iPod-compatible HU

JayD · 19th March 2008, 23:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvjascha

@bite the bullet : What were some other models you considered while shopping around, and what made you go with the Pioneer 5050?
Did you also look at the Pio 4050 and 4950?

Dude, the 4950 is from an older family of H.U's from pio. It doesn't have usb support. Better go foor the 4060/6050.

luvjascha · 19th March 2008, 23:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayD

the 4950 is from an older family of H.U's from pio. It doesn't have usb support

Well, I'm not sure if it does/does not have the USB support; however, the very first reply in this thread was from someone who got the 4950 with an iPod connection.
By what means then, if there's in fact, no jack on the HU for the iPod USB cable, is the iPod connected?

manish_symc · 25th April 2008, 21:56

Hi All,
Could someone please give me inputs on
Sony CDX-GT420U HU? Its urgent.
Sony CDX-GT420U CD receiver with front-panel USB and aux inputs at Crutchfield.com

nripin · 28th April 2008, 13:56

I'd recommend a pioneer or alpine($) never sony

nickoo · 28th April 2008, 14:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by manish_symc

Hi All,
Could someone please give me inputs on
Sony CDX-GT420U HU? Its urgent.
Sony CDX-GT420U CD receiver with front-panel USB and aux inputs at Crutchfield.com

never a sony...i myself had this model...got it replaced with a Pio 5050...the SQ of a Pio is far superior than Sony...

razor4077 · 29th April 2008, 15:47

I don't know if it has been suggested yet, but the Alpine CDE 9881 is another choice you have. You will need to buy an Alpine iPod connector cord to hook up the iPod to your HU. You can play the songs directly off the HU, keeping the iPod safely tucked away inside the glove-box or some cubby hole.
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. - CDE-9881

The HU costs between 11.5 and 12k, with an additional 700 (give or take a couple of 100) for the cord. Been using it for a while, and have been very happy with it. I had narrowed down my choice to this and the Pio 7950. Preferred the Alpine because the SQ appealed to me more, and that the display looks more sober than the Pio.

Alpines are a touch more expensive than some of the others, but you do get a very high quality HU.

Raja · 14th September 2008, 12:36

This is slightly relevant and slightly off-topic at the same time:
I already have a Pioneer 7950 with USB connector and built-in ability to connect iPod with correct adapter.
I also have a 2nd Gen iPod Nano, working happily with the 7950.
My query is, IF I change to iPod to a Sony mp3 Walkman or any other brand mp3 player, does the interface still work from the HU?
IF I change the HU to another brand with USB input, again how does the Sony mp3 player connect interface wise with the HU?

Is this fuss only about Apple interface?
Do other brands work as if you are plugging in an ordinary pendrive?
Any first hand experiences?

luvjascha · 2nd January 2009, 19:03

Guys, since I already have speakers- Infinity Kappa series - 693.7i (330 watts) and 60.7cs (270 watts, 6 -1/2" two-way component system); all I am looking for is a HU that,
1. Is VFM
2. Has good SQ
3. Large, easy-to-read buttons/layout and user-friendly
4. Enables iPod connectivity with ease and with minimal wires sticking out (meaning that I can connect my iPod to the HU with the existing USB iPod cable, which wouldn’t require me to buy/attach another cable, which will make the area around the HU very cluttered)
5. Comes with a toggle (preferred), for convenience while browsing (like the iPod scroll wheel) and lastly,
6. Is either Pioneer or Kenwood
Along with the cost of the HU, I also have to consider fitment of the MDF tray and fitment of speakers. What would that cost me in total?
What would you guys recommend from,
Kenwood KDC-4036U
Kenwood KDC-5039U
Pioneer 3090UB
Pioneer 4090 (Can this HU be considered, since it does not have a USB jack)
Pioneer 5090UB
Pioneer 6090UB
I’m not too sure about the Pio 3090UB because I have read folks advising against Hus that have USB (or Aux-In) in the front, which may casue hindrance of some sort.
Can the iPod be controlled from the HU itself? Should I look for Hus that allow me this feature?
Kindly recommend other models, if I‘ve missed out on any.
I will not be using an amplifier or a subwoofer, not now or in the future. I was told by 2 Kenwood dealers that the 4036U has been discontinued / out of stock, and that the 5039U has replaced it. He said that if it was iPod connectivity that I was interested in, to look at the MP439. Even though it does not have a USB slot, he mentioned something about connecting it to the hands-free slot using an extra cord that costs a 100 bucks, which he’d throw in for free.
I got 2 different B&W prices for the Kenwood MP5039U; one quoted 7.4K, and the other quoted 6.2K Both said that they are out of the 4036U, and one said that it may be available without B&W, but they don’t stock it. How is it possible, when the Kenwood site lists it?
The B&W price of the MP439 = 5.9K

