iPod/MP3 input for XJ8 x308

[piefacemate]

Hi all,

I'd like to wire in the 3.5mm output from my iPhone dock into my XJ8 and was wondering what options are available for me.

The car in question is a 2001 XJ8 Sovereign with tape deck and CD multi-changer in the boot.

I vaguely remember finding a module that replaced the tape deck mechanism with a 3.5mm jack, but for the life of me cant find it again. I'd prefer not to butcher the wiring for the multi-changer if possible, and have already tried FM transmitters which I found to be poor.

Does anyone have any ideas? Do any Jaguar specialists have any options for doing this?

Cheers,

Chris

[MDT]

you are looking for one of these baby's http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001ALQ5Q6/ref=...

I had one a while back. they are ok and a lot less hassle than the FM units. buy they may have inproved sice I used them.

[piefacemate]

Sorry, shouldve mentioned. I've got one and the quality is terrible! The mid range is very crackly!

[drummerboyXJR]

Tapping into the CD cable is not as scary as it seems, but be prepared for some TINY soldering!

[6speedmanual]

I've just started listening to my cassettes again!
Retro trip LOL

Peter

[piefacemate]

drummerboyXJR said:

Tapping into the CD cable is not as scary as it seems, but be prepared for some TINY soldering!

Not afraid of soldering, but the instructions appeaed to involve rerouteing of cables throughout the car and all sorts of nonsense!

Dont suppose you have a non-scary instruction manual yuo could forward me a link to?

[piefacemate]

6speedmanual said:

I've just started listening to my cassettes again!
Retro trip LOL

Peter

I suppose I could raid my old man's collection... there's only so much Emerson, Lake & Palmer I can take though !

I'm from the digital generation myself...

[6speedmanual]

Is this going off-topic into a discussion about music from the compact cassette era?

[peterzoom]

I purcased a unit from an installer here in Glasgow. Simple to install and it uses the ariel cable to the rear of the head unit via some kind of powered splitter box. It cost about £65 a year or so ago. i cant remember what it was called or the manufacturer but the shop will be able to clue you in I am sure. Works fine, way better than the cassette and fly lead I had been using previously and light years better than an FM transmitter type of device


Beaver Car Audio
368 Great Western Road
Glasgow
G4 9HT
telephone:
0141 334 9191

[piefacemate]

peterzoom said:

I purcased a unit from an installer here in Glasgow. Simple to install and it uses the ariel cable to the rear of the head unit via some kind of powered splitter box. It cost about £65 a year or so ago. i cant remember what it was called or the manufacturer but the shop will be able to clue you in I am sure. Works fine, way better than the cassette and fly lead I had been using previously and light years better than an FM transmitter type of device


Beaver Car Audio
368 Great Western Road
Glasgow
G4 9HT
telephone:
0141 334 9191

Brilliant, that sounds like what I'm after! Will give them a call tomorrow.

[CDP]

6speedmanual said:

I've just started listening to my cassettes again!
Retro trip LOL

Peter

Get a decent second hand tape deck and just get used to listening to stuff in sequence. Make your own remix tapes and join us in the 80s...

Alternatively if your tape to 3.5mm isn't very good try buying a different brand. The poor quality is probably down to misalignment during assembly. They're pretty cheap and the one I've got sounds pretty good and only cost a fiver.

[ARAF]

I like the idea of getting the tapes out. I've got bags of them in the loft.

[chris.mapey]

Im in a similar boat, and I'm looking towards a Harmon/Kardon "Drive'n'Play" solution. Looks like it may well do what's needed.

[chris.mapey]

I've just found an unused H/K Drive'n'play on ebay for abour £30, ordered it, and will be fitting it next week.

Updates to follow

[piefacemate]

Well, no response from Beaver audio, guess my £60 isn't of interest to them

Interested in how you get on with that device Chris.

Any other suggestions welcoem!

[varsas]

For what it costs, it might be worth getting a different tape -> 3.5mm jack thing. I reckon yours is broken. It's been a while since I used one but the quality was fine.

[piefacemate]

I'm starting to think you're right, and for £10 it's a bit of a no brainer.

So... is there such a think as a high quality (i.e. not Maplins ste) 3.5mm to tape converter that someone could recommend?

[ARAF]

Amazon marketplace have a Sony one listed, that seems to have good reviews from people. 71% off, so worth a punt for a fiver?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-CPA9-AE-Car-cassette-...