simple request for hu replacemebt

[deepdrop]

Hi,

I have a 2006 RTL (no navigation).

I'm no longer much of an audiophile. As a matter of fact, I set my factory subwoofer to 0 and it didn't really bother me much, so I'm fine without a subwoofer.

I am frustrated that I cant use my ipod and ipad. I did buy the usa spec connector years ago and have not been impressed as it always loses my place. Besides, it won't help with the ipad.

I'd like to buy a good quality head unit. I've been told that one with a usb port will allow me to use my ipod/ipad, although it might not charge them.

I won't bother with the subwoofer, but I'll probably replace the other speakers.

Any suggestion for a really good quality head unit? Is it true that if it has a usb adaptor, it will allow me to use my ipod and ipad?

Thanks in advance for head unit or speaker recommendations.

Dan

[laserguy]

I would get a 6 channel single din if audio is the only thing in mind.

If you choose one with bluetooth, you can listen to music wirelessly, 2 USB ports plus an aux port for extra devices, you can also add an HD RADIO that sounds close to cd quality.

You will have access to all your playlists, artists albums on the HU and read the names of the songs. If you want steering wheel controls get a metra axxess, easy to install

Look at JVC, PIONEER or kenwood, you may get a good one for under $200 and may have the HD included and blue tooth also for hands free phone calls.

If you get it through Crutchfield, they include the mounting kit, anntena adapter and harness, the harness connects to the connector on the HU and the factory plug, to use the existing speaker factory wiring.

Don't use the factory ground from the connector, use new ground the one on the left side of the glove box, connect the blue wire of the antenna adapter to pin 2 red/yellow wire for noise free radio reception.

I hope this helps.

[Tribble]

As an alternative option to laser's excellent suggestions above, you may want to consider also the newer breed of "Digital" HU.

The big difference is that they forgo the CD player for extra USB ports, better IThing integration, and a better internal amplifier.

Just keep in mind you will lose the ability to play CD's, But you will be able to fill up a USB key or 2 with music and keep them connected while connecting your Ithings. They also will usually have Charge capabilities.

I've been keeping an eye out for reviews on the Parrot Nav unit that Crutchfield has up for Pre-order @ $599 myself.

[laserguy]

I know deepdrop does not need 6 channels or looking into getting an amplifier.

It's just that the 6 ch HU will give an option to later add a sub and those units tend to have the extra bells and whistles to adjust the audio portion, EQ and xovers that help to clean the sound a bit and give clean 18-20 watts RMS compared to the 13 watt rms power from the factory HU .

The units without a cd player are good choices also, with bigger displays and extra option to control the pandora or similar app on the phone from the HU

[Rickman]

Originally Posted by Tribble

you may want to consider also the newer breed of "Digital" HU.

The big difference is that they forgo the CD player for extra USB ports, better IThing integration, and a better internal amplifier.

Just keep in mind you will lose the ability to play CD's.

What is this CD technology you speak of???? Isn't that gone the way of the 8-Track and cassette player???

I've got 6 burned CD's sitting in my RTL OEM player and literally dont even remember what they are, as I use my iPhone/iPod, so ya the USB is a great idea

[Rickman]

Originally Posted by deepdrop

Hi,

I have a 2006 RTL (no navigation).

I'm no longer much of an audiophile. As a matter of fact, I set my factory subwoofer to 0 and it didn't really bother me much, so I'm fine without a subwoofer.

I am frustrated that I cant use my ipod and ipad.

Hey DD, I'm confused, your avatar says he own a 2007 RTL?

Does it not come with a jack to plug your iPhone into??? My 2007 RTL has it, and I have my sub set at +2, and at least it's better than no Sub.

[Tribble]

He's talking more of Integration than simply playing from the device.

Integration:Using the HU to navigate tracks and playlists, view titles, album art etc. instead of holding the Ithing in your hand to change it up.

You essentially "Integrated" you Ipod into the factory head unit. Using an Integrated connection, the HU reads the Ipod like a USB stick in most cases. It won't maintain your playlist spot because every time you plug it, it reloads the data and uses it's own software to play the media.

