Help with connecting car stereo to iPhone

[ECR]

I have a Kenwood Kdc 237 stero in my Elise. Apparently I can play music from iPod/iPhone through it but I need a connecting cable. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[TJG]

The stereo looks like it has a 3.5mm  audio socket, something like this should work .

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-3-5mm-Stereo-Audio-Cable-Black/dp/B079L8FTZN?th=1

Some later iPhone don't have the matching socket so you would need one of these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Headphone-Splitter-Earphone-Accessories-Compatible-White/dp/B09DVZ6SPN/ref=asc_df_B09DVZ6SPN/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=535148305381&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5460810704585902360&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006804&hvtargid=pla-1423317745150&psc=1

Other suppliers are available Roger!

[Jonathan Kay]

As above. The stereo unit will identify that input as AUX.

Do all of the devices of interest (and in the near future) have that headphone socket output? That will determine your options.

If you use an adaptor on iPhones that don't have a headphone socket then I'd recommend buying one that also includes a charging port.

Jonathan

 

[ECR]

Thanks gentlemen .....

[pugwash]

The 3.5mm cable is probably the simplest solution but if you want something a bit neater then consider a Bluetooth adapter.  The advantage is that you can run all your phone functions through it.  As an example I have a https://www.fiio.com/μbtr in one car (self contained rechargeable battery) and a Tunai Firefly in another (needs USB power). Other manufacturers products are available.

[Jonathan Kay]

"The 3.5mm cable is probably the simplest solution but if you want something a bit neater then consider a Bluetooth adapter."

I often use a Bluetooth to 3.5mm jack adaptor. 

But we need that list of devices to work out which is better in this case...

(The KDC 237 doesn't have built-in Bluetooth.)

Jonathan

[pugwash]

Just to add to the mix, you could also consider an RF transmitter style of device, which broadcasts an FM signal picked up by the head unit.  Advantage here is that you don't have to have anything at all hanging out the front of the head unit.  I have used the Pure one in the past but a quick look at Halfords website suggests there are a number of devices in this space.

Jonathan, you are right, and the Kenwoood does not have a USB Aux either hence the need to power any external device from somewhere else.

[DougBaker]

On my last car I used one of the FM transmitter devices and it was excellent. All you need is a cigarette lighter socket and an FM radio and you are good to go so suitable for all sorts of classics. No cables to fiddle with either unless you actually need to charge.

 

[Jonathan Kay]

"Just to add to the mix, you could also consider an RF transmitter style of device, which broadcasts an FM signal picked up by the head unit."

"On my last car I used one of the FM transmitter devices(link is external) and it was excellent."

Thanks for the reminder. I used one with my first big iPod (hard drive, FireWire), and once you had found a suitable frequency it was fine. It then had a second life in rented cars.

Jonathan

[DougBaker]

Mine is having a second life in my parents motorhome, though so far my mother has only been using the two charging ports as I have not had a chance to setup the bluetooth connection for her new phone.

[Roger Ford]

And for when you can't find the aux input on the menu system ... https://forums.clublupo.co.uk/index.php?/topic/81564-activating-aux-function-on-kenwood-kdc-237/