iphone compatible car stereo

[runner]

Getting the boy a new stereo for his car today (turning 17!). He'd like one that works with his iPhone (if it makes any difference, it's a cracked one, so I don't think it has the latest software, again, not sure if that makes a difference). I don't just want an adapter as his current stereo is the POS that came with his 1998 Honda Civic. Besides, he has one of those that doesn't work very well.

Any recommendations of what to look for or what to avoid? My idea is just to go to the Electronics Mecca (aka Frys) and find something we like.

Price is not too much of an issue, but I don't want to go north of $400 for the stereo itself (new speakers will be in order too, but that will be separate).

I've searched on the interwebs, but I can't seem to come up with what I'm looking for, so I decided to come to Hornfans, the source of all world knowledge.

Thanks all.

 

[The Bandit]

he can use his current radio if you buy an FM adapter.

www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10831&cs_id=1083105&p_id=5863&seq=1&format=2

The other option is to buy a new stereo with an aux port.

 

[runner]

Thanks, but we're buying him a new stereo (as his is the original POS that came with the car). We just want it to be able to work well with the iPhone.

He has an FM transmitter which does not work very well.

 

[rhorn27]

as noted, just make it sure it has an auxiliary input and buy him the necessary cable to connect iphone to stereo. see pic

 

[brntorng]

Go to Crutchfield.com and use their selector tool to narrow down your choices. Among your choices will be iPod/iPhone compatibility and Bluetooth support. His older iPhone may not support stereo Bluetooth, but if it does that's the sweet way to go. If not, get one that has an iPod/IPhone connector and control so the iPod/iPhone can be controlled and charged from the stereo. Avoid getting one that just has a mini stereo plug that connects to the headphone jack because you won't be able to control or charge the iPhone from the stereo. You should find several choices that do this and they're well within your budget.

 

[Ignatius]

I bought/installed this JVC unit from Crutchfield over the summer and it works great; they've got it listed at $179 now.

To reiterate what the post above me says, you definitely want to get something designed to work with an iPod so you can use the controls on the stereo/remote rather than having to mess with the iPod itself while you're driving. This unit can do that via the front USB port, but what I did was use the auxilary connection in the back of the unit to run a cable behind the dash and into the console of my truck (I could have just as easily run it into the glove box). This way you can use your iPod in the car, but not have to have it sitting on the dash or out in the open. It also frees up your front USB port to use a flash drive to play MP3s; a $25 investment at Fry's will give you storage capacity for 500 discs or so.

It's also got HD Radio built in, and the ability to add an adaptor for Sirius/XM if you're interested in that. It's got plenty of kick on its own, though if your boy really wants it to thump you could buy an external amp to drive it more and still (with speakers) stay within your budget...

 

[ACuriae]

Alpine IDA-X305. I was skeptical at first because there's no CD player, but when I really thought about it I wasn't playing many CDs anyway. Fast iPod interface mimics the iPod wheel, album art displays on the screen, etc.