The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

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The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby SegR » Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:54 pm

Intro

There's a lot of information on the forums regarding USB, Aux-in and ipod connectivity add-ons for the various head units shipped with Subaru Liberties. This thread aims to bring all of the information together in one easy to reference place. If you have something to add, please refer to the second post of this thread for the details you'll need to provide. If you can fill in any blanks on existing information, please do.

I provide no guarantee or warranty on this information; I'm simply providing references to information other people have posted. Only posts which confirm a given unit does or does not work will be referenced.

Please note that the fact a given unit works for one model year's head unit does not guarantee that it will work for a subsequent year's head unit. Also note that many of the units (anycarlink, xcarlink, advanced ice) are of reasonably cheap construction and each option has its flaws.

What would I do?

I take no responsibility for anything you buy or do; be aware that all options have their own caveats and come with some risk that they won't work. Do your own research; read the below information and don't trust anything said by me alone! All of these units have their own shortcomings; read what other people have posted and keep this in mind. The following however is what I would buy for myself if I read the below details on the various options...

MY04-07 McIntosh:
Anycarlink (confirmed with MY05-07 so far)
Advanced Ice/MCARCDC (confirmed on MY05, MY06, MY08)

MY08 McIntosh:
Grom IPD-3
Advanced Ice/MCARCDC (no track changing via HU/SWC on MY08)
Parrot MKi9200 + harness (or similar option)
Subaru AUX input jack (if ipod control/connectivity isn't a desire and normal aux in is sufficient.)
Belkin Aircast Auto (requires aux in to be present)

Kenwood:
Kenwood KCA-iP500
Grom IPD-3

Why I wouldn't choose the other options:
xcarlink: works great where it works, but too much inconsistency - a few people have had problems with them
FSL-21: quality appears good but it's just an aux in jack - no steering wheel controls etc
Axxess AIP-CL-ID: no control from steering wheel, a few failures and in some instances, head unit damage has resulted
Clarion EA1251: requires a stupid 5 playlist setup; can't select tracks on the ipod itself
Other options: pretty much just provides an aux in like the FSL-21.

Detailed Options

Anycarlink AL-1080A/B/C/D
Status: confirmed
Inputs: ipod/USB/SD/3.5mm aux/bluetooth (B & C model) depending on model
Confirmed compatible with head units (Market-MY-Model):
AUDM 04 McIntosh [1 2]
AUDM 05 McIntosh [1 2 3]
AUDM 06 McIntosh - 3.5mm didn't work [1 2 3]
AUDM 07 McIntosh [1 2 3]
Confirmed incompatible with head units:
AUDM 08 McIntosh [1 2]
Confirmed compatible with input devices:
iphone ?? incl. charging [1]
Confirmed incompatible with input devices:
some ipod touch models [1]
Supports steering wheel controls: yes [1]
Provides information to HU display: will display the track info on the HU if you set it to ADVANCED- But this also locks the iPod app so you can’t change songs on it. [1]
The BASIC mode which it ships out in leaves the iPod app unlocked- but doesn’t show track info
Requires playlists: likely in USB/SD mode - unconfirmed. Not required in ipod mode.
May get ipod stuck in 'pause' mode when car is switched off then on again - ipod needs to be manually taken out of pause. [1 2 3]
Does not pause ipod when car is turned off but will if input source is changed before switching off [2]
Slightly slow to respond to track changes on some HU's. Very slow to change tracks on large files (14MB+). [1]
Good sound quality but low voice call quality. [1]
Sound can be crackly at high volume levels in ipod mode but may be ipod eq settings [1]
Sellers: Current Electronics (NZ)
Notes:
Press DISC twice to switch to ipod input.
Press RPT twice to switch input on anycarlink to AUX.

Grom IPD-3
Status: confirmed
Inputs: ipod. bluetooth & aux in as optional add-on.
Confirmed compatible with head units (MY-Model):
AUDM 06 Kenwood GX-203KH [1]
AUDM 08 McIntosh [1 2]

Confirmed incompatible with head units:
Confirmed compatible with input devices:
ipod, exact models unconfirmed
Confirmed incompatible with input devices: n/a
Supports steering wheel controls: yes
Provides information to HU display: with ipod connection yes, with bluetooth no
Requires playlists: unknown
Sellers:
Cushie Audio
Current Electronics (NZ)
Notes:
Notes specific to bluetooth option:
Streams audio via Bluetooth, phone calls crisp and clear [1]
Steering wheel controls work to Answer / reject calls [1]
Auto answer of phone when switching input [1]

