I've researched the Neo Prolink, Axxess,Audiolink, DICE and the Factory OEM ipod module and can't decide which one will be the easiest to install as well as perform the way I want it to. I just want some feedback from anyone that has one of these units and how satisfied you are after installing them. I am a little skeptical about the Neo Prolink because they claim to just plug into the Aux port in the back of the OEM bose stereo... I was under the impression that it doesn't have an Aux Port, or I would just plug my iPod directly into that. Am I wrong about this? I have tried to find some pictures of the back of the HU but have come up empty handed with only wiring diagrams. Any help on this is much appreciated.

 

they all hook up the same, to the CD changer port on the back of the stereo. it is pretty simple one you read the threads on taking your headunit out.

i personally have the OEM adapter. its a little tricky to navigate but thats my only complaint. i like to keep my ipod in the glovebox so it is not visible. you cannot use the scroll wheel on your ipod with this one while other you can. they are all pretty much the sme besides that fact.

 

They all function in largely the same way, but the Axxess hooks up to the cassette/MD port on the bottom of the head unit while the rest hook onto the external CD changer port on the back. The OEM and the Axxess do not permit direct control of the iPod while plugged in, so you'd have to unplug it, fiddle with the controls, then plug it back in - if you wanted to change to a specific playlist, artist, or album, for example. They do allow you to skip playlists, if you have them ordered in a way that you can manage. Also, the Prolink and DICE unit are pretty much identical (I presume they're made in the same factory, they're that alike). All of them allow control of the iPod via the steering wheel / head unit to select the next track or playlist.

For personal preference, I'd say the DICE, Prolink, or Audiolink (I use the latter) as they have the ability to retain control of the iPod while plugged in.

Also, the Axxess does permit display of the track list on your head unit, but it does not autoscroll, so you'd have to twist the text **** on the head unit to see the full name if it's longer than the display area. The DICE and Prolink also offer this type of feature on some models, but they only work on head units with the factory SAT radio button (so not on 2004 models), however when you use this feature it locks out the iPod controls in the same manner as the OEM and Axxess.

Hope that helps.

 

I'm probably going with the Neo ProLink myself. It's advertised not to lock the ipod, although I do believe it does require the SAT radio as mentioned, so you might be out of luck there.

http://www.neocaraudio.com/product_i...oducts_id=1061

That's the one I'll be ordering in the next few days most likely to connect my 3g phone. I've been pouring over the forums myself to find more info on this particular set up, but all of the posts surrounding it seem to be from an older version of it that displayed the same symptoms as a majority of the others. I only saw one post where someone actually put this new one in and they unfortunately had to get a replacement because theirs was defective. No word since.

I'm taking the risk anyway because this is the only one I've seen so far that charges, doesn't rely on stupid playlists, allows wheel controls, and doesn't lock the iphone up itself. I'm sick of going back to CDs again in this car. Bleh.

I like the look of the oem console (for now) and I don't feel like shelling out the cash for the metra and a DD unit when I can just take my phone anywhere I go and have more than enough music on it, not to mention nav and 4 billion other features.

I'll report back once I install, though again, if this thing is exclusive to the SAT hu's, you might be out of luck on that with an 04.

 

I installed the AudioLLink with my iphone 3g, works great, and a plus is the blutooth adapter I got frm them for just 45 bucks more. So i can answer/end calls by pressing >> button on the stereo. Also, with the iphone 3.0 software update you can use A2DP bluetooth to stream your music into the car without even pluggin it in. I have tried many bluetooth/ipod solutions, including stuff I made myself, didnt work as smooth as this one. phone is connected whenever I am in the car, and I can just answer and speak from the mic they provice which is very clear, and doesnt pick up noise.

 

It charges, you can use the steering wheel controls, and you don't have to rely on playlists (i.e. - the screen doesn't lock/is usable without holding home for 10 seconds)?

To be honest, I'm not as concerned with phone through the stereo. I'd rather use my headset. But if it does all the stuff I just asked as well, I might as well have the functionality.

 

you dont have to unplug it for anything. it controls from the headunit.

