Digital Lifestyles Reference Guide

Auxiliary Line In Connections

Last updated Jul 22, 2005.

Aux line in is the lowest level of integration. It is also the cheapest method of integration, achieved for under $100 by either replacing your stereo head unit or adding a cable to an existing unit. The advantage of using an Aux line in is much better audio quality than either FM transmitters or cassette adapters are able to provide. The only functional control you have over iPod output is volume. Playlist selection, track skipping and all play and pause commands require the iPod interface directly. No ID3 tag data is sent to the stereo head unit.

There are two primary ways to achieve auxiliary line in integration with your iPod. If your existing car stereo has line in support hidden somewhere on the back of the unit, a trip to a car audio specialist can add a cable to connect your iPod directly, by way of the headphone jack for minimal parts and labor. If the existing car stereo offers no room for expansion through auxiliary connections, replacing the head unit is necessary. A variety of car stereo manufacturers offer head units with a front face line in, which is a port the same size as the headphone jack on your iPod. All you need to make the connection between the iPod and stereo is a cable with 1/8-inch male connections at each end.