iPod compatible head unit suggestions - LCR225

8bit

Active Member
Feb 11, 2010
3,401
3
Aberdeen
Hi all,

Got the single-CD version of the Aura head unit in my LCR225. Want to replace it with something that I can plug my iPod into (1st generation Nano at the moment, may upgrade to newer Nano, Touch or Classic soon). In my old Punto I had a cheap-as-chips Ripspeed unit, the iPod connected to it via a cable that came out the back of the head unit into the glove compartment and the iPod was controlled from the front of the head unit.

I was going to transplant that HU into the LCR but I can't find the original Fiat one to put back into that before I sell it. Can anyone suggest a HU that works with iPods, controls them from the front panel, displays track/artist info etc. and doesn't only connect into the front of the HU? A lot of the HU's I see at Halfords etc. need the iPod plugged into the front of them and I don't want cables and stuff hanging around in the cabin if possible.

Cheers
8bit
 

alx_chung

Dark Lord of the Torque
Sep 11, 2006
1,540
0
In front of a PC....
I'd recommend the Alpine range of HUs. I have had two of them (Single Din and Double Din models) and can't fault them. The cable runs from the back of the HU and can be routed to your glovebox quite easily.
Alex
 

8bit

Active Member
Feb 11, 2010
3,401
3
Aberdeen
Cheers for the help all. I've decided on the Alpine ida-x305, love the funky little ipod-style screen :) I'm not bothered about the Bluetooth add-on (certainly not for another 130 quid) so just need the head unit and whatever cable necessary to connect to the iPod, if that's not included. Can anyone tell me if the iPod cable is included? Do I need anything else such as a cable connector for the car's wiring loom? Aerial converter/booster/both? Anything else needed that doesn't come with the HU as standard?

Cheers
8bit
 
Mar 3, 2009
823
0
Hinckley
kce 433i was included with the unit unless you buy from somewhere thats a tight ass and remove it from the box and sell as an extra!
no iso lead,just do:
red-yellow
yellow-red to save memory
aerial booster you'll want pc5-52
 

8bit

Active Member
Feb 11, 2010
3,401
3
Aberdeen
Nice one cheers. Just ordered the ida-x305 and the pc5-52 aerial adaptor so that'll keep me busy and swearing this weekend :)

mt audio, when you say red-yellow, yellow-red, can you clarify how to do this? Am I going to have to get the soldering iron out?

Cheers
8bit
 

Crazyoll

Active Member
Feb 2, 2010
82
0
Worcestershire
I have just bought a Clarion CZ209ER - got it for £90 which i thouhgt was a bargain and im really impressed.
Easy browsing from the headunit. Though not as fancy looking as the alpine. But a great solution.
 
Aug 2, 2009
812
0
North Lincs
Cheers for the help all. I've decided on the Alpine ida-x305, love the funky little ipod-style screen :) I'm not bothered about the Bluetooth add-on (certainly not for another 130 quid) so just need the head unit and whatever cable necessary to connect to the iPod, if that's not included. Can anyone tell me if the iPod cable is included? Do I need anything else such as a cable connector for the car's wiring loom? Aerial converter/booster/both? Anything else needed that doesn't come with the HU as standard?

Cheers
8bit

I've got the 303 model and everything needed cam in the box...just plug and play! :)
 
Mar 3, 2009
823
0
Hinckley
no soldering iron needed,both the wires have bullet connectors on them

from

_______ _______

_______ _______


to

_______ _______

_______ _______
 

8bit

Active Member
Feb 11, 2010
3,401
3
Aberdeen
kce 433i was included with the unit unless you buy from somewhere thats a tight ass and remove it from the box and sell as an extra!
no iso lead,just do:
red-yellow
yellow-red to save memory
aerial booster you'll want pc5-52

OK I just received my ida-x305 but there's no kce-433i cable in the box, I just got a very short iPod - USB lead (like the one you get with the iPod to plug into the PC with) and a longer, USB male to female cable. That said, looking at the instructions it doesn't appear there's anywhere to plug in the kce-433i cable so am confused, maybe this is all it's meant to come with? There's no mention of the kce-433i in the accessory list in the instructions either.

Anyone able to confirm what they got in the box with their ida-x305?
 

8bit

Active Member
Feb 11, 2010
3,401
3
Aberdeen
you can still use the other one its come with for 99% of ipods but the 433iv is true speed

Hmm ok well looking at the instructions and the unit itself, the only ports on the back for input are the USB one and the one for the optional Bluetooth module so I guess I don't have a choice. Hopefully it all works fine :)

Cheers
8bit
 

Fien

Active Member
Mar 11, 2010
180
0
Chester
Just got my LCR and fitting a new HU is one of the first things im gonna wanna do. Interested in the iDA-x305 as well so this is really helpful cheers
 

Fien

Active Member
Mar 11, 2010
180
0
Chester
just read the sticky that the cd changer unit becomes useless with all after market HU. Thats a bit of a bummer!

Am i'm right in thinking that the x305 doesnt have a cd player? cant say i'd need it really with the ipod connection so guess you can just remove the cd changer and get a decent size glove box back.
 
Aug 2, 2009
812
0
North Lincs
just read the sticky that the cd changer unit becomes useless with all after market HU. Thats a bit of a bummer!

Am i'm right in thinking that the x305 doesnt have a cd player? cant say i'd need it really with the ipod connection so guess you can just remove the cd changer and get a decent size glove box back.

Thats right, there's no cd slot, but who needs it when you have your ipod tucked away in the glovebox with a couple of thousand songs on it! :)

After you've removed the changer, you will need to fit an insert, available from the dealers (or TPS). Its still only leaves a very small space but its better than it was.
 
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