Ipod Connector Cable

[sandiegomike]

Is there someplace on the internet that I can see what kind of a connecting cable it takes to link my iPod to my ES350 audio system? Barring that, I would just like to know what the connector plug name, type, and size is. Thanks.

[Bardonia]

Is there someplace on the internet that I can see what kind of a connecting cable it takes to link my iPod to my ES350 audio system? Barring that, I would just like to know what the connector plug name, type, and size is. Thanks.

Just go to any Apple store and ask for it.

[sharpcolorado]

Is there someplace on the internet that I can see what kind of a connecting cable it takes to link my iPod to my ES350 audio system? Barring that, I would just like to know what the connector plug name, type, and size is. Thanks.

Just go to any Apple store and ask for it.

The cable is simply a 1/8 stereo headphone cable to 1/8 stereo headphone (same on both ends).

You can buy it from

- Radio Shack

- Target

- Wal Mart

- K Mart

Here's a picture and link

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.js...rentPage=search

[BrianP]

Is there someplace on the internet that I can see what kind of a connecting cable it takes to link my iPod to my ES350 audio system? Barring that, I would just like to know what the connector plug name, type, and size is. Thanks.

Just go to any Apple store and ask for it.

You can get one at Radio Shack for about $5. It's simply called an audio to audio cable. I think Monster has one that's about $20 that I've seen at Best Buy -- not sure if it's any better in terms of sound quality.

[amf1932]

You can get one at Radio Shack for about $5. It's simply called an audio to audio cable. I think Monster has one that's about $20 that I've seen at Best Buy -- not sure if it's any better in terms of sound quality.

There is no audible difference with the Monster cable, but there is a BIG difference in the price. :)

[lexuus]

A lot of stores call them auxiliary cables. Look around your house, you might find one (this is how I found mine). In reality, it doesn't matter which cable you get as long as one side fits in the ipod and the other fits in the car. Digital music sounds the same no matter what cable it passes through. Let your speakers do the rest...

[rjt65]

Bought mine (on its way) from EBAY and aCCStation Its only 1 $ with shipping of 3.96. AND this one is retractable!

3.5MM JACK CAR AUDIO AUX AUXILIARY CABLE FOR IPOD/ZUNE

A lot of stores call them auxiliary cables. Look around your house, you might find one (this is how I found mine). In reality, it doesn't matter which cable you get as long as one side fits in the ipod and the other fits in the car. Digital music sounds the same no matter what cable it passes through. Let your speakers do the rest...

[rjt65]

Bought mine (on its way) from EBAY and aCCStation Its only 1 $ with shipping of $2.96. AND this one is retractable!

3.5MM JACK CAR AUDIO AUX AUXILIARY CABLE FOR IPOD/ZUNE

A lot of stores call them auxiliary cables. Look around your house, you might find one (this is how I found mine). In reality, it doesn't matter which cable you get as long as one side fits in the ipod and the other fits in the car. Digital music sounds the same no matter what cable it passes through. Let your speakers do the rest...

[AZ08LexusES]

Is there someplace on the internet that I can see what kind of a connecting cable it takes to link my iPod to my ES350 audio system? Barring that, I would just like to know what the connector plug name, type, and size is. Thanks.

It's the same one you use to connect your computer to the computer speakers. It's a stereo/aux cable with 3.5 mm stereo plugs on both ends. As mentioned here, you can find it anywhere and the cost can be from $2 to $35 (Monster, don't do it, don't buy into the hype!). If you have an old set of computer speakers that you don't use any more, just take that one, that's what I did...

Now, about the digital music, the cable is analog, it is not a digital hookup. Although the music is stored in your iPod digitally, when it is played out through the cable (or the ear plugs for that matter) it has already been convereted to sound as opposed to ones and zeroes. So cable quality does play into it but nothing that anybody here would ever notice. Another trick, put your iPod at full volume and it will play louder in your car sound system.

[Tom.S]

ANY sound cable will do - look for a cable that has the input/ output that looks like the same like that of headphones since all you are doing is making your car speakers headphones

[GrantS]

A question along the same line. My cell phone plays mp3 and through the headphone it plays in stereo. I connected to the mp3 port using the cable from Radio shack, but it plays as mono. The sound comes from just one side of the car. I was trying to avoid getting another mp3 player. Any thoughts?

