MP3 Player/Adapter

[Neo2006]

I *LOVE* my new 2006 matrix...

That said, anyone have a simple solution to add MP3 support on the 6 disc player either with an adapter or a recommended replacement unit? I was told the JBL upgrade does not play MP3s either.

Matrix 2005 solutions would also be appreciated since they might work too.

[acrylucs]

Well, i have an ipod and i use Peripheral Electronics solution. I've tried a couple things. The Fm modulator is ok, the one that is wired, but doesn't charge. The 6 CD changer DOES have an adapter that can fit an AUX output or whatver. the monster itrip is overpriced. basically, if you have an ipod, go with peripheral, if not, AUX2CAR or some equivalent is good.

[ksbrace]

Here is one possible replacement I have heard of:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-XCXXkW9...0&I=070XDM6820
It has an aux jack in the back, and comes with an "iplug", which is a 40 inch wire that connects the aux jack and I assume you fish to somewhere you can plug your ipod into the other end. The installation video at that site makes it look easy to install yourself.

[thewayout]

Getting a good setup for my iPOD has been a priority since the stock head-unit's FM reception leaves something to be desired, so I've done some research:


USA Spec iPod® Interface, Model# PA11TOY
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-3MnzGkN...p?I=581PA11TOY

Pros

-All recent single and multi-disk factory head-units in the Matrix should have the available connection.
-Modes for control via factory stereo and the iPOD itself, and a mode for control through the iPOD only.
-Provides an additional aux input that can be used in place of one playlist.
-Charges the iPODl.
-Fairly easy installation.
-Retails for $119.99 US.

Cons

-No title/artist display. (Frankly I don't care about that.)

Neo iON
http://www.mp3yourcar.com/productdet...?productID=200

Pros

-All recent single and multi-disk factory head-units in the Matrix should have the available connection.
-Control via factory stereo and the iPOD itself.
-Charges the iPOD.
-Fairly easy installation.

Cons

-Retails for about $70 more for about the same functionality as some other units.
-No title/artist display.
-To quote the website "The 2006 Toyota Matrix REQUIRES the related product" a "Toyota Harness Converter" for an extra $19.99 US.

Peripheral iPod adapter
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-3MnzGkN...7450&I=541PXDP

Pros

-All recent single and multi-disk factory head-units in the Matrix should have the available connection.
-Control via factory stereo and the iPOD itself.
-Charges the iPOD.
-Fairly easy installation.

Cons

-No title/artist display.
-Retails for about $70 more for about the same functionality as some other units.
-Requires an additional adaptors.

Harman Kardon Drive + Play
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-3MnzGkN...450&I=108DP1US

Pros

-Mutliple install options; Wireless FM, wired FM, wireharness, and aux input.
-Aux input pass through to connect additional devices.
-Full iPOD menus and display information. (If you care about it, I don't.)
-A knob which mimics the iPOD's click wheel.
-Charges the iPOD.

Cons

-Looks cheap.
-Feels cheaper from my experience with a demo unit.
-While connected you loose the option to use the iPOD controls directly.
-$199.99 US and it will most likely break in a year.

Namebrand Head-unit + maker specific iPOD interface

Pros

-Lots of options available on the market.
-Charges the iPOD.

Cons

-Generally the most expensive option.
-While connected you loose the option to use the iPOD controls.
-Limited information display. (Again if you're into that sort of thing.)

Scosche Bluetooth Car Kit for Apple® iPod

Pros

-Wireless connectivity means you can walk up to 30ft from your head-unit. (Is there a lot of call for this?)
-Can charge the iPod.

Cons

-Costs around $179.99 US.
-Requires either a bluebooth headunit, aftermarket head-unit with aux input or adaptor for aux in.
-No control via the head-unit.

Aftermarket Bluetooth head-unit + Logitech® Wireless Headphones for iPod (includes wireless adapter for iPod)

Pros

-No wires to tangle.
-No need to take the iPOD out of your pocket/bag/etc.
-Much better than FM quality.
-Basic controls available on your head-unit.
-Pauses to answer Bluetooth cell phone calls handsfree.

Cons

-Bluetooth 1.2 or greater head-units are very rare, and must support both the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) to work properly.
-No built-in charging, and of course it requires you to wire-up to charge with a seperate product.
-Only works with certain iPods.

Personally I'd love a good bluetooth head-unit that I can use with an iPOD and phone, but I've yet to find one. I got a different set of bluetooth wireless headphones w/mic and crossed it with the Logitech's iPod wireless adaptor to go from iPod to handsfree phone and back again. Love the freedom, but no one seems to be making an all in one solution for that or producing the head-units.

I'll probably pickup the USA Spec iPod Interface for the factory head-unit once I can confirm if I'd need to purchase or figure out how to wire an additonal adaptor.

[zedmatrix]

I just picked up my matrix! Went with the Factory Mp3 Player and I love it! A friend of mine had the iPod interface and I never really liked it so this seemed to be the right choice...I have an iPod but I burn Mp3 discs instead. Way easier to use and browse then the interface. If you burn the discs in folders using Nero you won't have any regrets.

[chocowallet]

I put an Alpine 9845 into my 2001 Corolla. It hooks up to an aux in the rear. Ipod controls thru a car stereo suck. Also, charging an Ipod non-stop is terrible for your Ipod battery. So, for 150 I have a head unit that makes my stock speakers sound great, has an aux, can even play MP3 discs, and installs with the original brackets. All you need is the wiring harness.

[polozhou226]

I have a Yaris 2010, with 6+6 pin on the CD changer port
I bought a digital music changer and a Y cable via a link: http://www.ycarlink.com/pd_10512_Dig...interface-.htm

The Y cable they offered is able to hook up navi/XM when I am using MP3 interface, very cool, perfect sound quality


their brand is Yatour, which seems popular in Europe