Right now I am playing my iPod through the FM transmitter on my stock headunit. Not to happy with the quality and mainly bought it for when I rent cars. I was wondering if there is a way to get a direct connection of my iPod to my stock headunit, that way I don't have to buy a new headunit that is already compatible? I have an 03 WRX, in case that matters. I like the 6-disc changer and the cassette player, because I do have a few cassettes that I play frequently. From what I have seen also, there aren't many aftermarket headunits have the in-dash 6-disc player either... Thanks for any help.
AFAIK, there is no true ipod hook up til at least 06. You could get one of those tapes with the 3.5mm cord attached to it. That seems to work better than the shitty fm transmitter. Alternatively, Alpine makes a decent ipod based stereo as do some of the other companies for a decent price. I have the Alpine iDA-x001 (2 years old now) and it's awesome..doesn't work with ipod touch :unamused: or iphone all that well. I think the newer devices are more compatible with them.
There was a hack somewhere on the net that used a blank CD in one of the slots, and some sort of wiring connection to make it work. I think I saw it on the legacygt.com site. I'll dig around and see what I can find for you.
So if I went with a new headunit, should I go to a local place or Bestbuy? Don't want a bunch of monkeys hacking up my interior. I know bestbuy sells alpine, and it would be awesome if they sold eclipse. Yes Ped, I am still around. Don't race anymore, but I keep my car healthy. Going off road and using mountain roads a lot more, so I do get my fill. Prepping for Petit?
Check out NASIOC in the AV forum. In the stickies there is info of using a blank CD and a splice to the audio feed. If you want to stay stock, that is the best route. You could look for an 06+ with the aux in but I am not sure where the plug is or how easy that is to integrate. They will also be pricey! I went aftermarket. No need to worry about hacking the interior. The Suby radio is the easiest in the world to remove. Nothing will get hacked.
personally I prefer alpine b/c they have full ipod connections...some of the other companies (pioneer, sony, etc) have limited ipod control. With the alpine, you can do everything on the ipod from the h/u itself. http://www.crutchfield.com/g_300/Car-Receivers.html?tp=5684&nvpair=FFBrand|Alpine
I ran into the same problem in my '06 (the 3.5 connector was introduced in '07). Eventually I bought the Pioneer AVH-P4000. It's cheap, and it does what it's supposed to do with a touchscreen, too.
Is it worth getting speaker upgrades as well? I don't blast my music, but I do like quality sound. I would really like to get component speakers also, but does it require small amp, or would something like the alpine headunit supply enough power?
Have a look at my install pics http://www.wrxatlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23428&highlight=F700Bt
I'd check the legacy forums for anyone selling/giving away the upgraded speakers. I put them in my car and they sound TEN times better than the stock paper speakers
I dont really know. The other two cars i drive have Bose and Harman Kardon speakers in them.. i can never tell a diff.. then again i dont really turn it up alot.
He has an 03 though...Subaru had horrible speakers in the cars until 05+. Before 05, the speakers were just plain crap. I would get some nice components and a new head unit. If you are in the Atlanta area, I can help with the install if you dont trust BB messing with your car. and I do have my factory speakers left over somewhere. I also have a set of elemental design tweeters, 6.5 mid, and crossovers but there is no way those speakers would fit in your doors without some major spacers. Plus one of the woffer terminals is damaged. Hit me up if you are insterested. I would let you have all of it for like $30.