12v iPod speaker/s

[Kentish]

I wasn't sure where to post this as it is not an enquiry per se about Film/TV/Music/Home or any categories that are listed.

On to the question...

I don't want to go to the effort and expense of adding iPod integration to my car as it has iDrive (please don't move to BMW section as the question is not BMW specific, thanks).
I like the BMW 6 CD player system in the glove box but if you want iPod integration, the CD changer has to go and it's also pretty expensive.

What I'd like to do is pick up a great sounding full range speaker or pair of speakers with an in-built amplifier and an iPod connection or USB or even a 3.5mm Aux-in socket. It must sound good (full range and bass) and be able to stow away somewhere discreet (perhaps under front seats - would be best if it has a pair of individual speakers for this) with a lead going to a power source and another lead to the iPod.

A Google search reveals nothing helpful.

Has anyone seen anything that is suitable or perhaps can suggest something as a solution?

The other option is that I wire into the rear shelf speakers with a mini amp that has USB connectivity and take a power source from the boot and run a USB to the front. However, I think the BMW rear shelf speakers are quite small and the iPod will sound rather flat without the assistance of the subs (factory fitter under the seats).

What would you PH audiophiles do?

[rpguk]

You could perhaps try a t-class amp and use whichever speakers you like. I've got one of these and it is very energy efficient and gives a pretty good sound.

[Steve Benson]

I'd like to do this too if anybody has any ideas.

I'm going to fit it in a classic which has no radio so I can listen to music and use the sat nav without butchering the car but I need something that will run off 12v

[Kentish]

rpguk said:

You could perhaps try a t-class amp and use whichever speakers you like. I've got one of these and it is very energy efficient and gives a pretty good sound.

Thanks; that looks good and good reviews too.

I'd have to find a suitable lead though from iPod to RCA in (is there such a thing, I've not seen them).
I could go down the route of 3.5mm stereo jack plug to RCA, I've seen those.

Maybe I should then look for a pair of full range speakers for under the seats instead of going for the option of wiring into some of the vehicle speakers?

[C.A.R.]

Either something like this -



FM Adapter

Or



Anything else is going to sound a bit rubbish inside a car.

[C.A.R.]

Connects2 Ipod connection adapters

[Kentish]

C.A.R. said:

Either something like this -



FM Adapter

Or



Anything else is going to sound a bit rubbish inside a car.

Tried the Griffin iTrip and it's good if you don't drive anywhere
If you move a few miles you keep having to re-scan for a blank frequency and then re-tune the radio to match. There's just too many small local FM stations around now for these to be a viable option unfortunately.

Headphones, I'm sure are not legal to wear in a car (as a driver). But don't quote me on that.
In any case, I still prefer to hear what's going on around me

Thanks for the suggestions though.

[Kentish]

C.A.R. said:

Connects2 Ipod connection adapters

This is probably the nicest option but a lot of work on my car - I'd personally not want to take all the iDrive and dash apart to connect one of these

However, my buddy is a BMW technician for the main dealer

Uhhmm....

[Silverbullet767]

I have one of these (see link), not cheap. But you'll keep your CD changer. and it's switchable, if your car didn't have bluetooth like mine, you can add that at a later date with the bluetooth module.

http://www.dension.com/product/iPod-iPhone-car-ada...

They also do a unit with bluetooth built in which wasn't available when I bought mine, it's probably cheaper to buy than the other 2 units.

http://www.dension.com/product/gateway-500s-blueto...

Compatibility chart for BMW

http://www.dension.com/sites/default/files/car-com...

Added bonus with this type of setup is it's fully controllable from the cars controls.

[big_boz]

You want to carry a separate stereo around in the car with you to play music off your ipod?

Sounds like madness to me. Has your car got Bluetooth? you could stream via the BT if you have there are adapters that will connect to your Ipod in the same way as an FM transmitter but will result in better sound quality, also you can stream from your smart phone too, which is usefull.

[Kentish]

Silverbullet767 said:

I have one of these (see link), not cheap. But you'll keep your CD changer. and it's switchable, if your car didn't have bluetooth like mine, you can add that at a later date with the bluetooth module.

http://www.dension.com/product/iPod-iPhone-car-ada...