Advanced Ice 15006/MCARCDC Subaru/Suzuki Portable Music Integration System
Status: confirmed
Inputs: unconfirmed
Confirmed compatible with head units (MY-Model):
AUDM 05 McIntosh [1]
AUDM 06 McIntosh [1]
AUDM 08 McIntosh [1]
Confirmed incompatible with head units: unknown
Confirmed compatible with input devices:
iphone 4 incl. charging [1]
ipod touch gen?? incl. charging [1]
Confirmed incompatible with input devices: n/a
Supports steering wheel controls:
On MY05-06, yes, plus can control from ipod as well [1].
On MY08, no. [1 2]
Provides information to HU display: No [1]
Requires playlists: unconfirmed. may behave differently between ipod and USB/SD modes.
Sellers: Advanced Ice
Notes:
Does auto-pause when you turn key off or select radio, but it seems to get confused if you then remove the paused source and try to switch back to it. [1]

xcarlink (Suzuki model)
Status: confirmed
Inputs: ipod, 3.5mm aux in socket, bluetooth support (optional)
Confirmed compatible with head units (MY-Model):
AUDM 05 McIntosh [1 2]
Confirmed incompatible with head units:
AUDM 07 McIntosh [1]
AUDM 08 McIntosh [1]
Other MY05 & MY06 users have had issues despite the unit sometimes being compatible (with both usb and ipod variants)[1 2]

Confirmed compatible with input devices:
ipod touch gen2 incl. charging
Confirmed incompatible with input devices: n/a
Supports steering wheel controls: yes, plus can control from ipod as well [1]
Provides information to HU display: no
Requires playlists: no, but playlists supported in similar fashion to Clarion EA1251 unit if desired
Sellers: Sydney Installers
Notes:
May leave display artefacts
Large file playback on USB model may be slow [1]

FSL-21
Status: confirmed
Inputs: dual aux in (2x RCA per input)
Confirmed compatible with head units (Market-MY-Model):
JDM 03-05 McIntosh [1 2]
AUDM 06 McIntosh [1]

Confirmed incompatible with head units: none
Confirmed compatible with input devices: n/a
Confirmed incompatible with input devices: n/a
Supports steering wheel controls: no - control from input device
Provides information to HU display: no
Requires playlists: n/a - aux in only
Sellers: unknown
Notes:

Axxess AIP-CL-ID
Status: confirmed
Inputs: ipod + 3.5mm plug for aux in (some units don't seem to ship with 3.5mm plug)
Confirmed compatible with head units (Market-MY-Model):
AUDM 04 McIntosh [1 2 3]
AUDM 05 McIntosh [1]
AUDM 06 McIntosh [1 2]

Confirmed incompatible with head units: none
Confirmed compatible with input devices:
ipod touch gen2 (but doesn't charge)
charges some ipods
Confirmed incompatible with input devices: n/a
Supports steering wheel controls: no - control from ipod [1 2]
Provides information to HU display: no
Requires playlists: n/a - aux in only
Sellers:
Audio Discounters
onlinecarstereo.com
Notes:
audio output level slightly low
some evidence of possible HU damage though possible early bad batch [1 2 3 4 5]
some other issues [1]

may interfere with iphone 3GS reception [1]
sound quality OK but not perfect [1]
May leave display artefacts

Clarion EA1251
Note there appear to be copies of this unit on eBay and these may not be compatible in all instances
Status: confirmed
Inputs: ipod
Confirmed compatible with head units (Market-MY-Model):
AUDM 05 McIntosh [EA1251B/E - 1 2]
AUDM 06 McIntosh [1 2]
AUDM 08 McIntosh [1]
Confirmed incompatible with head units: none
Confirmed compatible with input devices:
ipod touch (doesn't charge) [1]
ipod nano (does charge) [1]
ipod nano gen3 (does charge) [EA1251B/E - 1]

Confirmed incompatible with input devices: n/a
Supports steering wheel controls: unknown
Provides information to HU display: Yes
Requires playlists: yes - no ability to select specific tracks. 5 playlists supported and must have certain name.
Sellers: unknown
Notes:

Subaru H6210AG100K - AUX Input Jack (LTD ED AVN) for Limited Edition Navigation
Status: confirmed
Inputs: 3.5mm AUX, Video In (?)
Confirmed compatible with head units (Market-MY-Model):
AUDM 08 Kenwood DVD/SaNav/BT [1]
Confirmed incompatible with head units:
Possibly any other models [1]
Confirmed compatible with input devices:
iPod Classic Gen5
iPod Gen6
iPod Nano Gen2

Confirmed incompatible with input devices:
Possible compatibility issue with iPhone 3G
Supports steering wheel controls: No (volume control only)
Provides information to HU display: No
Requires playlists: No
Sellers: Subaru
Notes:
Cost is around $150 - $190. $210 to install from Subaru approx.
Does not charge.

