ICE novice....).

Just out of interest, is Holland quite expensive/inexpensive for ICE or home electronics in general or do products work out at similar prices?

Cheers

Hugh

I wouldn't know - have never compared with foreign prices, but you could check www.kieskeurig.nl and follow the obvious links (Audio/Hifi, Caraudio).

Originally posted by Dutch4x4 in this post

while it will also play MP3 CDs, eliminating the need for a CD changer anyway.

Unless you want lots of MP3 CDs...

Yes, I do have 6 MP3 CDs in my changer and I can't remember the last time I had to change them. Well, it was Sunday, as that's when I put the other 4 in, but my recollection is hazy...

Rob.

Very true, Rob - but I suspect that my next acquisition won't be Kenwood's 10-disc MP3-enabled changer but their Music Keg.

(AFAIK, they don't sell Mstations over here, the iPod seems heavily overpriced - over here at least - and I wouldn't want to go the FM modulation route anyway or have a loose cable dangling from the back of my HU. Shugz, any ideas on fixing the iPod while driving?)

Bolt a docking station to the boot floor?

Does it have a boltable docking station? To my knowledge it doesn't.

There are some docking stations available in the States but I have only seen pictures of these online and would be loathe to order one without seeing it 'in the flesh'.The docking station runs from the cigarette lighter and comes with an iPod holder,charger and FM transmitter built in.

What I am going to do is link up the iPod to the Aux-in on the HU and then run the cable as discreetly as possible to where I intend the iPod is going to live.I have not yet decided what to do yet in terms of mounting it somewhere but it is very light. I had an idea a couple of tastefully placed velcro strips somewhere on the dash maybe the way to go as they should be more than capable of holding the iPod. I would say, though that this is only an idea at the moment and if any bright sparks could think of a better way I'd certainly give it some thought.

Cheers

Hugh

If there's one thing I've learnt about ICE, you should use velcro at least once per project...

Rob.

At least!

And it all started with a bloke taking his dog for a walk (cue dreamy music and squiggly picture effects.)

It happened like this..

Phil

lol............................. :)

Liked the story, Phil, how are you getting on with the Mstation install??

Cheers

Hugh

well, I've taken various bits of trim on and off, and I've spent ages trawling forums and newsgroups. I finally had to buy a Vauxhall Tech info CD-Rom to see if the standard stereo has an external input (no).

I've got the whole thing planned at last, and I hope to do it when I'm on holiday next week (Whoopee!)

I've been playing around with the unit (ripping cd's like a loony) and I'm pretty impressed. I've got the home station, too, so I've been using it quite heavily. I went to Maplin at lunchtime and bought various connectors, wire and (of course) a roll of Velcro!

Phil

I know how you feel, it's a bit of a nightmare all this ICE stuff if you haven't got much of a clue,isn't it....?? :)

I've found it very hard to get good information concerning my system upgrade and if it wasn't for the good folks here I would probably be left paying a fortune to some 'specialist' to do it for me!

The iPod looks like it will be great but it's just a shame SWMBO has become an 'iPod widow' as all the spare time I have is now spent uploading my CD collection to it,well almost all of my time............

Cheers

Hugh

Mm the IPOD's a nice gadget, but the Mstation was cheaper, as I bartered it for a box of assorted bits 'n' pieces.

I need a CD autochanger for my PC, so I can rip batches of CD's. Mind you, I'm playing with Flight Sim 2004 at the mo, so I'm not short of something to do while ripping!

Phil