OK....We have two solutions for ipod. It never rains but it pours etc.
First THe NEO....
http://www.neocaraudio.com/advanced...ort=4d&select_vehicle_make=32&select_vehicle_model=373&select_vehicle_year=2006
Then the DENSION.....
http://www.dension.com/icelinkgateway500.php
Has anyone used either of these? The Neo is more expensive but if its better then its worth it. What about the ease of installation? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
G.
It appears that the Neo requires PCM and costs an extra $150. The Dension is normally $600 ($500 in the group buy) and will eventually work with non-pcm systems.
Dension group buy is/was $389.
Lots of installs of the Dension reported already - couple of them here and many over at
********
. Haven't read a single report from anyone installing a Neo unit and I've been researching this for some time now.
dension
i've heard the dension only allows 5 or so playlists and is limited in scrolling thru ipod menus...the neo sounds better if you have lots of music, particularly if you can use the ipod itself to control the menus...would love to hear more about the neo and any limitations on accessing menus for ipods with lots of content (the more content the more trouble some of these things seem to have accessing it quickly).
Well you've heard incorrectly. If you really want to learn more about the Dension then you should read the manuals:
Users Manual
Installation Guide
The Dension is not limited to four playlists. Rather you can quickly access the first four playlists by selecting CD1, CD2, CD3, or CD4. Any playlist can be selected from the playlist browser function in the Gateway 500 menu (called up by selecting CD6). Furthermore, you can also browse by Artist, Album, Song, Genre, or Podcast from the same menu.
As for the paging issues, there are a couple of parameters you can set to change scrolling behavior. Refer to the ******** thread for direct user feedback on how well these work.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't get the Neo unit (in fact it would be great for someone to take the plunge with it and provide a review - indeed it could be better than the Dension), I'm merely trying to provide correct information so that you can make an informed decision.
Do I assume that the Dension can be installed without PCM? I have the base radio with "Sound Package Plus" and was looking for a way to install an Ipod.
Sorry for using "base"......Blue, any input on installers in the Jersey area?
The Neo adapter has a sexy video about installation. Unfortunately the Acura it was referencing seems more cheezy than the CS would be.
It was entertaining though.
According to their site, it also disables the CD changer. Not great. Especially since the cost of the changer exceeds the device itself.
Hello everyone it's nice to be here
I have a few questions about the Gateway 500.
1)I own a 2001 Mercedes Benz E-430 with a "MOST" system and 6-disc CD Changer. Does the Gateway 500 have an optical S/PDIF TosLink in connection that allows you to connect say, a sound card from a mini PC? For example, if my SoundBlaster card has an optical s/pdif out, can I connect to the Gateway 500 and control the volume from my PC?
2)Does the Gateway 500 work with large hard drives like say, a 500gb usb drive? I know I'd need an external power source to power the HD but assuming I can do it will the Gateway 500 read and play music files off it?
3)Does the gateway read FLAC, WAV, or Apple Lossless files? What all lossless codecs does it support?
4)How is the overall sound quality with the gateway 500 when streaming off an external HD? Is it comparable to the CD changer or better/worse? I'm sure I'd be better than having that crappy cassette adaptor
Please let me know I'd appreciate it.
1. No AUX IN optical connection on the gateway.
2. Not tried it. Read another post here or on ******** which reported that the Gateway would not work well with hard drive. Perhaps due to requires spin up time.
3. Gateway 500 supports the following audio formats: MP3, OGG, AAC, WAV and WMA (unprotected).
4. Unknown - see #2 above.
Is there still a group buy going for the Gateway 500? If not, what's the best way to buy one?
The group buy is done. I suggest purchasing from bumperplugs.com. Eric answered a lot of my questions in email, helped me find an installer, and has been a major presence on the ******** forum.
Contact Eric at bumperplugs.com, a Cayman Club sponsor:
[email removed]