[ClayShooter]

A question along the same line. My cell phone plays mp3 and through the headphone it plays in stereo. I connected to the mp3 port using the cable from Radio shack, but it plays as mono. The sound comes from just one side of the car. I was trying to avoid getting another mp3 player. Any thoughts?

What kind of phone is it? That's strange that it only plays in mono...

I have a Palm Treo with a 4GB card in it that I used to use with a cassette input to play MP3's. The headphone out jack on the phone is a little larger, so you have to go to Radio Shack and get a 'downsize' female/female for it, but the Treo has terrible interface and unless you just want to set it on shuffle and let it go, it's a pain.

I went to Best Buy and bought a Sandisk Sansa for about 40 bucks, I think. It's a 2GB, so you can't put your whole collection on it, but it works fine, although the bass response overloads the speakers when the player and the car are at high volume. Be careful that you don't blow out a ML speaker! I'll bet they're a pretty penny.

Interesting aside; when I flew from VA to Fresno CA to pick up the car and drive it back, I found that I'd packed everything but the mp3 cord. I stopped in a Kmart in Tehachapi CA and figured it'd be an easy thing to find. They didn't have one, but the electronics guy opened a box of aux. mp3 speakers and just gave me a spare cord out of it, no charge. And everybody laughs when Rain Man says "Kmart Sucks!" It's pretty cheap and thin, but it works fine.

Being a former car audio competitor (IASCA), I agree with the previous posts regarding the quality of the wiring, but unless you're competing, it really doesn't make very much difference for the casual listener. Just some info...

[AZ08LexusES]

A question along the same line. My cell phone plays mp3 and through the headphone it plays in stereo. I connected to the mp3 port using the cable from Radio shack, but it plays as mono. The sound comes from just one side of the car. I was trying to avoid getting another mp3 player. Any thoughts?

My phone does the same thing, it is the type of plug that you bought. It has to have have two black strips, or three metal sections. I bought mine from Verizon, they sell them. Now a problem is that the cell phones usually are 2.5 MM and the adapter in the car is a 3.5 MM, so you need a converter. One other thing, cell phone manufacturers don't amplify the sound that much in order to save battery life for its ultimate use as a cell phone. So, when it plays through the car stereo it will not play that loudly unless you really crank up the volume. They sell these in-line amplifier "boosters" that supposedly will help with that issue. I don't remember where I saw it, you may need to google...

[GrantS]

Thanks for the response.

I thought it might be the cable but wanted to make sure before I bought another. It did say stereo, but I suspected it might be the issue. I'll check to see how many strips it has ans replace it if needed.

[GrantS]

Thanks for the response.

It is the HTC Mogul. Sprint is the carrier.

Excellent phone all around and the sound is great as stereo via the head phones. I connected a friends Sansa via the FM transmitter. The sound was great. I love it, but did not want to get another MPS player. Kmart has it pluses.....but you flew to Fresno to pick up your car and drove it to Va..... WOW!!!!

[SouthamptonLexus]

There is a Vais Ipod kit we sell. lets you control your Ipod through the head unit. Not sure if they make a Lexus one if they do dont buy it. The Vais one does more.

[AZ08LexusES]

The VAIS module can be ourchased from their web site, http://www.vaistech.com/ , the SL2Vi seems to be the one I would want because it would play videos that you may have stored in your iPOD. But seriously, if it didn't cost $350-400 I would have had one already...

Now, on the Lexus site for your ES under accessories there is this Toyota part that can be installed for half the price. Still expensive though... Here's the link: http://www.lexus.com/models/ES/accessories...t_for_iPod.html . You can get it for about $200 if you google it, I think the Toyota Parts site, TRDparts4u.com has it. My dealership said they didn't do it and reffered me to the people who do the window tinting (they are auto audio specialists) for them.

http://www.trdparts4u.com/PD-PT545-00082.aspx

[sharpcolorado]

What if my Mark Levinson stereo already has satellite connected? Can I still use the IPOD interface? Can I install this myself?

[jbeidl]

What if my Mark Levinson stereo already has satellite connected? Can I still use the IPOD interface? Can I install this myself?

