I need to pull the dash to resolder the hvac board, so I figured while I was in there I would add an Ipod/aux input adapter. I have read the threads, but most are kinda old now. Maybe there's something new and cool?

Narrowed it to....

Grom USB
http://www.gromaudio.com/store/usb_a...interface.html

USB seems cool, aux in is good, Bluetooth, not a priority, but a future maybe, doesnt say it wil do 5 volt charge but I sent an email and they said will charge Ipod. Didnt specify Iphone.

Neo ProLink
http://www.icarkits.com/cars/MAZDA_RX8_2004/PMZ3V9

Does charge phones, has aux in, future Bluetooth, but no USB.

XCarLink
http://www.therpmstore.com/store/p/1...for-Mazda.html

Charges, aux in, Bluetooth capable, no USB. I think there was a overheating problem with this ones predecessor?

Sound off if you have any experience with any of these please. Prefer it to sound good and not be clunky to operate, don't wanna wreck while trying to shift and whatnot.

Thanks!

 

I have the GROM with iPod and Bluetooth connections. Works great, no complaints here. Charges my iPod classic just fine and lets you use all the steering wheel controls to change music or pickup calls etc.

 

i have the xcarlink. works well, i leave my ipod in the rear section of the center it doesnt get as hot as the cup holder, and use the steering wheel controls. my only complaint is it sometimes doesnt start when i start the car and i have to hit play on the ipod, no biggie; start the car, no music, open counsle, hit play and im good to go.

oh i have an ipod video so i have no idea how/if phone options work

 

IMHO i figure you will get better results from your thread being in the Interior and Electronics forum so i moved it

 

hi guys,

for that GROM, did you just plug the cable to the stereo? is it hard to do that??

 

 

Yeah you just take out the stereo, plug it in and route your cables. It's not hard at all.

 

hi guys,

for that GROM, did you just plug the cable to the stereo? is it hard to do that??

 

Thanks for the replies and relocation.

Arca, is your Grom the USB one? If so, do you like the USB or is it NBD?

Sounds like a livable hassle mrl, ty.

Someone call Firebird a medic!

They all just plug in, tearing down the dash is the semi difficult part.

Any takers on the Neo?

TY All!

 

No it's not a USB one. If I wanted to I could get the cable for USB but I opted for Bluetooth Dongle and iPod connector. I'm sure the USB would work exactly as they describe, since all of the stuff I have from them works exactly as they describe as well.

 

I was leaning toward them until I realized they didnt specify the Ipod charging, but as I said, they did reply quickly and said it would charge, but who knows what will work with Ipod's from one generation to the next.

Grom is the same price as the other 2, and includes the USB.

Do you like the Bluetooth or NBD?

TY!

I was thinking regarding adding an Iphone, which I may replace my Crackberry with so I was leaning toward functionality, however I have an older Ipod that could just stay in the car set up like mrl's, but...?

 

The bluetooth is awesome. It's actually my favorite part. When I get in the car and turn it on, my phone automatically connects to it. If I get a call, I can press the Up button on the steering wheel and it'll pause the iPod, pick it up and I can talk hands free. Then when they hang up the music resumes where it left off. Their voice comes through the speakers loud and clear.

Also if you are playing music or something like Pandora through the phone, the steering wheel buttons work to control those as well. And if you're using something like Google Navigation, everytime it tells you to turn etc. it'll turn the music off, say the direction, then music resumes. Everything plays really well with each other in regards to the different devices.

 

I installed the XCarLink. I've only had it installed for about a month or so. Once the radio is out it was super easy to hide everything and run the wires to the cup holders. I have the iPhone and aux plugs. The iPhone plug works with the steering controls but the aux does not. I use the aux jack because I don't like to charge my phone when it's already at 100%. Overall I like it, I just wish it didn't cost almost as much as a new head unit for a standard car.

 

+1 on the XCarLink. Had mine in 2 years now, not a single problem.