I know that Pioneer’s are available without B&W; is it the same with Kenwood’s? Is it OK to purchase either in the grey market? (I will be purchasing it from a reputed shop)
Is it better to go with the Pio 6090UB without B&W, or with the 5090UB with B&W?
How is the SQ of Pioneer’s compared to Kenwood’s?
I don’t think I want to spend anything over 6-7K for the HU.
Finally, what do you guys suggest?

greenhorn · 2nd January 2009, 19:12

got unbanned and decided to kick it off with yet another thread eh

what about your earlier thread ?

either way, I'd suggest the kenwood 5039 if you want SQ.
All these HU's will need an additional cable if you want to connect an ipod digitally and control it

else aux in is always there

DjNik · 2nd January 2009, 19:20

Consider the KDC MP 6539U
Its a VFM HU with brilliant SQ.
Kenwood - KDC-MP6539U
I got it for 8.5k w B&W.
luvjascha you're right the Pio 4090 does not have USB.

abhinav.gupta88 · 2nd January 2009, 19:21

If you want to run your ipod through the USB, you need an Alpine.
Its better to go of with Pioneer with ipod connectivity at back. Take a wire from there and get it into your glovebox. Its the best option.

luvjascha · 2nd January 2009, 19:31

I believe that the 4090 does not have USB; is it possible to directly connect my iPod to the USB port of the 3090, with the iPod USB cable? If so, wouldn't this be a good option, considering that I wouldn't need another cord to connect the iPod cable?

abhinav.gupta88 · 2nd January 2009, 19:50

No You cannot. Only Alpine offers it and for that too you need a seperate cable ( through USB)

greenhorn · 2nd January 2009, 19:52

the cheapest alpine HU is the 9870(8k) + cable(2k)
but it doesnt have a scroll wheel
we can get started on it , but thats the topic of another thread already

, not to mention several PM's

abhinav.gupta88 · 2nd January 2009, 19:55

There is no other way of playing the ipod than through the aux in cable. Best would be a HU with USB at front and aux in at back .

The aux in can be connected and wire made to go inside the glovebox ( No wires will be visible too)

25th April 2008, 21:56	#48
manish_symc BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 155 Thanked: 100 Times	Hi All, Could someone please give me inputs on Sony CDX-GT420U HU? Its urgent. Sony CDX-GT420U CD receiver with front-panel USB and aux inputs at Crutchfield.com
	() Thanks

28th April 2008, 13:56	#49
nripin BANNED Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 131 Thanked: Once	I'd recommend a pioneer or alpine($) never sony
	() Thanks

29th April 2008, 15:47	#51
razor4077 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,882 Thanked: 298 Times View My Garage	I don't know if it has been suggested yet, but the Alpine CDE 9881 is another choice you have. You will need to buy an Alpine iPod connector cord to hook up the iPod to your HU. You can play the songs directly off the HU, keeping the iPod safely tucked away inside the glove-box or some cubby hole. Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. - CDE-9881 The HU costs between 11.5 and 12k, with an additional 700 (give or take a couple of 100) for the cord. Been using it for a while, and have been very happy with it. I had narrowed down my choice to this and the Pio 7950. Preferred the Alpine because the SQ appealed to me more, and that the display looks more sober than the Pio. Alpines are a touch more expensive than some of the others, but you do get a very high quality HU.
	() Thanks

14th September 2008, 12:36	#52
Raja BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 419 Thanked: 69 Times	This is slightly relevant and slightly off-topic at the same time: I already have a Pioneer 7950 with USB connector and built-in ability to connect iPod with correct adapter. I also have a 2nd Gen iPod Nano, working happily with the 7950. My query is, IF I change to iPod to a Sony mp3 Walkman or any other brand mp3 player, does the interface still work from the HU? IF I change the HU to another brand with USB input, again how does the Sony mp3 player connect interface wise with the HU? Is this fuss only about Apple interface? Do other brands work as if you are plugging in an ordinary pendrive? Any first hand experiences?
	() Thanks

