sperryrand Posted October 8, 2006 Report Share Posted October 8, 2006 I'm considering getting rid of the blasted tape feeder thing I've been using with our iPods in the S60.Any advice on the alternatives? I've considered the Volvo factory iPod adaptor and the USA-Spec product. Pitfalls? I know the factory adaptor allows more playlists to be defined. Unless it's better to just use a line-in option. Not sure. I'm not crazy about the factory integration that doesn't display any song info.Looking for an option that lets me keep the factory headunit.Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owned Posted October 9, 2006 Report Share Posted October 9, 2006 The USA-Spec product is just about the same thing, functionally, as the Volvo interface. It just costs half as much. Use that, along with a H/K Drive & Play, and you have a feature rich, SAFE iPod solution. This also will leave you with expandability in the form of the aux-in on the HK piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ViperVette Posted October 9, 2006 Report Share Posted October 9, 2006 is USA-Spec a company or just the volvo product made for the states?ot- 3650 watts rms... jesus man, I thought my 900 was excessive... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owned Posted October 9, 2006 Report Share Posted October 9, 2006 is USA-Spec a company or just the volvo product made for the states?ot- 3650 watts rms... jesus man, I thought my 900 was excessive...They are a company that builds OEM integration products.http://www.usaspec.com/That's 3,650 watts spread over 4 amps, though . When I was trying to build my SPL car, I had an 8,110 RMS x1@4 amp. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the underlørd Posted October 9, 2006 Report Share Posted October 9, 2006 ipd sells one as well. .02 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owned Posted October 9, 2006 Report Share Posted October 9, 2006 ipd sells one as well. .02The one they sell is the USA Spec device, just repackaged.The problem with that interface is that for an '02 S60 (what the OP has) you are limited to 6 options to take place of your discs. This means 5 playlists and 1 play-all option. If the USA Spec device is combined with the HK device, you regain almost all of the iPods functionality, plus you gain a safe way to view track information and the ability to keep the iPod securely stashed away 100% of the time.The USA Spec device and HK unit can be had for a total cost of between $200-$300. As compared to Volvo's feature lacking device at $450. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the underlørd Posted October 9, 2006 Report Share Posted October 9, 2006 The one they sell is the USA Spec device, just repackaged.The problem with that interface is that for an '02 S60 (what the OP has) you are limited to 6 options to take place of your discs. This means 5 playlists and 1 play-all option. If the USA Spec device is combined with the HK device, you regain almost all of the iPods functionality, plus you gain a safe way to view track information and the ability to keep the iPod securely stashed away 100% of the time.The USA Spec device and HK unit can be had for a total cost of between $200-$300. As compared to Volvo's feature lacking device at $450.Hmm.. then the choice is clear. get an new aftermarket HU, save $, and get better sound in the process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owned Posted October 9, 2006 Report Share Posted October 9, 2006 Hmm.. then the choice is clear. get an new aftermarket HU, save $, and get better sound in the process.That is the best option for anyone who doesn't have their heart set on retaining the stock HU. Metra makes a fairly nice dash kit for those who want to trade up in the HU department. Using your old fascia is also possible if you're willing to do a bit of fabrication. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sperryrand Posted October 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2006 That is the best option for anyone who doesn't have their heart set on retaining the stock HU. Metra makes a fairly nice dash kit for those who want to trade up in the HU department. Using your old fascia is also possible if you're willing to do a bit of fabrication.Hmm...the plot thickens...Owned, are you aware of a link to any photos of the Metra kit installed? I found the black/white install PDF on their website, but no color pics. Most of the time, we have our iPods on shuffle when we're in the car for a long trip, so using the 'play all' playlist and turning "random" on wouldn't be the end of the world for us. Having song title and track displayed would be bonus.From what I understand, the USASpec kit also provides line input capability? That would be quite desireable with the XM Radio kit that's never been fully installed (and we've had since back in '04).Too many choices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyfishing3 Posted October 11, 2006 Report Share Posted October 11, 2006 i have the ipd usaspec adapter and love it. there are two choices on how it can read the ipod. volvo's doesn't give you the choices. i like it. easy install toomike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owned Posted October 11, 2006 Report Share Posted October 11, 2006 Hmm...the plot thickens...Owned, are you aware of a link to any photos of the Metra kit installed? I found the black/white install PDF on their website, but no color pics. Most of the time, we have our iPods on shuffle when we're in the car for a long trip, so using the 'play all' playlist and turning "random" on wouldn't be the end of the world for us. Having song title and track displayed would be bonus.From what I understand, the USASpec kit also provides line input capability? That would be quite desireable with the XM Radio kit that's never been fully installed (and we've had since back in '04).Too many choices.http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/show...004_14_full.jpgThat's an S80 with a rather ugly HU, but you should get the basic idea.Yes, the USA Spec device has an auxilary input. This is how the HK Drive + Play would be added into the equation. If you wanted to run both, the HK also has an aux input, and in this way you could run your XM unit and get track info, by daisy chaining the units. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest Posted October 25, 2006 Report Share Posted October 25, 2006 I have the USA Spec unit in my P2 V70.Works like an ipod. I can nav thru all my songs, albums, artists, NPR Podcasts all on the ipod. The unit Volvo sells is only letting you use playlists.USAspec is better. Takes like 45 minutes to install too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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