Adding USB or buy a new deck?

4091 Views 9 Replies 9 Participants Last post by DeuceRon, Dec 5, 2016

PaulBerger

Discussion Starter · Nov 22, 2015

Hey everyone,

I recently purchased a 2011 Ridgeline RTL/ Navi and can't wait to get everything tuned to exactly the way I like it. What I would like however, is a USB port that will allow me to control an ipod/ iphone from my steering wheel without sacrificing audio quality.

I've read numerous reviews on the USB add ons, and the reviews are mixed. Some say they're great, some say there's a hiss and a huge reduction in audio quality.

So, my question is: What would be the best solution for audio quality, to buy a new deck for roughly $200 with USB connection, or to just buy something like the USA SPEC PA15-HON2?

If you've got an answer/ opinion, please let me know. If you have links to good quality products, even better.

Thank you!

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e_piph_a_ny

· #2 · Nov 22, 2015 (Edited)

PaulBerger said:
What would be the best solution for audio quality, to buy a new deck for roughly $200 with USB connection, or to just buy something like the USA SPEC PA15-HON2?

The PA15-HON2 is no longer available at the mfgr website. You might be able to buy a new/used one from ebay.

I had the PA15-HON2 but had to ditch the OEM HU when the backlights crapped out.

IMO, buy a new aftermarket HU. Get more whistles but at the cost of the OEM look.

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Matt08RTL

· #3 · Nov 22, 2015

What I did and was very happy with was get a Proclip Iphone mount with with a passthrough connection. It puts the phone where it's easy to control. the lightining cable doesnt have an analog audio out so you need to get an apple to lightining to 30 pin adapter. then you can get a 30 pin harness that splits into usb and 3.5mm headphone. for a clean install run the usb to a usb charger wired behind the das and the 3.5 over to the AUX input.

It might sound complicated but it's not and a great set up. Just dock your phone and it's charging and hooked to the AUX. If your interested in that set up I can help you with the details.

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PaulBerger

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 1, 2015

@matt08RTL, it's sounds good. How much was it all together and were you able to control the phone from the steering wheel?
I don't mind putting the work in as long as I get the best quality audio possible.

Thanks!

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Macinudo

· #5 · Jan 11, 2016

I'm a little late for this post, but I have done a similar mod to my Radio. Grom audio has a USB/aux system that hooks up to the factory radio. The USB provides data and power and allows you to control the device you are using with the buttons on the steering wheel. Works pretty well for me so far. I also got a combination usb/aux port from amazon to interface with the unit. I put it in between the existing 12v ports. The whole set up was about $140 I think.

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sduff

· #6 · Jan 16, 2016

I installed a Parrot MKI 9200 in my Ridgeline look it up on YouTube. It gives you Bluetooth connectivity, Bluetooth streaming, iPod connecticity. Mine was $400.00 installed. You can't use factory steering wheel controls however, it does come with it's own wireless remote.

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West_TX_Ridgeline

· #7 · Jan 25, 2016

In for later

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OhSix

· #8 · Jan 25, 2016

Whats the status Paul? Diju make your choice?

If not, I'm curious how your personal dictionary defines "best audio quality possible". Do you download your music files mP3 style? Or stream from sources like Pandora? Or are you a FLAC seeking / mass storage junkie?

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johnhstockman

· #9 · Dec 3, 2016

How can I set up aux in the play MP3's in a 2006 Ridgeline?

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DeuceRon

· #10 · Dec 5, 2016

johnhstockman said:
How can I set up aux in the play MP3's in a 2006 Ridgeline?

Not sure I understand your question. Are you looking to add an AUX port so you can plug in a phone or MP3 player? Look at this if that's the case

https://www.amazon.com/GROM-Audio-S...d=1480900647&sr=8-4&keywords=grom+audio+honda

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