RallyJon

My audio world is completely MP3 based. Music server at home. Car plays MP3 CDs. If I get a CD, it gets ripped immediately, then put in a box in the closet.

And yet every single car receiver has the stupid slot. Think about how much space a CD player drive, head, transport takes up in the limited space of a car receiver. Why not substitute a tiny CF or SD slot? Or even a USB port. Multi-Gig cards are dirt cheap now. Even with MP3 CDs, I have a dozen or so floating around the interior of the car.

Looking on Crutchfield, I see ONE model--a low-end Blaupunkt--that has a card slot instead of a CD player.

This seems so obvious...

RallyJon

Oh, and Alpine now has a head unit that seems perfect, the IDA-X001. But you need to plug an Ipod into it as the storage device--no card reader or other input options. Doh!

dbf73

that may have been true when you wrote this but they now have a module that will let you do exactly that at http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...&lang=en&tab=A

RallyJon

Sure, for $160. Then add another $220 for Bluetooth.

Fortunately there are other options available or coming out soon. I've been a Alpine fan for years but they are really falling behind in technology and features.

The Parrot RK8200 is the right direction--just wish it was Alpine quality. Bluetooth, USB, iPod, SD slot, and a nice pocket for your phone or iPod since it's not wasting all that space on a CD transport.

dbf73

I'm just beginning to look for an iPod and Bluetooth capable unit, hopefully with integration similar to the ALpine unit you mentioned. Other suggestions?

richardew

The head units have all been about the same size for quite some time now - just radio, w/cassette, w/cd. I just don't see much difference. I have my entire music collection on my 160 gb ipod plus hours and hours of cme lectures. The newer alpine units (2007 +) have a great interface, plus bluetooth for my phone plus jacks for my Garmin.

RallyJon

The new Clarion has native Bluetooth and an SD slot. Styling is um, unique, but there is a black version which would look better:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...x?I=020FB275BT

RallyJon

I wish! Every Alpine I've seen does all that stuff with external boxes. Further, you're limited in daisy chaining them unless you buy YET ANOTHER box to plug the boxes into. Their f'ing $1500 head units are only "bluetooth ready".

Please--point me to an Alpine with integrated Bluetooth and USB/SD card management. I'd buy it in a second!

texas911

You realize this is an aircooled 911 forum, right?

RallyJon

My air cooled 911 came with a rectangular hole in the dashboard. It's just the right size for a receiver.

Of course, if you'd like to point me to the Rennlist car audio forum... Oh wait, there isn't one.

pcar

Texas911 I think it was you who started the "Watches" post!

Shizznik

You're in a p-car, why would you be listening to the radio instead of the motor??

pcar

You are correct! I don't play the radio much when I drive...or look at my watch for that matter. I do however enjoy posts about both subects.

richardew

The motor does have a wonderful song, but I like other songs also. Hours of driving and listening to the motor is monotonous, boring, tiring etc.

texas911

And most here enjoy mechanical watches instead of digital ones.