iPod - Griffin Tuneflex

[CO CX-9]

Hello - I just received a "Griffin Tuneflex Aux" and wanted to share my thoughts for anyone considering this or other similar iPod solutions.

In case you don't know what it is, the Tuneflex is one of those iPod mounts that plugs into a power outlet, and then has a line output for the 3.5mm aux line. Here's a link to the product:

http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/tuneflexaux

I just now "installed" it and drove around the block, so we'll see how it holds up, but overall I am pleased with it. My last car (that I just traded in a week ago for the CX-9) was an older Toyota Highlander. One of the advantages of having an older car was that the head unit was very easily replaced, so I put an inexpensive Alpine unit with iPod controls in that car, and I loved that.

With the CX-9, that option isn't readily available, and it seems the Mazda integration unit is expensive for what you get (limited controls, display, etc.). So I wanted some solution that allowed easy control of the iPod, while keeping it charged and plugged into the aux input.

You have to use a bit of force to get the plug into the power outlet, but once it's in, it seems pretty sturdy. I have an iPod Classic in there right now, and it seems to stay put, other than a bit of wiggling while driving, but not anything I found annoying. The only controls somewhat obscured are the climate controls on the passenger side - nothing important unless you're using the "dual" mode and adjusting the passenger side temperature often.

So absent having a "real" integration where the controls are integrated into the existing stereo, I like this option - I have the iPod itself readily accessible and viewable, it's constantly charged (and switched with the ignition) and there's only one small cord running from that outlet to the aux input in the console. The sound quality is very good to my ears (I have the basic stereo) and there is no humming or distortion (I may have to return that ground loop isolator I just purchased). And it was pretty cheap - $30 with the current 25% off at the Griffin website.

Anyway - sorry for the long rant about such a simple product, but I thought some might find it helpful.

 

[Davicho]

Thanks for the write up CO CX9. I have considered buying something like what you bought, but the only thing that keeps me from doing so is that it still wont solve my problem of leaving my iPod playing after leaving the vehicle, because I forget to press PAUSE/STOP and then have to either restart my playlist/shuffle or recharge it because the battery drained by playing for hours.

I had a Mazda5 that I installed an integration module on, and although I was not very impressed with its user unfriendly aspect of having to guess playlists, disconnect iPod to search for songs, etc, etc, etc... at the very least it kept the iPod charged and it would automatically PAUSE/STOP whenever I turn the radio off and restarted from where it paused whenever I turned the radio on again.

Oh well, I guess I can't have everything!

 

[jcpharm]

the Kensington LiquidAUX Deluxe unit comes with a small remote that can be put on your steering wheel so you can press pause/stop from there remotely to turn your iPod or iPhone off. you can get one at Amazon.com for ~$30.

 

[CO CX-9]

Thanks for the write up CO CX9. I have considered buying something like what you bought, but the only thing that keeps me from doing so is that it still wont solve my problem of leaving my iPod playing after leaving the vehicle, because I forget to press PAUSE/STOP and then have to either restart my playlist/shuffle or recharge it because the battery drained by playing for hours.

I had a Mazda5 that I installed an integration module on, and although I was not very impressed with its user unfriendly aspect of having to guess playlists, disconnect iPod to search for songs, etc, etc, etc... at the very least it kept the iPod charged and it would automatically PAUSE/STOP whenever I turn the radio off and restarted from where it paused whenever I turned the radio on again.

Oh well, I guess I can't have everything!

Just a couple quick notes after using the Griffin for a couple of weeks now:

Because it's plugged into the front outlet, under the climate controls, the iPod indeed stops on its own when I shut off the car. Then when I get back in and start up, I just have to press play on the iPod and it resumes where it left off.

Also, I replaced the iPod Classic with a newer Nano, and I like it a lot better. It's sleeker and smaller (of course) and because it's so much lighter, it doesn't jiggle around when driving around.

 

[evill150]

just curious do any of you know any info for an ipod touch hooking up to a 2010 cx-9 with navi. i know most of these posts were for the non navi head units. any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

[OlivierQC]

in my case, i use a cable like this (picture), i did a folder with the music i like and i press play and that's it.

bye
olivier