Kenwood KCA-iP500
Information here: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=10056 (if anyone cares enough, can you please provide input to this thread with details as per those for the other units above)

Parrot MKi9200 + McIntosh harness + music lead
Confirmed compatible with head units (Market-MY-Model):
AUDM 08 McIntosh [1 2 3]
Information here: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=15424#p206558
Supports steering wheel controls: No (volume control only) BUT allows track control from parrot control box
Provides information to HU display: No BUT displays track information on parrot LCD
Requires playlists: No

Further information: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.p ... 63928.html

General non-HU-specific alternatives

Belkin AirCast Auto
Requires aux in on the head unit, or another aux in interface to be present
Supports phone calls & music via bluetooth [1]

Head Unit removal & installation
LostyJai's head unit removal and anycarlink install guide for MY04
More anycarlink install photos
cvas' detailed writeup for the MY07 GT (circular gear shifter surround)
Subaru (choose Publication Type "Accessory Installation Guide" - Find one that covers your model and year. Even though you have the McIntosh, the procedure will be very similar - info from SVXdc)
SuperMoose's Audio Install **Picture Heavy**
DIY: AUX-IN after mount + Center console removal -Legacy 2008
Last edited by SegR on Sun Feb 02, 2014 9:24 pm, edited 48 times in total.
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby SegR » Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:55 pm

If you can provide any information on compatibility or incompatibility of particular interface modules, please let us know!

Please copy and paste the information below and fill in what information you know.

Inputs:
What kind of inputs does this interface provide? ipod/USB/SD/3.5mm aux??
Confirmed compatible with head units (Market-MY-Model):
List which head units are known to be compatible. Example: AUDM 06 McIntosh
Provide a link to a forum post where someone is saying the unit works.

Confirmed incompatible with head units:
List which head units are known to NOT be compatible. Example: AUDM 08 McIntosh
Provide a link to a forum post where someone is saying the unit DOES NOT WORK.

Confirmed compatible with input devices:
List which input devices (MP3 players etc.) are known to be compatible. Example: ipod touch gen2.
Provide a link to a forum post where someone is saying the input device is compatible.

Confirmed incompatible with input devices:
List which input devices (MP3 players etc.) are known to NOT be compatible. Example: iphone touch 3gs
Provide a link to a forum post where someone is saying the input device is NOT compatible.

Supports steering wheel controls:
yes/no - can this interface be controlled by the audio controls on the steering wheel? (other than the volume buttons - e.g. forward/back track selection)
Provide a link to evidence on the forum if possible.

Provides information to HU display:
Does the unit show artist/song information, or other useful information on the head unit display?
Requires playlists:
yes/no - some units only work with playlists in a certain structure on the ipod or USB device.
Provide a link to evidence on the forum if possible.

Sellers:
who sells it? provide a link.
Notes:
Notes. Duh.
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby chris12 » Wed Mar 28, 2012 7:35 am

I hope this helps. 2008, MY08 DVD/SaNav/BT. Happy for people to add to it.

Mine isn't http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertain ... /KCA-iP500 that one though.

Inputs:
3.5mm AUX, Video In (?) - I dont use it so I'm not sure.
Confirmed compatible with head units (Market-MY-Model):
2008, MY08 DVD/SaNav/BT, Kenwood
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=10056
Confirmed incompatible with head units:
Anything else (but could be wrong)
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=10056
Confirmed compatible with input devices:
iPod Classic Gen5, Gen6, iPod Nano Gen2 (users to add to list).
Confirmed incompatible with input devices:
I on't believe it works with a iPhone 3G. Happy to be wrong / people to add to the list.
Supports steering wheel controls:
No
Provides information to HU display:
No
Requires playlists:
No
Sellers:
Subaru
Notes:
Part Number: H6210AG100K - AUX Input Jack (LTD ED AVN) Limited Edition Navigation
Cost: Around $150 - $190. $210 to install from Subaru approx.
Does not charge.
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby garbo41610 » Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:13 am

Great idea! Hopefully this will put an end to multiple threads being created endlessly. Perhaps Ric can sticky?
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby SegR » Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:06 am

Thanks Chris; will add your info to the first post.

