USB vs. MP3 vs. iPod vs. CD Changer vs. ??? - Page 2

mvorchard · 02-06-2007, 08:57 AM

I just installed a X890, and I'm loving it.......... really!! I haven't been able to play around with all the seeking features yet, but it does work.... I can, though, look for a particular song while playing the current one (my model??)...

I didn't like the display much.... with some sin, you can barely see things... although I like to keep the display off, so no big deal for me

I would like to learn how to use playlists.....!! Manual is a little poor, I would say.... Also, how to look for a particular folder, instead of navigating them...

Bluetooth and my phone work just great!! Fantastic, I would say!!

And I would love to know how you guys have installed a hard drive in the car....... would be great doing it here!

Cheers,

MO

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gangolfus · 02-06-2007, 10:31 AM

I personally use a Kenwood HU that has an RCA adapter for the CD Changer input on the back. I hook up my Creative Zen Vision:M to it when I go on long car trips. I would recommend this route if you have a use for an mp3 player. If not, then go with the usb HD. I use my mp3 player at work every day, so I bought it for that purpose and using it in my car is an added bonus. For me, maintaining a music library in both the mp3 player and a usb HD would just be a pain in the arse.

Zebe · 02-08-2007, 06:02 PM

So what's the USB protocol across brands?

So far, Kenwood X590 reads out loud, but won't let you continue playback while searching for another song.

The X890 appears to let you continue playing while searching for another song (that's if I read the post correctly).

Please post your experiences with USB interfaces. Does the head unit talk to you? Does it let you search while continuing playback? Any other comments on your experience are welcome. Please specify your make and model.

Gregor · 02-08-2007, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zebe

So what's the USB protocol across brands?

Please post your experiences with USB interfaces. Does the head unit talk to you? Does it let you search while continuing playback? Any other comments on your experience are welcome. Please specify your make and model.

Zebe,

I'm currently in the market for a HU and USB functionality is high on the list of requirements. I was thinking it'd be great if you edit post #1 and start listing HUs by mfg and model number then listing thier USB and DVD capibilities. As I collect information, I'll post it here and hope others do the same. Collect all the responses and summarize in post #1. I'm currently looking at Pioneer Premier and Ecplise. Both support USB but use file/folder navigation instead of and indexed search (genre, artist, year, etc). When I get more specifics on each model I'll post it here.

02BlueSuperRoo · 02-08-2007, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvorchard

I just installed a X890, and I'm loving it.......... really!! I haven't been able to play around with all the seeking features yet, but it does work.... I can, though, look for a particular song while playing the current one (my model??)...

I didn't like the display much.... with some sin, you can barely see things... although I like to keep the display off, so no big deal for me

I would like to learn how to use playlists.....!! Manual is a little poor, I would say.... Also, how to look for a particular folder, instead of navigating them...

Bluetooth and my phone work just great!! Fantastic, I would say!!

And I would love to know how you guys have installed a hard drive in the car....... would be great doing it here!

Cheers,

MO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zebe

So what's the USB protocol across brands?

So far, Kenwood X590 reads out loud, but won't let you continue playback while searching for another song.

The X890 appears to let you continue playing while searching for another song (that's if I read the post correctly).

Please post your experiences with USB interfaces. Does the head unit talk to you? Does it let you search while continuing playback? Any other comments on your experience are welcome. Please specify your make and model.

Please keep in mind that my model is older than the one that mvorchard likely got because mine is the 2005 model. It is possible that they changed the not listening to music while you're searching thing. I don't know how I could keep listening though because the unit is talking. Does your unit talk mvorchard?

gharari · 02-09-2007, 12:14 AM

I have the Alpine 9857 hooked up to my IPOD (60GB ipod video 5G) and it is grrrrrrreat. Minor drawbacks:

have to turn off mix mode (random) to change artist/playlist

bass/treble button doesn't work properly when it is really cold in the car (<50 degrees) Works fine when it warms up.

artist/title info takes about 5 seconds to display after song starts (when listening to ipod)

Other than the above minor things, no problems.