My understanding is that it plugs into the same connector used for the satellite radio. You can have satellite or iPod, not both.

John

[ibisllc]

The VAIS module can be ourchased from their web site, http://www.vaistech.com/ , the SL2Vi seems to be the one I would want because it would play videos that you may have stored in your iPOD. But seriously, if it didn't cost $350-400 I would have had one already...

Now, on the Lexus site for your ES under accessories there is this Toyota part that can be installed for half the price. Still expensive though... Here's the link: http://www.lexus.com/models/ES/accessories...t_for_iPod.html . You can get it for about $200 if you google it, I think the Toyota Parts site, TRDparts4u.com has it. My dealership said they didn't do it and reffered me to the people who do the window tinting (they are auto audio specialists) for them.

http://www.trdparts4u.com/PD-PT545-00082.aspx

Guys - I have to admit now I'm confused. The first few posts on this thread described a $5 part you could purchase at Radio Shack versus the $200-$300 part on the Lexus site (referenced above) as well as the Toyota site. So what am I missing? Is the cheap connection just to connect the iPod to play music through the system but this option would not have control through the NAV screen or steering wheel and the more expensive one does have all those features? If so, that would explain it. If the $5 part allows for the same capabilities then that's where I missed something through the posts.

Could anyone clarify the differences in parts? I'm picking up my new ES350/UL with Nav/Levinson in a week and certainly want to take full advantage of all bells/whistles in this car with my iPOD. So which choice is it...Door #1 ($5 part) or Door #2 ($200-$300 part)?

Thanks for the advice!

[jbeidl]

Guys - I have to admit now I'm confused. The first few posts on this thread described a $5 part you could purchase at Radio Shack versus the $200-$300 part on the Lexus site (referenced above) as well as the Toyota site. So what am I missing? Is the cheap connection just to connect the iPod to play music through the system but this option would not have control through the NAV screen or steering wheel and the more expensive one does have all those features? If so, that would explain it. If the $5 part allows for the same capabilities then that's where I missed something through the posts.

Could anyone clarify the differences in parts? I'm picking up my new ES350/UL with Nav/Levinson in a week and certainly want to take full advantage of all bells/whistles in this car with my iPOD. So which choice is it...Door #1 ($5 part) or Door #2 ($200-$300 part)?

Thanks for the advice!

The $5 cable just connects the audio from the headphone jack on the iPod to the car audio system. You have to use the iPod controls to select playlist etc.

The $200+ adapters connect to the large connector on the bottom of the iPod and let you control the iPod from the radio and/or steering wheel controls. Also iPod information is display on the car audio system display. The Lexus unit conflicts with the Satellite radio so you can only have iPod or Satellite radio but not both. Some of the non-Lexus adapters allow the use of both satellite radio and an iPod.

I have not seen any of these devices in person. I have a Lexus unit in transit and it should arrive some time this week.

John

[JGTNewLexusOwner]

The VAIS module can be ourchased from their web site, http://www.vaistech.com/ , the SL2Vi seems to be the one I would want because it would play videos that you may have stored in your iPOD. But seriously, if it didn't cost $350-400 I would have had one already...

Now, on the Lexus site for your ES under accessories there is this Toyota part that can be installed for half the price. Still expensive though... Here's the link: http://www.lexus.com/models/ES/accessories...t_for_iPod.html . You can get it for about $200 if you google it, I think the Toyota Parts site, TRDparts4u.com has it. My dealership said they didn't do it and reffered me to the people who do the window tinting (they are auto audio specialists) for them.

http://www.trdparts4u.com/PD-PT545-00082.aspx

Guys - I have to admit now I'm confused. The first few posts on this thread described a $5 part you could purchase at Radio Shack versus the $200-$300 part on the Lexus site (referenced above) as well as the Toyota site. So what am I missing? Is the cheap connection just to connect the iPod to play music through the system but this option would not have control through the NAV screen or steering wheel and the more expensive one does have all those features? If so, that would explain it. If the $5 part allows for the same capabilities then that's where I missed something through the posts.

Could anyone clarify the differences in parts? I'm picking up my new ES350/UL with Nav/Levinson in a week and certainly want to take full advantage of all bells/whistles in this car with my iPOD. So which choice is it...Door #1 ($5 part) or Door #2 ($200-$300 part)?

