iPod interface for factory stereo?

Hi peeps, I have been out of the loop for a very long time!

Man, this site has grown!

Anyways, I bought the JBL 6 CD changer w/ factory sub option on my 07 DC. When I first joined this forum, there wasnt a AUX in for my Ipod.

Has anything changed? Can I get an Ipod interface for my factory stereo?

I dont want the FM modulation one btw. (thats was the only option available at the time)

If so could you people send some links please.

- -- - -- -

Another question;
I bought the JBL w/sub option. I think it has like a 90w amp.
I need more! When I talked to Circuit City about what I could do to increase my sound system, and told them what I had, they said Toyota/JBL engineered the system that way and it was a little more complex then adding a bigger sub and amp.

I am NOT an audiophyle!

What are my options to get more sound? Could some of you audiophyles list ideas being specific with what model amp or deck or speakers you would do?

Thanks!
(oh, I like the factory look, plain, not fantsy so it draws no attention. know what i mean)

Thanks in advance!
James

 

People here are definitely knowledgeable and willing to make suggestions at the drop of a hat, I am surprised nobody has made any comments.

As far as options, your virtually unlimited.

I am no pro, so I like to talk to people like Mr Marv to figure out what would be a good balance of quality for my budget.

You should check out Mr Marv's thread for his raffle.
He's got a great deal going on where you could win an awesome competition worthy pair of speakers from Dynaudio for your front doors, and a sound dampening kit.

Check it out here:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/au...-bbq-raffle-dynaudio-esotec-system-342-a.html

 

A few preliminary questions...what do you mean by "more sound", are you planning to do it yourself, are you willing to do simple modifications to your truck and what kind of budget are you working with?

 

Thanks for the vote of confidence and for helping promote the raffle!

 

As for the Ipod interface there are a bunch of different ones now depending on the features and how much you want to spend. Search the audio forum for Metra, USA Spec, and Ipod2car and you should get a bunch of hits.

 

Mr Marv what I mean by more sound is the factory system isnt loud enough. Im finding myself maxing out the volume. (and wanting more)

Though, it does sound good, (to me) and Im not worried about blowing anything with the vol maxed.

I like the stock look, I dont want to draw any attention if someone looks in the window.

I probably could do it myself, but Im not sure if I will. It depends on what the task is. I am an electrician and can read schematics but, I have no expirence with audio amps, crossovers , and such.

buget would be less than 1K

What is the function of the JL cleansweep?

I would really like to know if there is something for my Ipod that works with my factory 6 disc changer!

Thanks

 

See my post above. All those work with your stock radio. Volume tends to be a little weak but they work good.

 

Are you planning to change your door speakers as well? If not the Cleansweep would be a waste of money IMO since one of it's main functions is to "flatten" the factory decks response which will benefit aftermarket speakers. If you are just looking to upgrade the sub and add an amp you can do that easily for way less than 1K using a device such as the MTX REQ interface. BTW, being an electrician I'd imagine you have some good mechanical skills as well so I am sure you could do this yourself and if you needed help I am just down near Monterey.

 

Thanks Mr Marv! The funny thing is, Im moving to San Jose in two weeks, for work. (will be working in Oakland for the railroad) I was going to ask if maybe sometime I could visit you.

I like to do thing right the first time, and Im very naive, when it comes to properly matching an audio system. Im not sure about changing the door speakers, basically, I would like to upgrade my whole system a level or two. Does that make sense?

Question- since I like would like to keep the HU stock. Would that hinder the performace of any other componets?

Oh, Im checking out PA15 TOY. Any opinions?

"PA15 TOY – UPGRADE from the PA12 TOY. Displays song title & Artist info on all radios with “Text” button, Works with all radios, including in dash 6 Disc CD Changer. PA15 allows connection through XM or CDC port, works on all 1998-2008 RADIOS including 07/08 Tundra, and Avalon. Works on all new 07/08 Delphi radios !!! Works on newer NAV radios through the SAT port and works flawlessly on all the older GEN 4 Nav radios !!"

Thanks

 

You are welcome to visit any time and if you happen to be in the area this weekend you can witness a "full on" install I am doing in a 2008 double cab for another member here (I'll be starting a thread tomorrow as I plan to photo/text document the entire procedure for a tutorial to hopefully make it easier for you guys to do this yourselves )

Using the factory headunit without one of the interfaces will definitely hinder the performance of aftermarket speakers. If you want to keep the factory headunit and think you may end up changing the door speakers now/in the future I would suggest getting the Cleansweep. The only drag to this device is you will need to use the supplied external volume control as you lose volume function at the deck and in the steering wheel. If you think you will only add a subwoofer/amp the MTX interface I mentioned will override the "bass limiter" in your headunit to allow you the best performance.

Now I'll start preaching a bit
Since speakers are what actually make the sound I always make them the first priority in any system I design/build. I have found that most people want to improve the factory bass quality/quantity so that is where they usually start. After listening to that for a while they realize just how bad the factory speakers really are and end up calling me again for suggestions on front speakers!
If you want to "do it right the first time" as you mentioned I'm sure you could put together a nice simple system within your budget that would absolutely blow the factory system away!

 

"I'm sure you could put together a nice simple system within your budget that would absolutely blow the factory system away!"

Sweet, im interested.

You should list a few combinations categorized by price Vs performance gain of speaker, amp, sub, hu ect.. for a sticky that you recommend, and why they would be your choice. Just an idea

"You are welcome to visit any time and if you happen to be in the area this weekend you can witness a "full on" install I am doing in a 2008 double cab for another member here (I'll be starting a thread tomorrow as I plan to photo/text document the entire procedure for a tutorial to hopefully make it easier for you guys to do this yourselves)"

That sounds right up my alley! The above statement tells me you are a very honest person, that is a quality somewhat hard find these days! Thank you!

PROPS Mr Marv

James

 

Thanks for the compliment!

A categorized comparison would be cool however everyone's objectives/tastes are different so I don't think I could cover every possibility! If you'd like some suggestions give me a call at the number below or drop me an email/PM and I'll reply with a list of questions to help make sure you get what works best for you and your specific tastes/application.

 

I have the Ipod2car unit (PXDP). I've had it for about 3 years now and was originally installed in my Dodge. Steering wheel controls work (volume,up/down track) but you have to use the ipod to pick playlists & such. It's a great little unit.

From what I've learned - the volume levels will depend on the files in your ipod. Each song you download will vary in levels. It depends on where you get your music and at what potential it has (I honestly don't know the techy words for all that). I use MP3gain program to change the levels and/or make them all consistant.

The ipod2car unit also has a dipstick #6 that you can toggle to give you more volume. Before doing this myself, I was maxing out the volume. Now - not so much.

You can buy this unit on ebay for like $104 that includes harnasses. It's an easy install.
http://aaronlinsdau.com/gear/articles/ipod2car.html