iPod Options for Kenwood CD Changer Compatible Receivers
Kenwood CD changer receivers are widely installed in current boats and autos - although the actual installation of the remote CD changer is less common. In my case, I inherited a late-model Kenwood receiver in our new boat. Rather than bother with the built-in CD player or a changer upgrade, I have been researching how best to interface the Kenwood with my collection of portable MP3 players - most recently an iPod Video. This post details what I’ve found to date on interfacing options and their relative pros, cons, and costs.
Player Independent Solutions
1. FM Transmitter
The FM transmitter is both the most flexible and often inexpensive option. The basic FM transmitter connects to your headphone/lineout jack on your MP3 player and transmits the music over a selectable FM frequency at low power. This makes your FM transmitter compatible with any audio source with a mini-stereo jack (including laptop computers and small DVD players).
FM transmitters start around $10 for a simple, battery powered device like the Belkin TuneCast which we own. As the Amazon reviews suggest, this unit is limited to 4 channels in the 88MHz range. We’ve traveled extensively with this unit and found that performance isn’t a problem, except in large urban areas (such as San Jose, CA) where there are plenty of stations in its range. The Belkin transmits about 8 hours on 2 AAA batteries.
More fully featured is the iRiver AFT 100 which plugs directly into a standard 12V power socket and supports the entire range of FM frequencies for maximum flexibility.
2. AUX Input via the CD Changer Plug
The princliple downside to FM transmitters in the uncertain sound quality depending on output power, local radio stations, vehicle antena placement and quality, etc. On our boat, we’ve found that the FM transmitter, while adequate in a pinch, doesn’t provide the reliability we desire. Amazon offers the Kenwood CA-C1AUX which is a simple cable adapter connecting to the Kenwood CD Changer input on one side and providing left and right RCA jacks on the other - cost is only $20. Combine with a stereo RCA to mini-stereo jack adapter cable and you have a complete wired solution.
Given our need to connect a laptop (DVD’s for the kids) as well as our iPod, we opted for this solution. To round out its capability, we are also adding the Scosche 5G iPod RF remote which will allow us to leave the iPod in the cabin, but control it from the cockpit. We’ll also attach a 12V iPod travel charger for permanent power.
iPod Specific
1. iPod Specific FM Transmitter
Kensington’s 33185 iPod Transmitter/Charger operates similar to the iRiver AFT 100 above, expect that rather than a mini-stereo jack it connects to the iPod via the Apple dock connector. This provides the additional benefit of charging the iPod when in use.
2. Aftermarket Kenwood Compatible iPod Dock Connector
On eBay, there are a few aftermarket options for around $30. Most seem to be a generic product which operates like the AUX connector above, but features an iPod dock connector instead of the RCA jacks. This arrangement provides charging power to the iPod.
3. Kenwood IP500 iPod Dock Connector
Perhaps the most elegant, but also one of the more expensive is the OEM Kenwood KCA-IP500. This adapter connects using the iPod dock, provides charging, and moves control of the iPod to the Kenwood head unit. Based on other user reports, it also locks out the iPod controls - which can be good or bad. The general consensus seems to be that the larger your music collection (and the more disorganized) the more aggravating the IP500 becomes. It is critical to have playlists built and there may be a limit to around 100 songs per playlist due to Kenwood compatibility issues.
Whatever you choose, drive/boat safely and enjoy the music!
