Add iPod to base C6 stereo
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Park Ridge NJ
Add iPod to base C6 stereo
As the title says, I have a 2006 C6 convertible with the single disk CD radio. What options do I have with this unit to add iPOD or MP3 player capability. From what I've read so far, it looks like the single disk CD radio has no aux capability. I was considering going to a Harmon Karden drive + play with the wired FM modulator. My hesitation is adding on the display screen and joystick. I'd like to keep the interior as close to stock as possible. I would also consider changing the head unit with an after market one that would give me the iPOD or P3 player capability. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,289
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From: Skippack PA
St Jude Donor '13
As the title says, I have a 2006 C6 convertible with the single disk CD radio. What options do I have with this unit to add iPOD or MP3 player capability. From what I've read so far, it looks like the single disk CD radio has no aux capability. I was considering going to a Harmon Karden drive + play with the wired FM modulator. My hesitation is adding on the display screen and joystick. I'd like to keep the interior as close to stock as possible. I would also consider changing the head unit with an after market one that would give me the iPOD or P3 player capability. Thanks
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-5l73N0B...p?I=581PA11VET
The big limitation is 5 playlists on that.
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 63
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From: Park Ridge NJ
Need some help
It's been years since I've installed car stereos so bear with me. Can someone please correct my understanding of this system? My base single cd stereo I believe is a non Bose system and has 7 speakers, one in the dash, 2 in each door and 2 in the rear panel (behind the seats). Loking at Crutchfield and Logjam sites, I see no way of controlling a cd changer or using any other aux inputs. I'm not sure if my system has subs, external amps etc... In my earlier post, I mentioned that I'd like to control my iPOD or an MP3 player through this unit. If that's not possible, will an in dash 6 cd changer work? In the parts for sale section, I see listings for a 2005 (C6) head unit with built in 6 cd changer. Could I just replace my head unit with this one and will it be compatible with my speakers, wiring harness and amps? I'd like to make this upgrade as cost effective as possible.
Thanks in advance,
Steve
Thanks in advance,
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 16
From: Skippack PA
St Jude Donor '13
Crutchfield's info on our cars is pretty thin. They're very conservative with what they publish, pretty much don't say it will fit if they don't have proof positive. They say that the Alpine I put in my '07 Avalance won't fit but it's the exactly same chassis size as the Pioneer AVIC D3, which they show does fit. The point there is if they say it fits you can be pretty certain it will, but if they say it doesn't, that doesn't mean it won't.
The iPod interface I linked to should work, I was just pointing out the benefit of the aftermarket heads since you made mention of it. So if an iPod connection is what you want, I think it's the simplest way to go.
I believe you could put the other radio in your car, yes, but it would definitely require a trip to the dealer to change the programming in the radio to authorize it for your car. There's a "VIN lock" on the factory radios and that's what would need to be taken care of.
Honestly, in a car, especially through a factory system... the convenience of the iPod outweighs the potential for better audio performance of CD so I'd stay focused on that.
The iPod interface I linked to should work, I was just pointing out the benefit of the aftermarket heads since you made mention of it. So if an iPod connection is what you want, I think it's the simplest way to go.
I believe you could put the other radio in your car, yes, but it would definitely require a trip to the dealer to change the programming in the radio to authorize it for your car. There's a "VIN lock" on the factory radios and that's what would need to be taken care of.
Honestly, in a car, especially through a factory system... the convenience of the iPod outweighs the potential for better audio performance of CD so I'd stay focused on that.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,059
Likes: 17
From: Stokesdale NC
It's been years since I've installed car stereos so bear with me. Can someone please correct my understanding of this system? My base single cd stereo I believe is a non Bose system and has 7 speakers, one in the dash, 2 in each door and 2 in the rear panel (behind the seats). Loking at Crutchfield and Logjam sites, I see no way of controlling a cd changer or using any other aux inputs. I'm not sure if my system has subs, external amps etc... In my earlier post, I mentioned that I'd like to control my iPOD or an MP3 player through this unit. If that's not possible, will an in dash 6 cd changer work? In the parts for sale section, I see listings for a 2005 (C6) head unit with built in 6 cd changer. Could I just replace my head unit with this one and will it be compatible with my speakers, wiring harness and amps? I'd like to make this upgrade as cost effective as possible.
Thanks in advance,
Steve
Thanks in advance,
Steve
Of the seven speakers in the base radio, there are two door subwoofers, two door tweeters, two rear midranges, and one center dash speaker. All are powered by an external amp under the passengers left foot.
The six-disc stock head unit is a Bose system and uses a different amp. The speakers are wired differently -- for example the two rears are a single channel and not stereo. There are different wiring harnesses -- the connectors are all the same, but the pin-outs are different.
So it is definitely more work than simply swapping stock head units to upgrade. I went with the aftermarket and put in an AVIC-D3 that I like a lot. Now I finally have iPod controls on the head unit.
