AM V8 '06 iPOD adaptor

[silverfox42]

Having done some considerable searching, I have found a reasonable solution that seems to tick most of the boxes:
- AM Dealer backed warranty unnaffected
- Integrates with AM Standard and Premium sound systems via Fibre Optic
- Control of iPOD via head unit / steering wheel controls (if installed of course!)
- A very competitive price compared to the AM solution.

In essence, I have taken the plunge and booked installation through an independant specialist referred to me via Grange AM of Welwyn. The unit - based on an evolved Dension 500 unit - and fitting are being offered at £550+VAT. I have opted for the cable to feed into the glove box on my car, but for newer models this can apparently sit in the (larger!) centre console cubby hole.

I will post post results on the fitting, but if you want more info, please let me know.

[Murph7355]

I'm pretty sure you can get one from Paralight (no links, just emailed them a few times for info) for 600 quid incl. VAT and fitting (anywhere in the country). Which is a bit cheaper. Also MOST oriented with a USB and phono input.

My understanding is that the only difference between this and the retrofit AM kit (or MY08 onwards kit) is that instead of using the CD button to select the iPod, you have a switch in the glovebox to flick between CD and iPod...

It was still too lumpy for me to bother. But I suspect I'll keep the car for a couple more years now so may start looking at it again. Now, if someone did this for 3-400 quid I'd definitely get it done.

[V8VKK]

I had Paralight do my instalation and am very pleased, the only critisism I have is that the control of the ipod using the buttons is a bit awkward

[Murph7355]

V8VKK said:

I had Paralight do my instalation and am very pleased, the only critisism I have is that the control of the ipod using the buttons is a bit awkward

Is that the buttons on the fascia (up/down/left/right)?

Does the AM official one use the scroll knobs?

[V8VKK]

Yes the're the ones, I really need to get one of my kids to work it all out and teach me how to use it!
As far as I'm aware this is the oficial AM fit as Paralight worked with them on the design and instalation

Edited by V8VKK on Sunday 13th December 18:35

[Zod]

I have the Dension 500 on my 56 reg 07 model car. It feeds into the (otherwise useless) cupholder where an ipod fits snugly.

[Murph7355]

Zod said:

I have the Dension 500 on my 56 reg 07 model car. It feeds into the (otherwise useless) cupholder where an ipod fits snugly.

Did you fit it yourself Zod?

[V8VKK]

As far as I know the Paralight instal uses the Denison kit, I do not know if it has been modified though

[Zod]

Murph7355 said:

Zod said:

I have the Dension 500 on my 56 reg 07 model car. It feeds into the (otherwise useless) cupholder where an ipod fits snugly.

Did you fit it yourself Zod?

Nope. Got Stratstone to fit it to replace ht abomination of an FM-based system they tried to palm off on me.

It works well, but the controls take some getting used to.

[Paralight]

Zod,

Which Stratstone dealer did the installation perchance??

Paralight

[Zod]

Stratstone Park Lane/A40 Westway. The Park Lane guys are good, but the A40 branch doesn't exactly blow you away with its customer service ethic.

They sent it out to be fitted of course and the guys who fitted it made a mess of the center console veneer, so I had them re-lacquer it.

[g55dxb]

I'm a bit confused...hasn't Aston just released an upgrade kit for all AM V8's (even '06) that provides support for iPods and iPhones? I'm scheduled to have this installed in my '06 V8 when it goes in for it's annual service in Feb along with a few other upgrades.

[silverfox42]

Hi there, the purpose of this thread was to highlight that there are 3rd party options out there that are based on the Aston aftermarket fitting in terms of technology used, but by sourcing it 3rd party, you almost halve the cost. Not sure what your dealer is charging for install, but imagine it is more that £600 or so?

BTW, the install took about 1 hour, has a neat iPOD connector in the otherwise useless 'cup' holder in the centre arm wrest, and a toggle switch to access either the in-dash changer or the iPOD. You can also toggle 'control' of the iPOD via the Aston head unit - it is a little easier to do this via the iPOD though, but I am sure I will suss it out eventually. Sound quality is A1!!

Dan