3rdelement

iTrader: (1)

after fussing with it for a week i finally got it all installed and working. i would post pictures, but its so hidden that in the center console just looks like an ipod connected by a black dock connection.

the reason i am posting this is for those who may want to do the same thing.

****most important step****
****make sure to update your ipod with the newest firmware.****

also there is a great mounting spot on the transmission hum below the ac unit. currently(in the 96 es) there is a piece of styrofoam there...just remove that and you'll see where im talking about.

Cost:
alpine cda-9851 $349 (soundtrack)
alpine ipod adapter $108 (crutchfield)
apple ipod 60gb photo $379 (techforless.com)

i have to say though for all the complaining i heard about the adapter, i love it!
~Richard

kdogg

Why the adapter? Don't they have those radio tuner adapters for $30 where you just tune into a radio station?

W. David

You don't get the same sound quality from an iTrip as you do from an actual docking unit that runs through your audio system.....the difference would be particularly noticeable if you have after market speakers, subs, etc....the low end output from the iTrip just sounds like **** imo...where as this solution will give to CD quality audio.

3rdelement

iTrader: (1)

exactly. even tape adapters you can hear the music but if you truely want CD quality from any external audio device you should hook it directly in. Also the Alpine adapter does the decompression of the files which is supposed to give you even higher quality.

The nice thing about it. is when you shut off the car. and then get in the next morning....it still has the last song you were listening to cued up.

TheRupp

iTrip sucks unless you live in a low-populated area. Every time I go to Schaumburg, someone else is using the same frequency as I am (here in the surrounding Chicago areas we don't have a lot of open frequencies at all... i think 2 or 3). I use the tape adaprter and it works wonderfully and provides great sound. Not the same that a direct connection would though