I seem to have two choices:

1. Retain the existing head unit and fit a connector which plugs into the cd changer lead

2. Buy an Ipod ready head unit, my preference being Alpine Ipod full speed

If I go for the 1st option, what is the cheapest method of connection? I don't have to have control over the Ipod? A 3.5mm jack socket will do as per my Focus ST.

If I go for option 2, apart from the DIN adapter, what other connection adapters to I require? I notice that there are ISO and aerial ones on caraudiodirect.co.uk.

Finally, are there any fairly low cost speaker upgrades that improve the sound significantly over the std jobbies?

Thanks!

Jez

Have a poke around on my website Jez, you may have a surprise.

Have a poke around on my website Jez, you may have a surprise.

I already have!

i had the desion ice link so i could keep the head unit, however i wasnt impressed with the sound quality, so i changed to the alpine head unit with the ipod dock and the sound quality is so much better, i can even controll the ipod from the head unit, its slower than the click wheel, but it does the job.

Fabia-vrs.com - Mobile Phone Car kit Integration

I'd be looking at possibly pins 7 and 12 on the 20 pin connector

I'd replace the head unit.. it sounds so much better with just the stock speakers... I've got a pioneer DEH-P7700MP and iPod adapter.. ipod navigation is a little slow but other than that it works great...

I use a Connects2 Ipod interface. Cheap at only £55 from Halfrauds. Same device for Nicci's clio was £85.

I have a costly Pioneer head unit that has come out of a previous car, so could possibly use that, but I know the Alpine full speed's are leagues ahead on speed.

John, how does that Connects2 connector work? Is it simply a 3.5mm jack socket or does it integrate with the Ipod via the cd changer controller?

Jez

The two pins i suggested would be enough to give you a 3.5mm jack out.

Since that is virtually a freebie i'd be giving that a go before you spend a load of cash on an new headunit.

The two pins i suggested would be enough to give you a 3.5mm jack out.

Since that is virtually a freebie i'd be giving that a go before you spend a load of cash on an new headunit.

Ah, forgive my ignorance!!

What bits would I need in order to get a jack setup sorted? I have a mate who will gladly do the work that's required - I just need to take the parts round to him. Do I then need to put the stereo on a particular setting in order to play the Ipod?

Jez

I've got the Denison Icelink and it's a fantastic bit of kit. I don't have any problems with poor sound quality.

Ah, forgive my ignorance!!

What bits would I need in order to get a jack setup sorted? I have a mate who will gladly do the work that's required - I just need to take the parts round to him. Do I then need to put the stereo on a particular setting in order to play the Ipod?

Jez

Ask VRs Stu as he should be able to list you the parts as it is his details and i don't own a furby.

I'm really just making the point hat i can see an unused input there and it should work just fine.

HTH

Ah, forgive my ignorance!!

What bits would I need in order to get a jack setup sorted? I have a mate who will gladly do the work that's required - I just need to take the parts round to him. Do I then need to put the stereo on a particular setting in order to play the Ipod?

Jez

I'm not 100% convinced that would work as you'd need to mute the other audio vie the telemute first.

Stu, couldn't you do that by sending a voltage down that thing operated by a switch.

Failing that what about a switch to cut into the CD changer audio inputs and then flip between Ipod and CD changer.

If i'm wrong feel free to kick me

I'm sure you could jury rig all sorts of stuff but I think you would be taking it a little too far and over complicated.

FWIW I would probably get the VAG Denison unit.

I recently posted details of a unit which supposedly allows both the CD Changer and Ipod to work, the search should turn it up.

fair enough, was just thinking audio in plus a voltage out pin from the ipod to the phone on line.

Does the denison unit come with a cradle?

No cradle, it's designed to go in the glove box.

Ok do what stu said,

He is the furby master and I am indeed weak in the skills of furby bodging

John, how does that Connects2 connector work? Is it simply a 3.5mm jack socket or does it integrate with the Ipod via the cd changer controller?

Jez

Yes it plus into the CD Changer port then connects to the ipod. Does not use a 3.5 jack. Uses the full length connector. When connected it charges the ipod. When you turn your radio off. It turns the ipod off. To use it through the radio you select CD and then any of the buttons 1-6. You can then use the skip buttons to switch tracks. You cannot however change playlist but this doesnt bother me as I always have it on shuffle.

Ah, that sounds like the perfect solution, John. Shame the simple wire option is a no goer, but £55 is v.cheap and a lot less than other options.

The car doesn't have a changer if that makes any difference.

By the way, issues relating to Ipod interfacing must come up so often, wouldn't it be a good idea to have a sticky?

Can I ask, do you actually need a cd changer in order to use one of the aftermarket Ipod connectors or do you simply connect it to a socket on the rear of the head unit which is designed to take the cd changer?

The headunit (mine's a Symphony) has the socket at the back which the Denison IceLink uses. No CD changer required

I think the socket is pretty much an all singing all dancing socket for various devices.

Cool, thanks for that, Joff.

THe OEM Fabia Headunit has a mini ISO connector on the back which is how the OEM/Denison connects to the headunit.