Alright guys, I know this problem has been addressed a thousand times already, so I apologize in advance. I have an '03 6MT Coupe. I have the Bose sound system, but no SAT Radio. I am trying to determine the best way to hook up my iPod to my radio. I have an Alpine CD Player and the iPod adapter for it. What I would like to know is, do you guys think I would be better off buying the Double DIN stuff and putting in the Alpine; or hook the iPod right to the factory CD Player? Also, if I hook up the iPod right to the factory CD Player, do I lose the use of my 6 CD Changer? If you guys have any suggestions for me please share..
Thanks

 

would you like my 2004.5 radio/climate control bose headunit? I just took it out. It has the sat input. You could use that + the PAC-NIS thing.

Alpine is the way to go with the iPod if you can afford it though.

 

Well I have the SAT button on my console, but I have have Sat radio.
Thanks

 

You need to check if you are pre-wired for sat radio (read prev-posts on this) if you are, just buy an ICruze and plug it into the sat harness. The ICruze will let you switch songs on the ipod with the steering wheel controls among other things. If you are not pre-wired you would need to buy the sat wire harness and run it....


http://www.grubbsperformance.com/Mer...ry_Code=iCRUZE

If you really want to do the Double Din thing I would personally ditch the ipod at that point and go with a integrated mp3 unit....

 

As always, I would say the "Best" way to do what you ask depends on you.

To answer, no, you do not lose the use of the 6-disc CD changer in any of the mentioned options, except changing to the Alpine of course.

If you like the stock look and security and don't consider yourself to be an audiophile, integrating to the HU will be the easier option. The iCruze adapter mentioned looks pretty sweet, but with the harness and display, you'll drop a bit of money on it. Probably worth it, but something to consider. With a display, the iCruze let's you install your Ipod out of sight. The PAC adapter is a bit more bare-bones, but a lot cheaper. You don't get the handy interface controls and display, but they may not be what you're looking for. You'll have to buy a separate charger and find an acceptable mount. I have a PAC and am about 95% satisfied with it.

If sound quality ranks high for you, it's probably worth biting the bullet and use this as an excuse to do the DD swap. Parts aren't exactly cheap, but in the end, you'll probably be happier with the quality.