Digital Lifestyles Reference Guide

Integrating an iPod with a Car Audio System

Last updated Jul 22, 2005.

After I acquired my 5th portable audio player, I decided it was time to figure out how to play my digital music collection in my car. I tested several FM transmitters before giving up because the quality comes across more like AM in a tunnel than the clear digital sound I expected. The factory head unit in my car was CD only, so I couldn't try a tape adapter. The only option was to add a line in to the car by replacing the stock head unit with something a little smarter. The idea of integrating portable audio and car audio was still a dream at this point so I got a stereo head with an 1/8-inch line in on the front. These remain available for as little as $99. The sound quality is great, but I'm stuck using the buttons on the portable player instead of the car stereo controls.

iPod car stereo integration comes in three primary formats, each with varying levels of control. At the most basic level, an auxiliary line in feeds the audio from the iPod to the car speakers. The next level of integration involves connecting the iPod to the CD changer port on the stereo head unit. At a more advanced level, custom integration provides full iPod functionality on the stereo head unit interface.