IPod Head Units Tested

October 2009

The iPod is the world’s best-selling digital music player, so it’s no surprise that more and more drivers want to use it in the car. Many vehicles now come with auxiliary sockets to play MP3 sounds through the car’s system, but if you want to control your iPod or iPhone through the head unit you need a dedicated link.

There’s a wide range of single-DIN and deeper double-DIN systems on offer. With your player hooked up, you can select tracks safely through the in-dash display rather than holding the iPod, plus the device is charged at the same time. So, which is top of the pops? We plugged in 12 to find out.

Top of our criteria was how easily we could control our iPod, so we hooked up a Classic and Nano to test compatibility. After assessing how simple each was to install, we rated ease of use, speed of operation and playlist access. Points were given for clear displays and logical layouts, plus for extras like SD memory card slots, auxiliary inputs and remote control. Price was our final consideration.

Results
Among the single-DIN units, our winner was the Sony, with by far the best iPod operation from its front-mounted USB socket. Second was the InPhase, thanks to its easy installation and navigation, while the budget Sendai completes the podium. With its good looks and iPod lookalike display, the Pioneer pipped the Clarion to top spot among the larger, double-DIN units, ahead of the Zenec.

Single-DIN units
1. Sony CDX-GT530UI
2. InPhase IPS720i
3. Sendai CD889

Double-DIN units
1. Pioneer AVH-P3100DVD
2. Clarion CX609E
3. Zenec ZE-NC520

Contacts
Alpine  0845 3131 640  www.alpine-electronics.co.uk
Clarion  01793 870400  www.clarion.co.uk
Halfords (Sendai, Sony)  08457 626625  www.halfords.com
InPhase  www.gsice.co.uk
JVC  0870 150 6506  www.eurocarparts.com
Pioneer  01753 789789  www.pioneer.co.uk
Zenec  0116 244 9844  www.zenec.com

Verdict

Top 3

1. Zenec ZE-NC520
2. JVC KW-XG701
3. Alpine iXA-W407BT

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