iTrip and others like it su#k. Best low cost solution for '03+ which is not on the list is to hardwire in an FM modulator. Device goes in-line between antenna and radio, and plugs into the ipod. Have one behind my dash with a wire running out -- works MUCH better than itrip-like stuff.

 

Details for us ADD's, baby...

 

where did get it and how much? this might allow me to keep the changer and run the ipod.

do you still have to find and empty fm station?

is there any drift or does the signal stay solid as long as a real station doesn't start broadcasting over it.

how's the sound quality?

i've tried several fm modulators and they all sucked big time.

 

fm modulator

 

Exactly like the product above. Bought mine from Crutchfield for under $100 (dont remember). Only have a few FM options, but it doesnt need to be clear, just pick the cleanest one. Antenna gets plugged into modulator then modulator plugs into radio. So as I understand it, when the modulator senses a signal from the iPod, it cuts off the antenna connection and replaces that signal with an FM one it creates from the iPod. Much better set up than having a portable FM modulator like the itrip transmitting to your car antenna. I've tried both and the hardwired one is much much better. Than being said, it is not the same quality as if you had a direct connection. Sounds sort of like a strong FM station, but it's the best alternative i know of without ripping it all out.

 

sorry, I cant elaborate because I dont know much about it. One of my closest friends owns 2 nationally ranked and known stereo shops hear in FLorida...He can do amazing tricks with Fiber Optic Based factory systems, and other crazy Things. He put a HeadUnit in my friends Bose 996TT, and he also put an Eclipse AVN-2454 DVD/NAV Headunit in my previous Cayenne which was BOSE. All I know is that he had to reroute all the fiber optics to something else, and the BOSE amp was disconnected. THey did not have to take it out for the sake of bringin the car back to stock...But all the fiber optics were left in tact, and the speakers were run off of the head unit (now a days, more than sufficient power in them to run a whole BOSE system), or you could get real technical and run them off of an amp..Ill try to find out more...Cheers

Harris

 

Yes, you can change the head unit....IF you get rid of the bose amps. That defeats the purpose of just swapping the head unit out.

You can't run a whole bose systeme with multiple subwoofers off a head unit. None of the power listed on the head unit is RMS power and even then it's typically only 4 way. None of the power in the head unit is meant to be driven at less than 4 ohms. It is just a small very basic amp in the head units do to their limited size. All you're doing is adding a head unit and power source and running the bose speakers. Which even that is kind of the sketchy because the Bose speakers have some funky impedance.

I also have a friend that owns the Ultimate Audio chain in central FL ( featured in CA&E, etc..). I've already been through this. With a Bose system, you have to decide to either rip out the head unit and aplification, or leave it stock. You can rig it to work with the bose speakers, but if you're gonna spend the money on a new head unit, amp, and install...why not just new speakers too. I don't know jack about the MOST setup, as I have an 02.