It also does USB, bluetooth, and more with add on Alpine accessories.

I would also check out the new pioneer NAV that is coming out soon. I think it is stickied in this forum.

gangolfus · 02-09-2007, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gharari

bass/treble button doesn't work properly when it is really cold in the car (<50 degrees) Works fine when it warms up.

I'm sorry, I couldn't help but laugh when "<50 degrees" is considered "really cold". AZ must be nice. It was 5 degrees when I left the house this morning... if it were 50 I woulda worn shorts!

Zebe · 02-09-2007, 09:31 AM

ACDrive or Advanced Codec Drive is a really neat feature. It's what gives Kenwood head units the ability to talk to you, and it appears that it's only available on Kenwood head units.

Click on the links in the webpage for a demo.

It also seems like it will work across multiple medias from USB drives to MP3 players to CDs, so it doesn't matter how you get the music to the head unit as long as the head unit is a Kenwood with ACDrive.

02BlueSuperRoo · 02-09-2007, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zebe

ACDrive or Advanced Codec Drive is a really neat feature. It's what gives Kenwood head units the ability to talk to you, and it appears that it's only available on Kenwood head units.

Click on the links in the webpage for a demo.

It also seems like it will work across multiple medias from USB drives to MP3 players to CDs, so it doesn't matter how you get the music to the head unit as long as the head unit is a Kenwood with ACDrive.

The only other stipulation is you have to create the media using the software that is included with the player. Either by burning a CD with it or putting the songs on your storage devide with it.

gharari · 02-09-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gangolfus

I'm sorry, I couldn't help but laugh when "<50 degrees" is considered "really cold". AZ must be nice. It was 5 degrees when I left the house this morning... if it were 50 I woulda worn shorts!

Hahahaha. You are right. I was talking about the temp inside the car, but yeah I am from AZ and 50 degrees IS "really cold". Too funny.

Just to put that button issue in perspective though, there were a few nights here in the 30's weeks ago, and that's when I noticed the problem with my HU. Once the heat in the car kicked the temp up enough, it started working properly again. I wonder if Alpine knows about this and wonder weather this is just a problem with my particular HU.

I guess my Alpine and I are both pansy a$$es when it comes to dealing with cold!

02BlueSuperRoo · 02-09-2007, 01:59 PM

I did my install when it was < 30 a couple weeks ago. For the past week or so we've had overnight temps well below 0. Thank you lucky stars it stays above freezing where you are.

gharari · 02-09-2007, 02:01 PM

Hopefully it's a clear night tonight and I will thank them all. Just to rub it in a little bit, my friend and I are heading on a motorcycle ride tomrrow through Southern Arizona, since it is likely to be in the 70's possibly 80's. Doh!!!!

02BlueSuperRoo · 02-09-2007, 03:21 PM

Yeah, it will get up to 80 here too............................. in 6 months.

firebox40dash5 · 02-09-2007, 07:23 PM

The play button on my 9856 takes a couple taps to work when it's at all chilly out (like 60ish). Kinda freaked me out when the display just blinked and nothing happened the first time, then I realized it worked if I just pressed it again

gharari · 02-10-2007, 01:02 AM

yep. display blinks. similar problem sounds like.

mvorchard · 02-13-2007, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02BlueSuperRoo

Please keep in mind that my model is older than the one that mvorchard likely got because mine is the 2005 model. It is possible that they changed the not listening to music while you're searching thing. I don't know how I could keep listening though because the unit is talking. Does your unit talk mvorchard?

That's right. It talks, and does it really well... some weird things, as expected, but nice feature..........

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zebe

ACDrive or Advanced Codec Drive is a really neat feature. It's what gives Kenwood head units the ability to talk to you, and it appears that it's only available on Kenwood head units.

Click on the links in the webpage for a demo.

