I got around to installing an xcarlink ipod interface (has bluetooth support but I didn't purchase the add-on part for that) on Sunday. Sydney Installers advised the Suzuki model has the Clarion connector the same as the Mcintosh premium stereo in the Liberties and they were correct - it works.
Installation was a bit of a bitch because I had to remove the handbrake boot, centre console and other crap just to get the stereo out - but that's not the fault of the xcarlink unit. Also beware the vinyl dash trim is soft and damages easily! I installed the small interface box behind the dash, in a gap between the stereo and the glove box - held in with a stack of double-sided tape because getting zip ties around some of the metal parts was too much of a challenge even with my girly hands.
The cable from the xcarlink to the ipod was a little short, and only just reaches from where it is beside the stereo to the centre console between the front seats, with about 20-25cm of cable protruding into the console box. I had to take care to ensure it's safe in the vicinity of the handbrake cable. I also ran a 3.5mm stereo male to male cable from the xcarlink to the console box for future use if I want non-ipod supported - I'm not going through the grief of getting to the back of the stereo again any time soon if I have the choice.
In summary, I can say the xcarlink unit works. I'm not convinced it's CD quality (a lot of my MP3 tracks are at very high bitrates and I know what they sound like through good headphones) but it's acceptable and far better than an FM modulator. It's probably close enough to CD quality if you're not an audiophile - and if you were an audiophile, you'd be ripping out the headunit and replacing it and the mac amp with something else anyway wouldn't you.
When there's no music playing there seems to be a little hiss and buzzing in the background. It's feint and I only heard it before I had the unit fully installed and the car put back together - I don't know whether it's gone now or just drowned out by ambient noise.
Unlike what is described on the various sites referring to the xcarlink unit, it doesn't display anything on the Mac LCD display. The last thing displayed (such as a volume change) will just stay on the screen. Maybe this is different if it's in playlist mode, which I haven't tried yet.
I can use the volume and track controls on the steering wheel and still change tracks on the ipod itself (TBC - I need to check this again). The volume needs to be reasonably high - from 12 to 22 depending on how loud the tracks are. This is generally too loud to listen to the radio on. When the ignition is off the ipod displays the message 'charging not supported' (or similar) but I think once the ignition's on it actually does charge - the battery meter is green with an AC adapter image on it.
So - generally I'm happy but not in awe over the unit. It's OK and is certainly cheaper than buying a fascia and replacing the whole HU and amp - and I get to keep the stock look which I think is decent.
I already had a parrot CK3000 kit installed and this works well (though has now lost my voice tags - not sure if someone was messing with it last time I had the car serviced). For this I had the small control unit mounted to the right of the steering wheel just below the mirror controls and it's very subtle and barely noticable. It connects to a speaker near my left foot and this is good enough - interfacing to the Mcintosh with this kind of kit is difficult because there's no simple audio input and mute wire which can be used. I hit the mute button on the steering wheel when a call comes in - big deal.
Lastly - be aware that if you install an xcarlink or similar kits on a stormy day with your garage door raised 40cm to let some breeze in, then leave the garage for 30 seconds (while leaving the car door open), you may return to find a LASER DOG in your front passenger seat. No, I do not own a dog.
)!!!
