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A lot of people have been discussing the best way to hook up your iPod to your Volvo factory stereo, and I've been doing some research for myself. I thought it may be useful to some others!
Types of connectors:
1. If you have a 2005 Volvo, contact your dealer about a new Volvo adaptor that integrates iPods.
2. The cheapest solutions are FM modulators or cassette deck adapters. I am not interested in those because of the messy wires and the poor sound quality. If you don't care about those things maybe check out these options.
3. RCA adaptors such as Blitzsafe can use the output from the iPod to your CD changer input... however it does not charge your iPod, does not allow control from the head unit (a problem if you drive stick and need big buttons to hit fast). These are the next-cheapest to #1 but provide good sound quality and are easy to install.
4. I checked out Denison Icelink - not a bad item, but when I contacted them found out they are not Volvo compatible and also require some complicated installation.
5. If you want to replace your head unit, Alpine and Pioneer both offer adaptors and AI-NET head units that will allow you to hook up an iPod with full control and charging integration. But then you are looking at cost of head unit (at least $200 for AI-NET) plus the $100 adaptor. But if you already want to replace the factory stereo this could be the best option.
6. The solution I am going with is one of the very new iPod dock adaptors that are compatible with Volvo factory stereos. They allow control of playlists from the head unit, charge your iPod and require no special installation. I plan to put the iPod in glove box and drill a hole to route a cable to the back of the stereo. Here are the best ones (and widely compatible with many Volvo stereos) I have found:
A) USA Spec iPod adaptor.
They have one adaptor for 2000-2005 Volvos, and for older models (1994-2000) you can use the Honda adaptor with an additional part for the end. Total cost is $140
The additional part will not be available until April 11 at most suppliers apparently.
Manufacturer Website http://www.usaspec.com/ipodhon.htm
Discount Car Stereo http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=717
Crutchfields (they do not yet have the additional part needed to use the Honda iPod unit for the older Volvos. I emailed them to request they carry it, perhaps more of us should suggest it?
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Yg8r0gBhcxQ/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=227450&id=review&i=581PA10HON
B) Monster iCruze is compatible with many Volvo stereos and costs $279.90 for required parts. Easy to use configurator helps you set up for your car, and it's available now. Seems identical to the USASpec product but you pay for big brand name (and perhaps there would be value in reputation/customer service).
http://www.monstercable.com/iCruze/overview.asp
Happy MP3ing!
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