It also seems like it will work across multiple medias from USB drives to MP3 players to CDs, so it doesn't matter how you get the music to the head unit as long as the head unit is a Kenwood with ACDrive.

This is right, too! I put some good number of songs in my 1Gb memory stick, and don't need anything else now...........

hibrid · 02-14-2007, 12:18 AM

So If I picked out a HU that had USB capabilities, are there cables available that I can mount in a remote location? What Im trying to accomplish is to have a remote plug in location for the USB thumb drives instead of pluging into the face of the HU.

Also, If such components are available, Couldnt I plug in my Ipod into the USB port via the Ipod interface cable? Just trying to cover all the basis.

Thanks

02BlueSuperRoo · 02-14-2007, 03:24 PM

1) They have cables, they're called USB cables. You need an "A to A" and "Male to Female" cable.

2) Yes, but you won't be able to navigate on your ipod because it will be as if it were connected as a mass storage device.

hibrid · 02-14-2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02BlueSuperRoo

1) They have cables, they're called USB cables. You need an "A to A" and "Male to Female" cable.

2) Yes, but you won't be able to navigate on your ipod because it will be as if it were connected as a mass storage device.

Thanks, What about like a panel mount female end with a flip cover kinda like aux 12v outlets have? Ive looked around and havent seen much in that fasion.

mvorchard · 02-14-2007, 11:37 PM

A little off-topic, but don't think is worthwhile another thread....

The thing I don't like about my X890 is when you have the panel angled, it is not firm enough - not even compared to what my Alpine 9833 was. It is kind of floppy.....

But I'm just loving and loving the talking feature.......... it is just great!!

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02-06-2007, 08:57 AM	#26
mvorchard Scooby Specialist Member#: 42540 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Santiago, Chile Vehicle: 2007 Forester XT Metallic Grey	I just installed a X890, and I'm loving it.......... really!! I haven't been able to play around with all the seeking features yet, but it does work.... I can, though, look for a particular song while playing the current one (my model??)... I didn't like the display much.... with some sin, you can barely see things... although I like to keep the display off, so no big deal for me I would like to learn how to use playlists.....!! Manual is a little poor, I would say.... Also, how to look for a particular folder, instead of navigating them... Bluetooth and my phone work just great!! Fantastic, I would say!! And I would love to know how you guys have installed a hard drive in the car....... would be great doing it here! Cheers, MO * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

02-06-2007, 10:31 AM	#27
gangolfus Scooby Newbie Member#: 137780 Join Date: Jan 2007 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Chicago, IL	I personally use a Kenwood HU that has an RCA adapter for the CD Changer input on the back. I hook up my Creative Zen Vision:M to it when I go on long car trips. I would recommend this route if you have a use for an mp3 player. If not, then go with the usb HD. I use my mp3 player at work every day, so I bought it for that purpose and using it in my car is an added bonus. For me, maintaining a music library in both the mp3 player and a usb HD would just be a pain in the arse.

02-08-2007, 06:02 PM	#28
Zebe Scooby Specialist Member#: 118698 Join Date: Jun 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Cockeysville, MD Vehicle: 07 WRX Ltd Wagon 94 Miata	So what's the USB protocol across brands? So far, Kenwood X590 reads out loud, but won't let you continue playback while searching for another song. The X890 appears to let you continue playing while searching for another song (that's if I read the post correctly). Please post your experiences with USB interfaces. Does the head unit talk to you? Does it let you search while continuing playback? Any other comments on your experience are welcome. Please specify your make and model.

02-09-2007, 12:14 AM	#31
gharari Scooby Specialist Member#: 66695 Join Date: Jul 2004 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Wheat Ridge, CO Vehicle: 2006 STI Obsidian Black Pearl	I have the Alpine 9857 hooked up to my IPOD (60GB ipod video 5G) and it is grrrrrrreat. Minor drawbacks: have to turn off mix mode (random) to change artist/playlist bass/treble button doesn't work properly when it is really cold in the car (<50 degrees) Works fine when it warms up. artist/title info takes about 5 seconds to display after song starts (when listening to ipod) Other than the above minor things, no problems. It also does USB, bluetooth, and more with add on Alpine accessories. I would also check out the new pioneer NAV that is coming out soon. I think it is stickied in this forum.

