Which aftermarket deck sounds the best with an iPod?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 25
From: NorCal
Which aftermarket deck sounds the best with an iPod?
We all know AAC files sound like crap. Especially when passed through the Aux input on the HK deck our bikes have. It's even worse with an amp, like the Arc Audio I just installed with Alpine speakers. It's so compressed, so crunchy, it makes me cringe. It sounds so bad I'm embarrassed to turn it up.
Now, pop a CD with the same music into the HK and it sounds fantastic! Great mid-bass, no distortion, no crunch, and it's smooth all the way to max volume. The amp and speakers are great!
Those of you who have played with audio, what decks do you recommend? Is there a marine unit worth buying?
My buddy has an Alpine CDA-105. It sounds pretty good with his PDX 4.150. I don't really like the iPod interface too much, but I guess it can be managed with organizing playlists better.
Any other suggestions?
Now, pop a CD with the same music into the HK and it sounds fantastic! Great mid-bass, no distortion, no crunch, and it's smooth all the way to max volume. The amp and speakers are great!
Those of you who have played with audio, what decks do you recommend? Is there a marine unit worth buying?
My buddy has an Alpine CDA-105. It sounds pretty good with his PDX 4.150. I don't really like the iPod interface too much, but I guess it can be managed with organizing playlists better.
Any other suggestions?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: New York
i am going with the biketronics BT 1005 with pioneer deck and speakers still waiting on the harness due to backorder but you can shoose from jvc alpine kenwood sony and pioneer i am biting at the bullet till it comes in
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 424
Likes: 2
From: Middle of Kansas
+1 on Alpine!
Any of the "made for i-pod" units use a full speed digital/usb connection(not a 3.5-headphones out).
The i-pod is also controlled from the radio so you can stash the i-pod anywhere!
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/category/ipod-iphone
You might also consider the marine version
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/cda-9886m/
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/ida-x100m/
Any of the "made for i-pod" units use a full speed digital/usb connection(not a 3.5-headphones out).
The i-pod is also controlled from the radio so you can stash the i-pod anywhere!
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/category/ipod-iphone
You might also consider the marine version
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/cda-9886m/
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/ida-x100m/
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 3
From:
Yeah the alpine is sweet. I have the Ida-x100 and I like it alot. The hand controls work too with the the right adapter. One of my fav changes I made. Then again I only use my iPod. I also have Sirius with this head unit.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 19
From: Waukesha WI
I have a Sony Marine unit. I am waiting for the big brown truck to get here with the install kit. Has anyone had any issues using a stereo that is not a marine unit?
I ended up going with Hawg Wired speakers and amp.
One of these days I might look into an I pod or Sirius. I know nothing about them, but I do know the radio stations around here are not that great.
I ended up going with Hawg Wired speakers and amp.
One of these days I might look into an I pod or Sirius. I know nothing about them, but I do know the radio stations around here are not that great.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
I prefer Kenwood since it gives essentially the same technology at a more competitive price (more bang for the buck). And its USB Ipod-ready units do a decent job of playback for compression-beseiged MP3 files.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 174
Likes: 4
From: central IL
I'm a big fan of the Alpine as well. I havent played with the newer decks but my old alpine had ipod input and sounds much better than stock....
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 8
From: North Texas
Anything with a USB input will sound better. Plus, you don't have to carry your iPod, you can use an 8g or 16g flash drive which is much cheaper. I agree that damn AUX input is not high fidelity, not even close.