SoundMan Car Audio - iPad 2 through a head unit

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iPad 2 through a head unit

Mark Broadbridge
- 26 posts
January 1, 2012 7:29:43 PM PST

Hey guys,

So I just got my iPad 2 and am in the process of planning the install. Trouble is my wife still wants the functionality of a head unit for in car bluetooth calling and radio. ( I am in Australia and we don not have pandora.)

So my question is could you use the istreamer and then use the RCA output to an RCA input on a head unit?

Do RCA head unit inputs work that way? And if so what single din head unit with Bluetooth calling would you guys recommend?

Many thanks,

Mark.
Brad Stolberg
- 486 posts
January 2, 2012 7:41:26 AM PST

I'd reccomend not buying the istreamer in theis case, it would be a total waiste of money. Youre better off using the Ipod in on the deck, eventhough it wont charge an Ipad. Most good Decks bypass the Ipads internal DAC anyway. I'd go for an alpine unit of your choice compatible with the imprint module (has a 24bit burr brown DAC) I've got a barely used CDA-9886 for sale for $150
Doug Adams
- 19 posts
January 2, 2012 7:46:27 AM PST

Yes you can do that.. What head unit are u running? and in what car?

You can get Pandora in Australia too if you want but you need a VPN app (virtual private network) this will trick Pandora into thinking you are located in the US. The only thing is you have to pay because a VPN is a subscription service, but many VPN's will give you free trials etc..
Brad Stolberg
- 486 posts
January 2, 2012 9:56:27 AM PST

The 9886 doesnt have BT though, I'd go with the Cde-133bt if it's compatible with the imprint module, I really like the new design of that deck and that module makes everything sound so much better when tuned right

Or the kenwood kdc-x995 would be a nice option with BT, HD radio, and good processing built in
Mark Broadbridge
- 26 posts
January 2, 2012 9:57:48 AM PST

@Brad - i thought about that but i was under the assumption that when connected through iPod in, that the screen says "accessory connected" and you can only control the iPad through the deck?

@Doug - thanks for the info about pandora, that gives me something to think about =)
Brad Stolberg
- 486 posts
January 2, 2012 10:09:23 AM PST

Oh yea, I forgot about that...You have to jailbreak it with the "no screen splash" for it to work, but there's no JB for iOS 5 yet...your not planning on using a processor like the BIT TEN or BIT ONE are you? it would make this situation allot easier to solve.

That Cde-133bt has a "passenger iPod control" switch that would also remove the screen splash...if that unit is compatible with the imprint module, that would be the way to go hands down and it would sound GOOD
Mark Broadbridge
- 26 posts
January 2, 2012 10:26:03 AM PST

i don't think that the cde is imprint compatible, still that ipod passenger control is very interesting. Is it a physical switch? or a setting you can turn on?

either way i am near sold on that unit now and i can always buy a bit ten or some such at a later date for processing and just muck about with the alpine unit EQ until that time comes.
Brad Stolberg
- 486 posts
January 2, 2012 10:56:13 AM PST

its a 1 second press of the volume knob, theres other alpine and i think some sony or pioneers that have that feature as well...

If your planning on adding a processor, the Bit Ten D would be your best option, you could go digital optical in from the ipad (best sounding source IMO) then you wouldnt even need a deck, the Bit products have a bluetooth in option and will mute your music when your getting a call.

and some of the parrot bluetooth kits have AUX audio in and even Ipod control, so you could use a $10 hand held AM/FM radio with a headphone plug into the bluetooth until something comes out that can get radio on the ipad and maintain digital out

If you went that route and ditched the deck all together, all you would loose is CD player and you would gain SQ like you wouldnt believe, especially if you decide to run active
Brad Stolberg
- 486 posts
January 2, 2012 11:38:26 AM PST

That alpine won't work for sure, but the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X995 for $320 also has that passanger ipod control option and has BT and HD radio built in plus the best in unit DSP available right now IMO (short of the Pioneer P99 which is $1200)

1. KDC-X995 = about $320

2. Parrott BT + Bit Ten D + Cammera Connection Kit + Cool Gear 12v USB Hub + Turtle beach usb to optical adapter = about $750 (best SQ option)

*I also sell a solution to get optical out with full charging on the Ipad if youre interested, I don't have it in my own car becasue it costs so much more and the Ipad lasts me 3 days using the method listed above, i think it trickle charges it just enough to make a difference

This post was edited by Brad Stolberg at January 2, 2012 12:00:54 PM PST
Mark Broadbridge
- 26 posts
January 2, 2012 3:33:42 PM PST

Thanks man so much, thats a heap of information and has really helped. =)

After reviewing all the options i think i may just use the kenwood deck and then when i install a piddy pad deuce in my own car in a year or so's time just do the bit ten method.

Again thanks for the help brad, many thumbs up =)
Mark Broadbridge
- 26 posts
January 2, 2012 3:42:12 PM PST

Oh wait, would the Kenwood radio work in Australia if i shipped it from USA? Are the bandwidth's the same?
Doug Adams
- 19 posts
January 2, 2012 4:14:49 PM PST

AM won't work, FM will.
Mark Broadbridge
- 26 posts
January 2, 2012 4:26:38 PM PST

ahh okay no AM. Thanks.

how much will optical out with charging cost from you brad?
Brad Stolberg
- 486 posts
January 3, 2012 7:44:26 AM PST

$350...ouch right
Brad Stolberg
- 486 posts
January 3, 2012 11:24:43 AM PST

The jail break is out by redsn0w! And works perfectly for the accessory screen splash.

I'd go cda-117 (or other imprint comparible unit) with the Bluetooth and imprint modules added. That's going to be the best sound for the money. I've got that 9886 for sale for $150 shipped
Wade Jones
- 34 posts
January 3, 2012 1:02:53 PM PST

The ipad 2 jailbreak isnt out yet, butPod2g the maker of the 5.0.1 jailbreak tweeted that it should be out in about week for the ipad 2 and iphone 4S.
Mark Broadbridge
- 26 posts
January 3, 2012 6:00:37 PM PST

Yeah 350 is a bit excessive, still would be nice though.

Thanks for all the help guys =)
Brad Stolberg
- 486 posts
January 3, 2012 6:04:12 PM PST

Let's just say that if I do an iPad dash I sell the kit at $300 and loose money on it