02-09-2007, 09:31 AM	#33
Zebe Scooby Specialist Member#: 118698 Join Date: Jun 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Cockeysville, MD Vehicle: 07 WRX Ltd Wagon 94 Miata	ACDrive or Advanced Codec Drive is a really neat feature. It's what gives Kenwood head units the ability to talk to you, and it appears that it's only available on Kenwood head units. Click on the links in the webpage for a demo. It also seems like it will work across multiple medias from USB drives to MP3 players to CDs, so it doesn't matter how you get the music to the head unit as long as the head unit is a Kenwood with ACDrive.

02-09-2007, 01:59 PM	#36
02BlueSuperRoo Scooby Specialist Member#: 78290 Join Date: Dec 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Milwaukee, WI Vehicle: 2011 WRX 5-door SSM	I did my install when it was < 30 a couple weeks ago. For the past week or so we've had overnight temps well below 0. Thank you lucky stars it stays above freezing where you are.

02-09-2007, 02:01 PM	#37
gharari Scooby Specialist Member#: 66695 Join Date: Jul 2004 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Wheat Ridge, CO Vehicle: 2006 STI Obsidian Black Pearl	Hopefully it's a clear night tonight and I will thank them all. Just to rub it in a little bit, my friend and I are heading on a motorcycle ride tomrrow through Southern Arizona, since it is likely to be in the 70's possibly 80's. Doh!!!!

02-09-2007, 03:21 PM	#38
02BlueSuperRoo Scooby Specialist Member#: 78290 Join Date: Dec 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Milwaukee, WI Vehicle: 2011 WRX 5-door SSM	Yeah, it will get up to 80 here too............................. in 6 months.

02-09-2007, 07:23 PM	#39
firebox40dash5 Scooby Specialist Member#: 107361 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Bawlmer, Merlin Vehicle: Now, with 100% less trunk space!	The play button on my 9856 takes a couple taps to work when it's at all chilly out (like 60ish). Kinda freaked me out when the display just blinked and nothing happened the first time, then I realized it worked if I just pressed it again

02-10-2007, 01:02 AM	#40
gharari Scooby Specialist Member#: 66695 Join Date: Jul 2004 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Wheat Ridge, CO Vehicle: 2006 STI Obsidian Black Pearl	yep. display blinks. similar problem sounds like.

02-14-2007, 12:18 AM	#42
hibrid Scooby Newbie Member#: 97440 Join Date: Oct 2005 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: WA Vehicle: 2002 STG 2 shaggin wagon	So If I picked out a HU that had USB capabilities, are there cables available that I can mount in a remote location? What Im trying to accomplish is to have a remote plug in location for the USB thumb drives instead of pluging into the face of the HU. Also, If such components are available, Couldnt I plug in my Ipod into the USB port via the Ipod interface cable? Just trying to cover all the basis. Thanks

02-14-2007, 03:24 PM	#43
02BlueSuperRoo Scooby Specialist Member#: 78290 Join Date: Dec 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Milwaukee, WI Vehicle: 2011 WRX 5-door SSM	1) They have cables, they're called USB cables. You need an "A to A" and "Male to Female" cable. 2) Yes, but you won't be able to navigate on your ipod because it will be as if it were connected as a mass storage device.

02-14-2007, 11:37 PM	#45
mvorchard Scooby Specialist Member#: 42540 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Santiago, Chile Vehicle: 2007 Forester XT Metallic Grey	A little off-topic, but don't think is worthwhile another thread.... The thing I don't like about my X890 is when you have the panel angled, it is not firm enough - not even compared to what my Alpine 9833 was. It is kind of floppy..... But I'm just loving and loving the talking feature.......... it is just great!!