ARGH! Frustration!!! (more on lack of iPod)

[CXRabbit]

(naughty)

Okay, so my husband had a kick-butt stereo put in his car today, and I am SOOOOO jealous! (in a good way). Mind you, this has made me question my decision to go with the Tech Package and not just get the stock radio and do it up myself! (I do like the Nav system and the Satellite Radio, I do like the Smart-Key, and yeah, the Bose System sounds real good, but NOT like this system we did on my husband's car!)

This is how iPod support for all cars should be - ESPECIALLY a car like the CX-7 with a "Tech" package! I don't want to hear about FM modulators or aftermarket attachments! Direct input with GOOD visual integrated controls is the ONLY way to go! You should never have to touch the iPod itself!!!

The Components:

Radio: Alpine CDA-9857 (with "Full Speed" iPod Controller)
Alpine KCE-422i iPod cable - run to the center console.
Speakers: SPR-17LS Alpine Type-R, 4 6-3/4" Speakers, 4 Tweeters
Amp #1: MRDM1005 - Alpine V12 Series Digital
Amp #2: JBL Power PX300.4 Multi-Channel
Sub-Woofer: Alpine Type R 10 Inch (in custom-made box)

Here's what the radio looks like controlling the iPod:

More Pictures (if you want to see):
http://www.dangrabbit.com/photography/Cars


I am so holding out hope for a GOOD solution for the Mazda CX-7 with Tech Package! ARGH!!!

Anyone else feel my pain?? LOL

 

[Nutari]

Holy Alpine loyalty!

how much did that cost?

 

[CXRabbit]

LOL, Alpine offers some of the nicest stuff

$2500 installed

 

[Nutari]

LOL, Alpine offers some of the nicest stuff

$2500 installed

yikes..

I almost did that once.. was quoted about the same.

I'm still trying to learn about the speed 3 setup.

bose system.. bleh

 

[CXRabbit]

I'm okay with the Bose in the CX-7... it sounds good (though not nearly as good as what we did on Hubby's car). Before I bought the CX-7 I was gonna go stock radio and have the IVA-W200 put in. Two big reasons I didn't... theft magnet (we take my car into the city - we don't take hubby's car)... and compatibility with the upper dash display. Car's so new there were gonna be issues like that so I decided to go stock.

BTW, here's the aftermarket system I almost did:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Alpine_IVA_W200/4660-3424_7-6417663.html
(watch the video)