 

My point is, if you want to go to a specific playlist, or artist, or album, how are you going to do that from the headunit? All you can do is go up or down a track, or up and down a playlist, in sequential order. If you decide that you want a specific song, or to change to some other specific playlist, you need to unplug the iPod, select it, then plug it back in (with the Axxess, OEM, or the Prolink/DICE when displaying text).

 

Grom is good.

 

unplugging it does nothing. you press disc up or down to change the playlist. if you want a specific artist you better just make a playlist of them first cause you cant just unplug it and select things.

 

I also recommend the GROM. I've had it for awhile, not a single problem, works great.

 

How do you mean unplugging it does nothing? You detach it from the supplied cable, use the scroll wheel to pick what you want, then plug it back in.

At any rate, my point was to inform the OP that certain models lock out iPod functionality and you have to set up playlists in a specific manner in order to improve useability. Some people, myself included, don't want to have to create all kinds of playlists in order to maintain ease of use. I like being able to slide back my armrest, lift out my iPod while still plugged into the cable, select a playlist, artist, album, what-have-you, and put it back. And at the moment the only units that allow this are the DICE, Prolink, and Audiolink units.

Just trying to provide all the information for the OP to make a choice with.

 

To answer you questions

- Yes it chages the phone
- you can use the steering wheel controls
- you can use the frist 5 playlists through the Disc^ and down buttong, but if you put it to EX:2 mode which is you use the Disc ^ button for, then you can control the ipod anyway you like, and select your songs
- The screen never locks up, I use the xGPS application on my iphone when I travelling long distance and the music plays at the same time. So nothing locks up. The ipod will only lockup and go into playlist mode if you are not in mode EX2

-Having a manual transmission car, and a phone that rings all the time requireed me to get the bluetooth solution. For $45 more it was a steal compared to spending on a speakerphone bluetooth, headset bluetooth (both which I did and didnt like), or a parrot unit which is hard to intergrate to the factory stereo and cannot be controled by the factory stereo. This solution is very OEM like...you just use the fastforward button on the stereo to answer and disconnect calls, the music will pause, and you can hear a soft ring through your speakers when you get a call.

- to use the unit you dont need the SAT button, you just use CD button and just hit it one more time to goto a mode Called EX..which is similar to a AUX mode.

Hope this answers your questions

 

^^Do you have to have the disk changer to use the Ipod adaptor? and Zoom-Zoom which one did you go with?

Oh yeah way to rep Mad-town I was born and raised in Janesville WI!!!

 

That's what it was, EX. My bad. It says EX:1 or something like that doesn't it?

One last question on the AudioLink, does it read track info from the iphone/ipod and display on the OEM LCD? Not a necessary feature obviously, but a nice to have if it does. You may have sold me on this one, since I can't really find anyone to verify that all the advertised Neo Prolink features work.

Anywhere you recommend buying from?

 

Hehe thanks man..but I wasnt born in the US of A. But I love Mad-Town! Atleast 8months oout of the year its nice!

I went with the AudioLink cause of many reasons and the BT just sold it for me. You dont need the disk changer. I had the single CD unit, which I upgraded to the single CD MP3 unit.

Hope that answers your questions

 

That's my dissapointment too. I wish it showed track info, and the incoming phone number on the Car's display. But it doesnt. But I would that is a software issue on the device, and there just isnt enough interest or someone pressuring the manufacturer, which I belive is a japanese company. They barely put out even proper information on it.

I bought it from the RPMSTORE. I think there is a discount if you are from the RX8 club - $15 bucks, it shoud be RX8MP3 or something, search the forum, I am sure it will pop-up.

I had to call them and verify the features cause even they dont know most of it.

 

One of the members sent me this email today, and probably the info I supplied him might help you guys out too. So I am posting it below.

1) Does the new unit still allow for the aux cable feature? In other words, can I still have my iPod, sat radio, *and* have the bluetooth option?

I am not sure I understand this question. The unit has a AUX (3.5MM audio jack) input, the regular ipod interface and a blutooth socket. But I ran into the issue where you cannot use the AUX and the Ipod at the same time, you need to unplug the ipod for the AUX to work.

2) Does it come with an external microphone? If so, how long is the wire and where did you mount it?