2nd January 2009, 19:03	#53
luvjascha BANNED Join Date: May 2006 Location: BOM Posts: 429 Thanked: 2 Times	Kenwood or Pioneer HU Guys, since I already have speakers- Infinity Kappa series - 693.7i (330 watts) and 60.7cs (270 watts, 6 -1/2" two-way component system); all I am looking for is a HU that, 1. Is VFM 2. Has good SQ 3. Large, easy-to-read buttons/layout and user-friendly 4. Enables iPod connectivity with ease and with minimal wires sticking out (meaning that I can connect my iPod to the HU with the existing USB iPod cable, which wouldn’t require me to buy/attach another cable, which will make the area around the HU very cluttered) 5. Comes with a toggle (preferred), for convenience while browsing (like the iPod scroll wheel) and lastly, 6. Is either Pioneer or Kenwood Along with the cost of the HU, I also have to consider fitment of the MDF tray and fitment of speakers. What would that cost me in total? What would you guys recommend from, Kenwood KDC-4036U Kenwood KDC-5039U Pioneer 3090UB Pioneer 4090 (Can this HU be considered, since it does not have a USB jack) Pioneer 5090UB Pioneer 6090UB I’m not too sure about the Pio 3090UB because I have read folks advising against Hus that have USB (or Aux-In) in the front, which may casue hindrance of some sort. Can the iPod be controlled from the HU itself? Should I look for Hus that allow me this feature? Kindly recommend other models, if I‘ve missed out on any. I will not be using an amplifier or a subwoofer, not now or in the future. I was told by 2 Kenwood dealers that the 4036U has been discontinued / out of stock, and that the 5039U has replaced it. He said that if it was iPod connectivity that I was interested in, to look at the MP439. Even though it does not have a USB slot, he mentioned something about connecting it to the hands-free slot using an extra cord that costs a 100 bucks, which he’d throw in for free. I got 2 different B&W prices for the Kenwood MP5039U; one quoted 7.4K, and the other quoted 6.2K Both said that they are out of the 4036U, and one said that it may be available without B&W, but they don’t stock it. How is it possible, when the Kenwood site lists it? The B&W price of the MP439 = 5.9K I know that Pioneer’s are available without B&W; is it the same with Kenwood’s? Is it OK to purchase either in the grey market? (I will be purchasing it from a reputed shop) Is it better to go with the Pio 6090UB without B&W, or with the 5090UB with B&W? How is the SQ of Pioneer’s compared to Kenwood’s? I don’t think I want to spend anything over 6-7K for the HU. Finally, what do you guys suggest?
	() Thanks

2nd January 2009, 19:12	#54
greenhorn Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KL-01 Posts: 7,745 Thanked: 4,399 Times View My Garage	got unbanned and decided to kick it off with yet another thread eh what about your earlier thread ? either way, I'd suggest the kenwood 5039 if you want SQ. All these HU's will need an additional cable if you want to connect an ipod digitally and control it else aux in is always there Last edited by greenhorn : 2nd January 2009 at 19:24.
	() Thanks

2nd January 2009, 19:20	#55
DjNik BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Kolkata Posts: 340 Thanked: 3 Times	Consider the KDC MP 6539U Its a VFM HU with brilliant SQ. Kenwood - KDC-MP6539U I got it for 8.5k w B&W. luvjascha you're right the Pio 4090 does not have USB.
	() Thanks

2nd January 2009, 19:21	#56
abhinav.gupta88 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Delhi , India Posts: 4,092 Thanked: 325 Times View My Garage	If you want to run your ipod through the USB, you need an Alpine. Its better to go of with Pioneer with ipod connectivity at back. Take a wire from there and get it into your glovebox. Its the best option.
	() Thanks

2nd January 2009, 19:31	#57
luvjascha BANNED Join Date: May 2006 Location: BOM Posts: 429 Thanked: 2 Times	I believe that the 4090 does not have USB; is it possible to directly connect my iPod to the USB port of the 3090, with the iPod USB cable? If so, wouldn't this be a good option, considering that I wouldn't need another cord to connect the iPod cable?
	() Thanks

2nd January 2009, 19:50	#58
abhinav.gupta88 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Delhi , India Posts: 4,092 Thanked: 325 Times View My Garage	No You cannot. Only Alpine offers it and for that too you need a seperate cable ( through USB)
	() Thanks

2nd January 2009, 19:52	#59
greenhorn Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KL-01 Posts: 7,745 Thanked: 4,399 Times View My Garage	the cheapest alpine HU is the 9870(8k) + cable(2k) but it doesnt have a scroll wheel we can get started on it , but thats the topic of another thread already , not to mention several PM's Last edited by greenhorn : 2nd January 2009 at 19:55.
	() Thanks

2nd January 2009, 19:55	#60
abhinav.gupta88 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Delhi , India Posts: 4,092 Thanked: 325 Times View My Garage	There is no other way of playing the ipod than through the aux in cable. Best would be a HU with USB at front and aux in at back . The aux in can be connected and wire made to go inside the glovebox ( No wires will be visible too)
	() Thanks