New Subarus -- can't plug in iPod!

[Richard Chang]

I was about to buy a new Subaru, when I realized that neither the
Legacy nor the Outback come with a cassette player. Unlike BMW, Subaru
has no audio input jack, so the only way I can think of to play iPod
songs is with a transmitter, which is far from optimum.

Replace the head unit with one that has a line input.

-R.

 

[Karls Vladimir Peña]

Easy and effective. Sometimes the most obvious answer is the right one.

 

[Adam Helberg]

Easy and effective. Sometimes the most obvious answer is the right one.

You mean I have to get a new head?

 

[Kurt C. Hack]

Actually, on the latest generation of Legacy and Outback replacing the
head unit is far from the optimum choice, due to the use of an
"integrated" system, and would require major modification of your dash.

Your only recourse would be an inline FM transmitter that will provide
better sound than an "over the air" type, or find out if there is an
auxiliary input to the stock system that you can use. I assume that
since CD changers can still be had, that there is one available.

-Kurt

 

[A7N8X-X]

Alpine offers a nice product in the KCA-420I

|I was about to buy a new Subaru, when I realized that neither the
| Legacy nor the Outback come with a cassette player. Unlike BMW, Subaru
| has no audio input jack, so the only way I can think of to play iPod
| songs is with a transmitter, which is far from optimum.
|
| Any suggestions out there ?
|
| Many thanks,
|
| Guy
|
| Please respond by e-mail: (e-mail address removed)

 

[LB]

None of the replies so far (maybe except one) address the point that
integrated stereo for Outback can not be replaced. I have checked with more
then one pro car audio shops, and unless custom faceplate is manufactured,
std stereo can not be replaced, nor anything can be plugged in line (like
aux input).

How is the Alpine unit fits into Outback?
thanks

 

[Henry Paul]

I used to work in a sheet metal shop in high school as a shop helper. We
used to make custom faceplates for car stereos all the time if people asked.
If you can provide the dimensions that you need, most shops can make a
custom mounting bracket and/or faceplate as well.

 

[A7N8X-X]

the model I mentioned would need to be integrated into a 2004 or higher
Alpine head unit


| None of the replies so far (maybe except one) address the point that
| integrated stereo for Outback can not be replaced. I have checked with
more
| then one pro car audio shops, and unless custom faceplate is manufactured,
| std stereo can not be replaced, nor anything can be plugged in line (like
| aux input).
|
| How is the Alpine unit fits into Outback?
| thanks
|
| | > Alpine offers a nice product in the KCA-420I
| >
| > | > |I was about to buy a new Subaru, when I realized that neither the
| > | Legacy nor the Outback come with a cassette player. Unlike BMW, Subaru
| > | has no audio input jack, so the only way I can think of to play iPod
| > | songs is with a transmitter, which is far from optimum.
| > |
| > | Any suggestions out there ?
| > |
| > | Many thanks,
| > |
| > | Guy
| > |
| > | Please respond by e-mail: (e-mail address removed)
| >
| >
| >
|
|

 

[LB]

The root of the problem that there is no way to put this Alpine head unit
into the Subaru. Have actually done it? If yes, then how? I am looking for
similar solution
thanks

 

[Kurt C. Hack]

I would opt for the inline FM modulator. If done correctly, the sound
difference is negligible if noticeable at all.

-Kurt

 

[Florian Feuser /FFF/]

I would opt for the inline FM modulator. If done correctly, the sound
difference is negligible if noticeable at all.

-Kurt

I was using the iTrip for a while - it drained the battery of the iPod much,
much quicker than regular playback - in addition I've not always found an
available frequency band. Since the antenna is located in the back of my GT
wagon, I can sometimes hear the limitations of the transmitter.

This one looks like an improved version - plus it comes with a power adapter:
<http://eshop.macsales.com/Item_Apple1.cfm?ID=7016&Item=NWTROADTRIP>

florian

 

[Guy Pfeffermann]

I was about to buy a new Subaru, when I realized that neither the
Legacy nor the Outback come with a cassette player. Unlike BMW, Subaru
has no audio input jack, so the only way I can think of to play iPod
songs is with a transmitter, which is far from optimum.

Any suggestions out there ?

Many thanks,

Guy

Please respond by e-mail: (e-mail address removed)