Thanks for the advice!

My take (after looking them up) is that the expensive ones allow you to play the video from your IPOD and/or allow you to access your IPOD from the Nav or steering wheel controls. If you want to still use your IPOD controls to select/push play, and just hear them through the car, the cheaper part will do. Make sure you know the size connectors you need. For example, I have a Blackberry and need the smaller input plug than the 1/8". Any Best Buy/Radio Shack, etc. can help you! Good luck (I haven't bought mine yet but I plan to after the holiday!).

[ibisllc]

The VAIS module can be ourchased from their web site, http://www.vaistech.com/ , the SL2Vi seems to be the one I would want because it would play videos that you may have stored in your iPOD. But seriously, if it didn't cost $350-400 I would have had one already...

Now, on the Lexus site for your ES under accessories there is this Toyota part that can be installed for half the price. Still expensive though... Here's the link: http://www.lexus.com/models/ES/accessories...t_for_iPod.html . You can get it for about $200 if you google it, I think the Toyota Parts site, TRDparts4u.com has it. My dealership said they didn't do it and reffered me to the people who do the window tinting (they are auto audio specialists) for them.

http://www.trdparts4u.com/PD-PT545-00082.aspx

Guys - I have to admit now I'm confused. The first few posts on this thread described a $5 part you could purchase at Radio Shack versus the $200-$300 part on the Lexus site (referenced above) as well as the Toyota site. So what am I missing? Is the cheap connection just to connect the iPod to play music through the system but this option would not have control through the NAV screen or steering wheel and the more expensive one does have all those features? If so, that would explain it. If the $5 part allows for the same capabilities then that's where I missed something through the posts.

Could anyone clarify the differences in parts? I'm picking up my new ES350/UL with Nav/Levinson in a week and certainly want to take full advantage of all bells/whistles in this car with my iPOD. So which choice is it...Door #1 ($5 part) or Door #2 ($200-$300 part)?

Thanks for the advice!

My take (after looking them up) is that the expensive ones allow you to play the video from your IPOD and/or allow you to access your IPOD from the Nav or steering wheel controls. If you want to still use your IPOD controls to select/push play, and just hear them through the car, the cheaper part will do. Make sure you know the size connectors you need. For example, I have a Blackberry and need the smaller input plug than the 1/8". Any Best Buy/Radio Shack, etc. can help you! Good luck (I haven't bought mine yet but I plan to after the holiday!).

Thanks guys for the extra clarification on the $5 vs. $300 part. On the $300 part does anyone know if it has to be installed or is it just plug & play on both ends and the rest of the cable assembly just remains in the glove compartment or do the Lexus guys need to install to, 1: hide the cable assembly and, 2: make it operational?

Thanks again.

[jbeidl]

Thanks guys for the extra clarification on the $5 vs. $300 part. On the $300 part does anyone know if it has to be installed or is it just plug & play on both ends and the rest of the cable assembly just remains in the glove compartment or do the Lexus guys need to install to, 1: hide the cable assembly and, 2: make it operational?

Thanks again.

The Lexus part does not have to be dealer installed, a scan tool is NOT required for setup. However, it is not a 5 minute job. Parts of the center console, dash and glove box need to be removed and a 1 1/8" hole drilled in the glove box (for the iPod cable and grommet). I suspect that the non-Lexus adapters require the same amount of work.

John

[ibisllc]

Thanks guys for the extra clarification on the $5 vs. $300 part. On the $300 part does anyone know if it has to be installed or is it just plug & play on both ends and the rest of the cable assembly just remains in the glove compartment or do the Lexus guys need to install to, 1: hide the cable assembly and, 2: make it operational?

Thanks again.

The Lexus part does not have to be dealer installed, a scan tool is NOT required for setup. However, it is not a 5 minute job. Parts of the center console, dash and glove box need to be removed and a 1 1/8" hole drilled in the glove box (for the iPod cable and grommet). I suspect that the non-Lexus adapters require the same amount of work.

John

Thanks for the feedback. I had a follow-up question that your explanation brings to mind. When I sell/trade this car in the future and get another Lexus, will I be able to take this $200-$300 part with me or is it going to be a pain ($$) to remove it?

Thanks.