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I am considering buying either an iPod interface for my 2004 Honda Civic Value Package 4-door sedan. I do not want to replace the stock radio, so I plan to use the empty CD Changer plug in the back of the radio.

I am considering these two models:

USA SPEC PA11-HON
http://www.amazon.com/USA-PA11-HON-Interface-Select-Factory/dp/B000NN9SMK

GTA Car Kit for Honda Civic 2001-2005
http://www.gtacarkits.com/honda_civi...05_car_kit.php

The functions I want:
1. control the ipod using the ipod. I don't care of the radio controls it, but I'd like the radio's volume and EQ controls to work.

2. I want it to work if I plug it in AFTER turning on the car. I've heard that some only work if you turned off the radio before turning off the car, or that other only work if the ipod is plugged in before starting the car. I use the radio too, and would like to be able to go back and forth.

Do either of these/both of these interfaces support those options?

How do they sound? Do you know one of them to raise certain EQs (like bass), play too quietly or loudly, etc?

Finally, what are pros and cons that you've found with either or both systems? I am mainly looking to compare the two, as I can not decide which one to buy.

Thank you to anyone who answers! I just recently discovered this forum, and it is a wonderful resource for someone like me who is new to DIY installations.

 
Rep Power: 812

i had the pa11-hon at one point and its hands down the best option for connecting an ipod. i used a 5th gen nano and the sound quality is amazing (digital signal like a cd), good functionality (control from either deck or ipod using the updated cable it should come with now), and it charges the ipod when connected. no real issues that i ran into. bass is also excellent and you may need to turn it down if its too much at first. i found no eq is the best setting for sound quality. i dont think the gta kit is even worth considering because it uses a stereo mini jack instead of an actual ipod digital port connector. will prolly sound like radio quality or worse.

 
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That is extremely helpful, thank you! I will get the pa11-hon, then. The cd quality in my car is very good, so matching that quality is very important to me.

I do usually use no eq, but I had heard that some ipod interfaces boost the bass on their own. That was concerning me, since my Civic doesn't go into the negative bass like some cars do, it's lowest eq setting is 0 (normal).

Do you remember if the pa11-hon came with the cables, or was it only the square interface?

 
Rep Power: 812

it came with cables, however at the time i got it a couple yrs ago it had the old cable that would not charge newer ipods. so i had to buy the updated version separately which worked great. i think all the newer model kits come with the update cable. just be aware you have to pull the radio out to plug in the cd changer connector of the ipod adapter. this unit does have bass boost, which is necessary. you can still use the deck to adjust it a bit and there is plenty of range. i was also able to hide everything in the dash and behind glove box, so all i had was the connection wire in the glove box (or you can run it under the carpet to the passenger seat at the bottom and hide it there). cables are plenty long.

 
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i hate how you new gen guys get all the cool toys. I have to retro fit mine