To get the functionality you want, ie just keep playing where you left off, you will want to use either the Headphone jack (located in the passenger cubby, or a Bluetooth connection without any Integration via USB.

This means you will need to go with an external charging solution such as a 12V adapter.

I don't really know off hand if there are any HU's on the market that will "Remote control" the Ithing via bluetooth eccept for possibly a "Digital Media" receiver like the one i mentioned above. I say bluetooth because it will display track info etc like it were integrated, and yet still use the media player function on the device to serve up the music instead of the HU taking over and losing your spot.

[deepdrop]

Wow! Things have changed since I used to play with car stereos in the 80's in college.

Thanks to all of you for the very helpful responses, although they leave me a little unsure where to go.

My Ridge is a 2007. I checked the title. It is an RTL but there is no aux jack to plug into. I think that only came with the nav option. I'm sure I checked it out before installing the USA SPEC.

My budget is in the $500-$600 range, but I was thinking that would include some improved speakers to compensate for not having a subwoofer.

Integration sounds like what I'm looking for. I like the idea of seeing things on a big display instead of driving off the road as I fiddle with my ipod/ipad. Sounds safer. I used to get frustrated when the usa spec device would pick up somewhere randomly when I expected it to pick up where I had left off. I've started writing down the spot where I left off. Much of the time this is in an audio book that I've downloaded to my ipod for my kids. Long story, divorce, wknds with kids, long drives...

Still like music though. I never thought about it but I guess I could live without a CD player. I use it now, but that's only when I haven't put the particular CD onto my ipod yet.

Clean watts is important. I may lose my subwoofer but if I install better speakers all around, I want to drive them with clean power.

Laser is correct that I would like to keep the option of a subwoofer for the future. I probably will never use one. I'm sure that better speakers and no sub would sound better than what I have with OEM and a sub. But, if I sell the Ridge someday, the buyer may want the option. But not a priority of mine so if there's a compromise involved I could do without.

Hopefully I've clarified my needs after reading your advice. I can live without picking up where I left off. I would love to navigate my idevice from the head unit. I will want to keep the steering wheel controls. Clean power. Better speakers. No sub (unless there's an easy way to put one in. I don't want to get into major projects-too much on my plate). Don't have to have CD player if losing it brings something good like a big display, HU controls, etc. Pretty much everything I play comes off of an ipod or ipad.

Thanks again for the helpful info. If you have any further suggestions after the above, please feel free. I am very grateful to all of you.

Thank you,
Dan

[laserguy]

Woe! $600.00 can do a lot. If you do not mind a single DIN hu this one is only $200.00 and gives you BT ( not sure it displays titles, most likely not) but the USB ports with the apple cable will, same for some CD's also, this has a CD player, 5 volt RCA's.http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KDAH...T.html?tp=5684

If you want double DIN, then you can play DVD's but you may have to spend over $80.00 more and sacrifice, blue tooth or other audio features.

All you need a cheap small amp, a set of RCA cables and you could drive the factory sub with it. You will never know, you could build your box with the help of this thread, just need to read the latest pages since the box needs to be taller for a Pioneer sub. If you build the box for under $50.00 you have $250.00 (more than enough for a pioneer sub and an amp. http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/f...ad.php?t=13308

The first step if you have not done this yet is here http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/f...ad.php?t=39073 once you do this you decide if you need new speakers or not, then you may just go with the sub/box amp, or just cheap bridgeable amp to use the existing sub.

If you just go with the amp to drive the factory sub, use this one

Amazon

Amazon

and follow instructions given here.
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/f...21&postcount=3

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do when the time is right. Sorry yeah I know, a lot of stuff to read and many options to choose based of the budget you mentioned.

[DaveG55]

I know you are going a different direction but I just thought I'd throw this out there.

The USAspec i-pod adapter I have allows me to control the i-pod from the radio and steering wheel controls and does not lose it's place. The i-pod is stuffed into the cubbie under the radio and I've only seen or touched it twice since installing the adapter. And i listen to it daily. It charges the i-pod too. I admit to not knowing if it will play an i-pad, never tried and probably won't.

Anyway, not trying to convince you of anything, just sayin what mine does...