Yes, it has a box which had mic and a button to answer calls, and another long (2meter) wired external mic. I don't use the box like thing, i hid it behind the cigarette lighter, because I just use FF button to answer calls, and I ran the long wired external mic behind the stereo up onto the steering column, and mic is put on the middle of the steering column with a tiny piece of black 3M double tape. It's right in front of the speedometer - but sitting on the black steering cover piece. Hope that made sense

3) How does it function? You mentioned hitting the FF button to receive and disconnect calls - how about placing them? And how is the sound in the vehicle over the ambient noise?

To place calls you have to actually do it from your iPhone, pressing the FF didn't place calls to the last dialled number or anything. That was disappointing. Noise is fine, if the windows are down you might have an issue, but since you can turn up the volume and the mic is very sensitive (and right in front of me) it works out great for me.

The blue tooth connects very well when you start the car, or power it up, and I always keep my BT enabled on my phone so it just always connects to the car when I am in it.

Only things I am disappointed in and cant really complain about is if - 1. they showed song information on the car's display 2. they showed the incoming phone number on the cars display.

----------------------------followup---------------------------------------

Thanks very much for the feedback, I really appreciate it. No problem! Glad to help another RX8er out!
Yeah, I know about the aux cable and the iPod thing (I too have to unplug the iPod since, if I just pause it, it kind of still deadens the sound of the sat radio). My concern was whether the Bluetooth somehow occupied the aux cable slot, but you’re saying it does not, so that’s cool. -
yep, its a seperate port

One other question – I presume this only works when you’re listening to the EX selection on the head unit (i.e. using the iPod or aux cable). So, if you’re listening to the radio, or have the head unit turned off, does you phone still ring on its own? YES (In my case, I’m using a Blackberry). If so, can you just turn on the stereo, switch to EX and answer it? YES I presume the BT portion is always powered, but can only access your speakers when you’re in EX mode on the head unit, so it wouldn’t have to recouple with the phone just because you powered down the head unit.- it's always on and paired to the phone when you have the car on ACC or Start

I’ve had my head unit out so many times it’s second nature now, so installing a new box is no big deal for me. I tried DICE and Prolink before the Audiolink and rejected them as they both had electronic background noise that I could not get rid of. The Audiolink had none and worked perfectly. This sounds like a good solution on the BT front. - A very good solution. before this, I bought a Motorola T305 blutooth speaker unit and then ran the wires from its speaker into the AUX in of the AudioLink to get the sound to come through the stereo. But that was too much work, it didnt work well because I had to unplug the iphone from the ipod connection to get the AUX to work, and didn't feel OEM cause you had to press the awesome button on the T305. This (audiolink BT) looks very factory fitted and being able to use the FF button to answer is the best part. I generally dont use the iphone as an Ipod unless I am on a long trip. So for me, its the wireless capability that is just awesome. Phone is in my pocket, I get a call - and I can answer from the factory headunit. Also, with Iphone the nice thing is when you get a call, the music pauses and you can answer the call, and once the call is done, the music resumes again. Since you use a blackberry, I would just warn you that I have had a BB storm and a BB bold myself. But they always had issues with some headsets, never tried it with the AudioLink, but they had bad voice quality with certain BT headsets. Good luck with your setup.

 

have you finished your install yet?Ijust got the 3G and am also going to install it and was wondering about all the same things everyone else does. I have the sat and also subscribe when I noticed on their site"~ If you have Factory Satellite Radio (subscribed to), it MUST be disconnected to use this adapter."http://www.neocaraudio.com/advanced_...icle_year=2005

 

Lol, no, I held off on ordering it because ZoomZoom got me all hot and bothered for the AudioLink set up w/ bluetooth. Haha...

That line you quoted from their site is what I originally read as well. I wish someone with the latest version of the Neo installed would pop in here and give us the total scoop on this thing.

 

I recently bought and installed a Grom audio product. It was a very good value at ~$80 (ebay store).

Install was straight forward (CD Changer plug) and the kit keeps my iPhone charged and unlocked so I can play MP3s or Pandora streaming radio. I can pick and choose my songs on the phone or by the wheel and radio controls. The sound quality is very good. I'm very happy with the Grom kit and feel comfortable recommending it to others.

 

I have the DICE adapter, very happy with it.