They also do a unit with bluetooth built in which wasn't available when I bought mine, it's probably cheaper to buy than the other 2 units.

http://www.dension.com/product/gateway-500s-blueto...

Compatibility chart for BMW

http://www.dension.com/sites/default/files/car-com...

Added bonus with this type of setup is it's fully controllable from the cars controls.

Thanks SB; again these are the best option for convenience of use but a PITA to DIY install or expensive to have fitted by ICE installers.

[Kentish]

big_boz said:

You want to carry a separate stereo around in the car with you to play music off your ipod?

Sounds like madness to me. Has your car got Bluetooth? you could stream via the BT if you have there are adapters that will connect to your Ipod in the same way as an FM transmitter but will result in better sound quality, also you can stream from your smart phone too, which is usefull.

I wasn't thinking about carting around a separate music system as such - just adding a small USB Amp and connecting into the cars speakers, or at least a pair of the standard speakers.

[big_boz]

Surely mucking about cutting into speaker wires and adding amps and cabling et al, is no more complex than getting a proper set up that will sound better anyway?

[Kentish]

big_boz said:

Has your car got Bluetooth? you could stream via the BT if you have there are adapters that will connect to your Ipod in the same way as an FM transmitter but will result in better sound quality, also you can stream from your smart phone too, which is usefull.

This is great, got any links to such devices (or makes) as I've searched and not found anything other than FM transmitters.

This would be perfect as I do have Bluetooth which works perfectly with my iPhone 4 for phone calls but that is all it does. With one of the devices you mention I could transfer all the music I need to my phone and stream it vis the device to the car; I could even still charge up the phone at the same time.

[Kentish]

big_boz said:

Surely mucking about cutting into speaker wires and adding amps and cabling et al, is no more complex than getting a proper set up that will sound better anyway?

Much easier than taking all the dash and iDrive out I can assure you!

Rest assured, if the connects or dension were easy to fit I'd be doing just that!

I've asked for quotes for fitting and they all want around £400-500

And then there's no guarantees that the dash assembly won't rattle like a hookers bedside cabinet after.

[big_boz]

Kentish said:

This is great, got any links to such devices (or makes) as I've searched and not found anything other than FM transmitters.

This would be perfect as I do have Bluetooth which works perfectly with my iPhone 4 for phone calls but that is all it does. With one of the devices you mention I could transfer all the music I need to my phone and stream it vis the device to the car; I could even still charge up the phone at the same time.

I just looked at your profile and if its your E60 your are talking about and its pre facelift i don't think they support Bluetooth streaming...but....you might be able to have the firmware updated to support as the later models do, a friends 58 plate 520d could do this if memory serves. Your BMW tech friend might be able to advise.

Alternatively you can definitely get a parrot kit that supports all Bluetooth functions and will stream music from your iphone. This model does it i think MKi9200, quick Google shows it as c.£129 fitted, which is cheap, i had one in my old A4 and it was £200 fitted.

[Monty Python]

Could you not just burn everything onto CDs in MP3 format - the single slot and multichanger both handle MP3-encoded discs (at least it does in mine).

[big_boz]

Right, to get your firmware updated you need to find a BMW specialist that has the software and autologic (which i assume is the BMW version of Vauxhall Tech2 and VW audi group VAGCOM) Apparently it can take anything upto 12 hours if you want every routine updating including Sat nav!

A dealer will charge up to £500 but a local should be about a ton from what i have been told, and you may just be able to get the BT element of the software updated so possibly less. Darren Wood BMW Specialist in Stockport have been recommended by a mate sat in my office who used them to update his 3 series, cost £120 inc Vat.

[Kentish]

I was googling and this was recommended on another forum.

No good though as I don't have an aux-in socket and if I did I presumably would not need the device anyway, no?

[big_boz]

Kentish said:

I was googling and this was recommended on another forum.

No good though as I don't have an aux-in socket and if I did I presumably would not need the device anyway, no?

what do you need an aux in for?

And i found another recommendation for Darren Wood in stockport, maybe call him and see what he says, at least you will know what to ask for.