Thanks also for the appreciation garbo/Phil. Took freakin' forever to pull that information together.
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby raynman » Wed Apr 04, 2012 1:00 am

The USB version of Xcarlink works on the MY05 as well. No screen display. Is quite slow on larger files such as podcasts - need to contact them to find out if that is normal
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby Nipple06 » Sat Apr 07, 2012 12:12 pm

This is good :)
GB:Subaru Android, iPod, iPhone, USB & Bluetooth Car Kit | GROM
http://forum.liberty.asn.au/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=21136
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod/BT compatibility superthread

Postby bigBADbenny » Tue Apr 10, 2012 9:25 pm

Beyond awesome!!! 8)
Great if you could add BT support too - Xcarlink optional, Anycarlink AL-1080C, Belkin AirCast Auto HandsFree (for HU w/ aux in).
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby SegR » Wed Apr 11, 2012 10:01 pm

Updated as per above comments and added some links to head unit removal information posted by SXVdc.
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby Bear2230 » Fri Apr 27, 2012 8:41 pm

I have this on MY08 GTB with Sat Nav

Advanced Ice/MCARCDC Subaru/Suzuki Portable Music Integration System
Status: confirmed
Inputs: unconfirmed
Confirmed compatible with head units (MY-Model):
AUDM 05 McIntosh [1] AUDM 08 (2)
Confirmed incompatible with head units:
Confirmed compatible with input devices: iPhone 4
Confirmed incompatible with input devices: n/a
Supports steering wheel controls: No tracking up and down on either the HU or the steering wheel on MY08 but Volume control on both works. Control using iPod/iphone perfect.
Provides information to HU display: NO
Requires playlists: unconfirmed. may behave differently between ipod and USB/SD modes.
Sellers: Advanced Ice The car Kit Company $220.00
Notes:
Hertz HDP5, Audison BitTen, Crescendo 8.6, Morel Ultimo SC10.
Parrot CK3100 and Advanced Ice I-pod thingy.
http://www.fountainlineims.com.au
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby SegR » Sat Apr 28, 2012 10:59 am

Richard, yours is the first instance I've heard of any of these units working on a HU later than MY06.

Do you definitely have the stock MY08 McIntosh head unit in your car?

Also are you sure it's the Advanced Ice/MCARCDC unit that the Car Kit Company installed, as the features don't seem to match up exactly? (it should support steering wheel controls)
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby Bear2230 » Sat Apr 28, 2012 12:23 pm

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7104/photoply.jpg

volume on steering wheel works but can't change tracks either on the HU or steering wheel
FHRX installed the Advanced ice I just bought it from The car Kit Company and it is the one for the Subaru
Hertz HDP5, Audison BitTen, Crescendo 8.6, Morel Ultimo SC10.
Parrot CK3100 and Advanced Ice I-pod thingy.
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby SegR » Sat Apr 28, 2012 12:51 pm

OK. Is it definitely the Advanced Ice unit and do you have the model number? (from the receipt maybe?)
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby bigBADbenny » Sat Apr 28, 2012 6:28 pm

@Bear2230 Q: how do you switch it between MP3/USB, iPod and aux in?
Also some of these media adapters have dip switches inside for configuration re: SWC :idea: :?: :D
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Re: The USB/Aux-in/ipod compatibility superthread

Postby Bear2230 » Sat Apr 28, 2012 8:35 pm

bigBADbenny wrote:@Bear2230 Q: how do you switch it between MP3/USB, iPod and aux in?
Also some of these media adapters have dip switches inside for configuration re: SWC :idea: :?: :D

Hey Ben,
I have never plugged in a USB stick in to check but to play the iPod I have to push the CD button twice not the Aux button. At a guess I would say press CD button again but will let you know on Monday.
Also will confirm model number of Advanced Ice as I have the box at work.
Under the product description there is a note saying may not toggle between songs and they will not return for this reason so it obviously is a known problem. Maybe not for Gen 3 but Gen 4 for sure.
I will also check out for Dip switches if I can get to the small box. It's behind the glove box and only the iPod cable is sticking intomthe glovebox.

http://www.advancedice.com.au/products2/Subaru/15006

Richard
Hertz HDP5, Audison BitTen, Crescendo 8.6, Morel Ultimo SC10.
Parrot CK3100 and Advanced Ice I-pod thingy.
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