Aux input Vs iPod interface

[Cooperpot]

I've been searching the forums for a little while, but cant seem to find a definitive answer. Does the Auxiliary input cable do the same job as the interface in terms of playing an iPod?

I know that the interface allows you to control the iPod from the stereo and the aux input doesnt, but i'm not really bothered about that. Is there any difference in sound quality between the two?

The reason i ask is that my dealer quoted me nearly £300 to fit the interface, and i believe the aux input is in the £50 region.

Thanks

[simeds]

cost me 185 for the ipod interface fitted

[Cooper86]

I fitted an after market stereo in my cooper with an aux input and the sound quality is brilliant. You cant change tracks or anything through the stereo but you have your mp3 player with you anyway so it doesn't bother me!
Had an fm transmitter before and that was rubbish! the aux input is a million times better!

[mikeythemini]

The aux input doesnt charge the ipod
The Mini interface & dension icelink both do
The aux input uses the headphone output - the quality is not as good as the output in the dock connector

[Cooperpot]

thanks mikeythemini that's pretty much waht i wanted to know.

hmmm the decision. Not sure yet, but the aux input is sounding appealing. Hopefully the slightly poorer sound quality is made up by the fact that its waaaaaaay cheaper. Still not sure, but thanks guys

[Beastmaster]

aux input is great can buy a belkin adapter for 20 quid off ebay which charges and plays from bottom ipod outlet

[MINIMAT]

I don't own an ipod but I would imagine the interface is a digital connection meaning the sound would be digital for longer and give you better sound quality that way.
An aux socket would probably use the headphone socket and so would be analogue and so give a slight drop in sound quality. Of course you'd have more options with an aux input. - Plugging in a DVD player or something.

[rkw]

This cable is inexpensive and works great. It is a dock connector that gives you the same line-out signal used by iPod interfaces, to plug into the aux input with no loss in sound quality. Added bonus is that the cord is retractable. Google "ZipLinq" for vendors in your area.

In the US, it is available at various vendors including: http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/...no~7010156.asp
In the UK, Amazon carries it: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...lance&n=560798



By the way, iPod does not have a digital audio output. Even the iPod adapters (OEM, Dension, etc.) use the analog line out, but line out bypasses the headphone amplifier for better sound quality.

[minimattsback]

hmmm the decision. Not sure yet, but the aux input is sounding appealing. Hopefully the slightly poorer sound quality is made up by the fact that its waaaaaaay cheaper. Still not sure, but thanks guys [/quote]

If you go for the Aux-in look on ebay for a good selection and good quality. I got one from Hi-Fi LINKS £32 but the installation procedure was not so good, if you want a procedure
( I made one up with photos when installing)...you can PM me. I can send you a PDF/Word version.
Anyway good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[MINIMAT]

My guess is given you are listening in a car and you are listening to compressed audio anyway you won't hear a difference.

[Cooperpot]

Quote: Originally Posted by minimattsback

If you go for the Aux-in look on ebay for a good selection and good quality. I got one from Hi-Fi LINKS £32 but the installation procedure was not so good, if you want a procedure
( I made one up with photos when installing)...you can PM me. I can send you a PDF/Word version.
Anyway good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Thanks! will send you a PM if i decide to go that route

[blondini]

Just one thing to add,

I had the AUX input fitted by the dealer at pruchase (about £30) it works OK but the one thing that bugs me is that the ipod pre amplifies for headfones, so in order to get a decent volume on the factory "boost" steroe you have to have the iPod and the stereo cranked up on full.

As its a convertible this can mean that at high speeds, depending on how the original track was ripped you can't hear it!

I believe the ICELink devices have a better pre aplification so more ajustment is available on the head unit.

Althought I have the AUX adaptor i'm saving my pennies for a trip to Mikeythemini to get me an ICELLink!!

[hoosto]

Is the aux input something that is availible and fitted by the dealer?

[rkw]

Quote: Originally Posted by blondini

in order to get a decent volume on the factory "boost" steroe you have to have the iPod and the stereo cranked up on full.

Have you set the aux level? Press the button with the music note repeatedly until the display shows AUX LEV, then turn the volume knob to set the level (0 to 5). I believe the default is 1. Mine is set to 4.

[heyduard]

Quote: Originally Posted by blondini

Just one thing to add,

I had the AUX input fitted by the dealer at pruchase (about £30) it works OK but the one thing that bugs me is that the ipod pre amplifies for headfones, so in order to get a decent volume on the factory "boost" steroe you have to have the iPod and the stereo cranked up on full.

I use the aux input with a belkin dock for the ipod. The belkin provides a true line out, like rkw and beastmaster have mentioned. The sound levels are more than adequate with an aux input level of 2 (I think that's what I set it to). Plus, the belkin charges the ipod as well.

good hunting!