Looking to buy a stereo deck for the car

[Russic]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm really not looking to spend a whole lot of money plus I use (or will be using) my iPhone as a gps so having it accessible is a must. In the end I just need the aux input, so does anybody have an opinion on the universal aux input switches?

[photon]

Check the make and model of your car, some actually have an aux input in them already. Or if it's got a satellite setting. My 2003 Murano had the option to have a factory satellite radio, but apparently you can easily hook up an iPod to it as well (and even control it with the controls on the steering wheel). Apparently it's almost "plug and play" with the stock stereo.

[BlackArcher101]

What do you need the aux switch for? What do you want to connect to it?

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by Nage Waza

For the best sound, you want the Ipod adaptor that comes out of the back of the deck, hopefully to the glove box. With this feature, you can control the ipod through the deck itself. I have a 30 gig full time in my glove box. I also have satellite hooked up under the hood, which is also controlled by the deck. This is the way to go, for sure. The sound is top notch and there is always something good on. I have a pioneer deck, they go for around 250 to 300 (for the ipod/satellite system).

LOL, you just quoted me from 2005

I now have a different car and different setup, and also have full control through my deck, however didn't have to replace the factory deck.
Dice ipod hookup which runs through my CD changer connection in my trunk. Gives me full control through my stock stereo, steering wheel controls, shows text display and charges my ipod. All without even having to pull out my factory car deck.

[shane_c]

I recommend Crutchfield Canada. Excellent customer service, and for most decks you get free shipping and they include all the installation hardware.

http://www.crutchfield.ca/

[Nage Waza]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

LOL, you just quoted me from 2005

Totally brilliant! This is friggin hilarious! Lucky you weren't talking about 8 track or something! Sounds like your current system is similar to mine. I also upgraded my speakers, added an amp and will be adding another soon to go with a sub woofer.

[Russic]

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

What do you need the aux switch for? What do you want to connect to it?

I currently use an fm transmitter for my iPod. It worked fine a few years ago, but Calgary fm signals are either more crowded or I'm getting more sensitive to the static. Also, we drive through the mountains a fair bit, and the iPod through an fm transmitter is unlistenable it gets so bad. Finally, I've grown to love podcasts and audiobooks. Loud music you don't notice the static much ... Just a guy talking into a mic you notice quite a bit more.

[BlackArcher101]

Ah ok... when you asked about aux switches it sounded like you wanted to connect two inputs at the same time. I guess the question is then, do you want to control your iPod with the stereo or the ipod itself. If on the ipod, you can use the aux port just fine... but if you'd like to use the stereo to control it (and see the song titles on the display), then a regular aux port/stereo plug won't work and you'll probably go the usb route (these might also charge your ipod at the same time!).

[thesmugger]

Probably going to want something that supports ipod and will display song name on the screen.

[Russic]

Thanks for the input everybody, it has been appreciated!

I went with just a standard auxiliary input instead of buying a whole new deck. I didn't really need anything that displays the track/artist as I have my phone displayed at all times anyway. I had it installed in one of the many compartments in the car so when not in use I can just close the wee door and you wouldn't even know it's there. I would have liked to have an option for charging the iPhone (such as a usb port), but for $100 including install I can't really complain.