13 replies to this topic

[ChgoMike]

I've got a new 2005 Outback. I'm struggling with the eternal (well, maybe not eternal) question of hooking up an iPod or other external source that requires an aux-input. I would rather not settle for any FM modulators if I can help it.

I saw mentioned elsewhere about the possibility of adding an external amp and then a switch to toggle between the signal coming in from the stock head unit and the aux-in device. Is this possible? If so, it seems like it could be a relatively simple solution.

Any thoughts? Thanks...

- Mike

[shortlid]

I've got a new 2005 Outback. I'm struggling with the eternal (well, maybe not eternal) question of hooking up an iPod or other external source that requires an aux-input. I would rather not settle for any FM modulators if I can help it.

I saw mentioned elsewhere about the possibility of adding an external amp and then a switch to toggle between the signal coming in from the stock head unit and the aux-in device. Is this possible? If so, it seems like it could be a relatively simple solution.

Any thoughts? Thanks...

- Mike

Maybe someone can tell you if a CD changer was available in the car. If so the back of teh stock head unit should have a input. If not I know of some good mobil audio message boards.

[ChgoMike]

Maybe someone can tell you if a CD changer was available in the car. If so the back of teh stock head unit should have a input. If not I know of some good mobil audio message boards.

There is a CD-changer but there is NO input. That would have been a easy and welcomed solution, but it doesn't exist on this head unit.

What are some good mobile audio message boards, please?

[charm]

There are adaptors built that convert the CD changer connector into the 1/8" stereo connector required for any mp3 player, CD player, walkman, etc. Simply plug these in to the CD changer wire on the back of the headunit, run the unit outside the dash, and plug into the top of your ipod. With a quick search, I came up with the following link, there were a lot of others...

http://www.add-a-cdc...ccessories.html

Good luck.

[verditsgerman]

i'd suggest buying a new head unit. www.ikesound has the lowest prices of anyone as far as I can tell. i bought my alarm, speakers, and head unit from them and got it all for waaaayyy cheaper than i would have in a store or even crutchfield. a good tip is to find decks on ikesound AND crutchfield since crutchfield has a way better description and better pictures, then just buy from ikesound. i think all kenwood head units have aux in in the back. the x979 is one of the best head units you can get these days, and it works perfectly with an ipod (i have it, and an ipod in my car now)

as for sound, stock head units are almost always worse off than a decent aftermarket one.

[ChgoMike]

[quote name='verditsgerman']i'd suggest buying a new head unit.

No... not possible with the 2005 Outback.

[Max Power]

I'm not sure this will helps your situation, but....

Monster Cable will be introducing the ICruze, which is an IPod controller that plugs into stock radios accomodating either 6 or 10 cd changers. The Ipod will then be controlled by your stock radio/cd controller. There is a separate 'face plate' that you will want as well, which will allow you to see what you normally see on your Ipod. Monster may have info on their web-site. I believe this item will be out in March.

Good luck.

Max

[ChgoMike]

I'm not sure this will helps your situation, but....

Monster Cable will be introducing the ICruze, which is an IPod controller that plugs into stock radios accomodating either 6 or 10 cd changers. The Ipod will then be controlled by your stock radio/cd controller. There is a separate 'face plate' that you will want as well, which will allow you to see what you normally see on your Ipod. Monster may have info on their web-site. I believe this item will be out in March.

Good luck.

Max

I've seen this and have emailed Monster about whether this will be compatible with my 2005 Outback head unit. I haven't heard back from them. Have you heard something about this unit? It would be the perfect item if it works with my particular unit.

[Max Power]

I have some knowledge of these units, but I don't have any intimate knowledge about compatability issues. I believe Monster is doing everything they can make their unit compatible with as many manufacturers as possible. Keep an eye on iPodiCruze.com. You will notice that Subs aren't listed yet, but they are adding manufacturers quite frequently.

Also, since you are in the Chicago area (go Cats!) call The Little Guys at 708-754-8844. They are quite familiar with the iCruze and it's features. They will probably tell you it's the coolest accessory for the iPod ever, and I would tend to agree.

Cheers.

Max

[RallyKeith]

[quote name='ChgoMike'][quote name='verditsgerman']i'd suggest buying a new head unit.

No... not possible with the 2005 Outback.[/QUOTE]

Why is is not possible? I'm not familiar with the '05s.

Keith

[cmpjim]

I've got a new 2005 Outback. I'm struggling with the eternal (well, maybe not eternal) question of hooking up an iPod or other external source that requires an aux-input. I would rather not settle for any FM modulators if I can help it.

I saw mentioned elsewhere about the possibility of adding an external amp and then a switch to toggle between the signal coming in from the stock head unit and the aux-in device. Is this possible? If so, it seems like it could be a relatively simple solution.

Any thoughts? Thanks...

- Mike

Help may be on the way for you. I, like others cannot get a XM Roady to work in the Minn, MN area. Too many high power stations to cover the 8 frequencies they asign you.

So the answer is to use a FM Modulator. Well Subaru without telling us decided the Cassette player was no longer needed so they dropped it. So there goes the cassette adaptor to get some decent sound. Also?? maybe to save money (who knows) they came up with a AMP / Molex type connector block that connects the 2005 radio's to the ant.


Hear that the factory is listening that because of all the "add on's" Apple, Delphi, etc. looks like in the future Subaru will come up with a pair of audio connectors so we can all plug in and live happily ever after.

In the mean time we are back to the FM Modulator. There is a company that supplies parts to dealers called Metra. Around Feb or so of 2005 they will have in their system a FM modulator that will plug into the Subaru connector block assy. The part number (I was told) is 40-SB30. Assume then in Feb. all of us 2005 Outback (in my case) owners can start asking their local dealers to order this part. No idea on cost $25- 40.00??

At least its a solution for now so we can all plug in Ipods, MX or whatever and use the car audio system to get some clean sound.

Hope this helps CMPJIM

[verditsgerman]

oh my, i just saw a picture of the 05 outback stereo situation, and it is horrid. i hate cars that force you to use their head units. what if i want better sound? the only thing you can do is cut that stupid thing out and put a new one in its place, which would be way too spendy and way too annoying. i'd probably do it though, just because i drive a lot and music is my life. i hate stock stereo stuff.

[Sedistik]

I asked about the 40-SB30 the other day, and recieved the following email back from Metra:

The 40-SB30 is not an FM modulator, it is an antenna adaptor that will allow you to plug in an FM modulator. That part is not available yet. I don't know for sure when it will be available. Hopefully some time in April, but it may be longer.

[charm]

You might want to contact this company...

http://www.pac-audio.com/

They build equipment for adding various items to stock headunits. A quick look did not show anything for Subarus, but, with enough requests, they might build 'em.