Hello Group,

 

I'm the proud owner of a new 2005 Outback (standard model).

 

I love it in every way, but one major (major) annoyance.

 

I have an iPod. I want it to play through the stereo. My car has the basic CD/Radio unit. I have tried two different FM modulators, and the sound quality is poor, and I get a lot of interference.

 

I tried to find a new stereo at Crutchfield, with an AUX input. They told me a very depressing thing: that the stereo and climate controls are integrated in the 2005, so that this stereo cannot be replaced!

 

Should I believe them? Would Subaru do something this pitifully stupid? Or is there some other way? Is Crutchfield confused?

 

Please help! I need my iPod!

 

Morgan

Hello Group,

 

I'm the proud owner of a new 2005 Outback (standard model).

 

I love it in every way, but one major (major) annoyance.

 

I have an iPod. I want it to play through the stereo. My car has the basic CD/Radio unit. I have tried two different FM modulators, and the sound quality is poor, and I get a lot of interference.

 

I tried to find a new stereo at Crutchfield, with an AUX input. They told me a very depressing thing: that the stereo and climate controls are integrated in the 2005, so that this stereo cannot be replaced!

 

Should I believe them? Would Subaru do something this pitifully stupid? Or is there some other way? Is Crutchfield confused?

 

Please help! I need my iPod!

 

Morgan

That's what I heard about the '05 Outback. Crutchfield should know. That's their main business. I'm wondering if there is an upgrade available at the dealer's ?

 

~Howard

I don't know if they are integrated, however replacing just the radio would be kind of difficult since the trim and everything is all integrated.

 

You might want to try asking your subaru dealership, to see if they know or will tell you.

If the stcok stereo has a CD changer control function, you can do exactly what you need without swapping decks. I haven't looked online for this myself since I don't own an ipod and I have an aux input on my current stereo, but they are now selling control wires that run from the CD changer control wire to the ipod. Anybody know if this is a possibility with this stereo?

That's what I heard about the '05 Outback. Crutchfield should know. That's their main business. I'm wondering if there is an upgrade available at the dealer's ?

 

~Howard

 

The one time I asked about this issue at the dealer, they couldn't get any helpful informtion (though they said they tried...).

 

I will check with the dealer again, but I'm not hopeful..

If the stcok stereo has a CD changer control function, you can do exactly what you need without swapping decks. I haven't looked online for this myself since I don't own an ipod and I have an aux input on my current stereo, but they are now selling control wires that run from the CD changer control wire to the ipod. Anybody know if this is a possibility with this stereo?

 

Unfortunately, it came with the low-end stereo without the changer. I'm afraid to ask at the dealer how much it would cost to upgrade to the version with the CD changer. I'm sure it will be pricey..

The one time I asked about this issue at the dealer, they couldn't get any helpful informtion (though they said they tried...).

 

I will check with the dealer again, but I'm not hopeful..

 

Skip the dealer and give the nice people at SOA a call.

SOA= Subaru of America

 

~Howard

You can also check out the Interior forum at www.legacygt.com

 

Someone up there managed to successfully integrate an Ipod into their factory system.