mp3 Clean Install on 2006 XLT

[wharriso]

wharriso, I don't think Mark meant to call your setup lame. Moreso, he meant that if your setup is ONLY Ipod compatible, then that would be lame because you would not be able to use a non-Ipod mp3 player with your system.

Again, that would squash your plans to try and use Rhapsody To Go service with a non-Ipod mp3 player, because then you wouldn't be able to use it with your present setup, BEACUSE YOU DON'T HAVE AN MP3 JACK ON YOUR UNIT.

Sounds like your setup is for Ipod only (alot out there) because I assume your system allows you to control the Ipod through the stereo and like you stated, you can stash your Ipod out of the way because of these nice features. A lot of systems allow for Ipod control because the Ipod is the most common MP3/DAP in the world!
(I wish us Sansa people could have this option - allow the stereo to control the player)

Lastly, while Mark was right, you can download and pay for mp3's via Rhapsody To Go, that would be missing the point. An mp3 player like the Sansa (actually most non-Ipod players, http://www.rhapsody.com/rhapsody_faqs#7) will allow you to download thousands of songs that you basically rent, you never own them.

Over time, you can load, and reload, and delete as many songs as you like, constantly changing your music library as you wish and as new releases come out. As long as you keep syncing your MP3 player and pay your $15/month, the songs will be fully licensed to you so you can listen to the files. however to burn (own) the song(s) you'll have to pay i think 89 cents per track.

If you decide to quit the service, the songs you have loaded on your device expire after 30 days, you delete them and move on with life.

Good luck...

Well hamcse924, I still have to differ on the "lame" stuff because there is no way with an audio jack to achieve touch screen integration like like I have. I would never call anyone's system "lame" but there are systems here far "lamer" than mine and I have no need nor desire to hook up an additional port for mp3 players. If I wanted it, I would buy it. I did try Rhapsody, assuming I could convert anything to ipod but for some reason, the software would not even install properly on my laptop so I uninstalled and cancelled the service. I always like to try whatever is new but I didn't realize you are just renting the songs, not necessary on with a 30 GB iPod. ITunes sell songs for $0.99 per song and albums for $9.99. Www.mp3million.com has songs to $0.15 each and I think the albums are 3 bucks or less and Rapidshare searches are free so I think I'll stick with my "lame" non mp3 jack setup.

 

[hamcse924]

Dude, you are getting a bit hung up on the word "lame"

Seriously. Let's examine Mark's staement, shall we?

"If it's only ipod compatible that's really lame. A standard mini jack must cost around 25 cents so I can't understand why all radio mfrs just don't put the darn thing on standard!"

The sentences above CLEARLY indicate to me Mark's opinion that the fact stereo mfg's don't include a mini jack on such hi-end systems is LAME. It is the exclusion of a mini-plug that is lame, NOT YOUR SYSTEM!

In my humble opinion, it appears you have a de facto kick ass system, and if you are an Ipod person, then it is perfect for YOU, and that's great.

However, as a self-confessed gadget guy, I would love for MY SYSTEM (and I think Mark would agree) to have as much flexibility as possible.

In this regard, it would cool (the opposite of lame) if your system did have a mini-plug, because then I would consider buying one too!!!!!

Chill out dude, think about it. Nobody was ranking on your system.

 

[wharriso]

The Audio and Video input RCA jacks are still stuffed in the back of the unit but I feel no need to downgrade to a basic mp3 setup. Maybe I'm the one who's lame.

 

[Mark5767]

Wharriso, Ham is correct, I did not mean your HU was bad in any way (it looks very nice), I just think including a mini jack should be more of standard thing by all radio makers.

I don't care for itunes and have a bit of an attitude about it I guess prolly just cuz I was disappointed with how it works. Personally I do not like owning and managing mp3 files, I would rather have a service do this for me which is why I prefer Rhapsody. I own too much stuff already so if I can just rent music this is more convenient.

Anyhoo, itunes is pretty popular so if it works for people that's great. It's all about finding the right match for your tastes and it looks like you've got a nice set up.

 

[wharriso]

Wharriso, Ham is correct, I did not mean your HU was bad in any way (it looks very nice), I just think including a mini jack should be more of standard thing by all radio makers.

I don't care for itunes and have a bit of an attitude about it I guess prolly just cuz I was disappointed with how it works. Personally I do not like owning and managing mp3 files, I would rather have a service do this for me which is why I prefer Rhapsody. I own too much stuff already so if I can just rent music this is more convenient.

Anyhoo, itunes is pretty popular so if it works for people that's great. It's all about finding the right match for your tastes and it looks like you've got a nice set up.

Thanks Mark. I like your setup as well, but why didn't you put the pxdx2 box inside of that kickpanel? I know the room is there because that was the original location of my Sirius receiver. That will also reduce the risk of you accidentally kicking it. I did attempt to give Rhapsody a try but I guess it just didn't get along with the other junk on my laptop. But I do not think Ham was correct for making a big production out of my simple reply.

 

[Mark5767]

why didn't you put the pxdx2 box inside of that kickpanel?

That's a good idea, I hadn't really thought of it. The box is a little bulky (Peripheral should slim this thing down!), but I think you're definitely right in that it seems like there is enough room inside the panel. This would clean it up even more and yeah in Minnesota's winter I sometimes wear huge boots and kicking the box is a concern.

The only downside would be you need to be able to access the box if you want to change the cord from the mini jack to the RCA, but I can't ever see doing this and it still would be possible, you would just need to reach inside the panel. Anyway, thanks for the cool idea!

 

[DMacLennan14]

something i thought of while looking at your set up, is that i would have run the cord behind the radio and out right where you have your mp3 player located. have it come out between the bezel and the dash. just an idea!

 

[Mark5767]

i would have run the cord behind the radio and out right where you have your mp3 player located

Dang, you guys are good... I'm now considering changing the original title of the thread from "clean" install to "ghetto" install!

Thanks for the feedback, I think it would be pretty simple to run the cord thru the bezel near the unit which would be really slick. Great idea!

 

[saleen24m24]

okay well i see how you all had your problems with the auxiliary jacks, however i do have an ipod in the glove box as well with my alpine x305 indash.
HOWEVER, i would like to know if anyone could help me with making the auxiliary 3.5 mm jack next to the cigarette lighter jack play my phone thru my stereo i would need to know what wires in the harness go to that or something ... help! heres my cardomain btw

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3882210/2007-ford-explorer-xlt-sport-utility-4d