I would like to install an I-Pod in my 99 xk8 and would like a little input. I would like it to look clean and custom, no wires hanging out. What do you have and how did you connect it and where? I thought I saw a post that lead me to believe it was installed in the trunk at the CD player and the I-Pod was at the radio console. Was I dreaming?

 

I did an iPod install but I had to use the cassette player for the audio input. Here is the link, which is buried in somebody else's thread.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...270#post121270
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I use a cassette adapter with surprisingly good results. Tried a couple of them and ended up using Monster's - it definitely had the best sound. Plus its black with a black cable so with my interior (black) its pretty unobtrusive when I am using it.

Pro's: Sound quality much better than the FM transmitter units. When I am not using it, it all gets put away in the center box. It works with any MP3 or iPod. Inexpensive ($20 or so from Amazon)

Cons: Still not totally built in.

 

If you wire in your Ipod properly you can even watch the videos.

 

Are those pic's of your car? I would like to hear about the engine mods.

Sweet ride

 

Interesting - looks like you have the Parrot hands free phone system. Was the installation very complicated? Did you DIY or have the shop do the install?

 

Great job on the Mod's........................that represents a LOT OF WORK!
Brian

 

I installed the Parrott unit myself along with most of the other upgrades. The unit is quite simple to install just a lot of trim panel to remove for a neat installation. It is a good Saturday project as once you start you get into something else along the way.

 

I connected my iPod to the CD player on my 2003 XKR. I ran the wires up into the console where the iPod sits out of sight. I have a switch so that I can switch between the CD player and the iPod. The only downside is that the CD player runs when the iPod is playing. You can remove the magazine and the iPod will still play. This approach allows the iPod to charge and the steeing wheel controls still adjust the volume. The direct connection of the audio to the Alpine provides the best sound quality, much better than the cassette adapters and FM modulators.

AJ

 

You must be in the metal polishing business. Looks great. How many hour in that engine job?

Can you polish my plastic to look like that?

 

Would it be the same process for newer XKR's?

 

I took the plunge and purchased and installed an interface for my I-Pod and it works great and at the present time no noise with the engine running. this is the item I purchased http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=1323 Thanks for all your input. Info on my page.

 

Gus' solution seems to be very good. I did not know that the FM modulation unit plugs right into the antenna jack. It's definitely cheaper than what I did (ALP/Ai-AUX switch with a rca-pod adapter)

 

Give me a few days to check it out. I do like the idea that I can change the configuration from i-pod to audio input for mp3, cd or computer. And it is a clean install without cutting and has an on and off switch to take it out of the picture.

 

markman, how did you get the alp/ai-net switcher to work. I have tried it behind the radio, and between the nav and amp to no avail.

 

I bought the same as Gus. Works well but volume level is low compared to regular FM channel. I need to check out there website.

 

Mine works fine I did need to change frequency and adjust the gain. Not perfect but it satisfied my need.

 

@stevepaa

I did some investigating after I tried and failed with the AUX switcher in my XJ. (I had tried it with the head unit set to CD and it didn't work. I then gave up)

I'm now 99% sure that it WOULD work if you connect it behind the head unit and then set the head unit to radio (not CD).... I think then you would hear the signal from the AUX switcher.

I'm also pretty sure it would work if you connected it between the CDchanger and the amp...... the problem with this is the connectors aren't correct (male/female) so you have to buy multiple cables and start hacking them.

If you still have the switcher and were willing to try an experiment, I'd like to see if it works behind the head unit with the head unit set to radio.

If you want to get the connection direct without a modulator or transmitter you can try the method we've been perfecting in the XJ forums here.....

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=11943

 

How did you connect in to the CD player I too have a 2003 XKR and looking for a IPOD solution. What adaptor did you use??