| ncelk |
I wonder whether or not you will lose the XM radio as others have suggested.
It is expensive, but if it works well, then it may be worth it.
I am waiting for someone to get one and report how it functions:p |
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| Kataku2k3 |
I was just going to order mine this morning, now that it became available today, but I thought I'd get on here first, just to see if anyone knows any details on it...
That would suck if we lost XM (hadn't heard of this), but if it works as it should, then I'd probably still do it.
My main concern is, does this unit allow the use of your steering wheel controls (mainly just skipping tracks, etc., as I assume volume is a given)? Also, it does do the pausing, charging sequence when the ignition is turned off and vise versa when turned on, correct?
Thanks if anyone has any insight! Up until now, this is the only device I was considering for iPod connection (as it's OEM, right?), but what else works (~100%) for '06 EX-L's without Navi?
If we can't get anything figured out, I'll probably send CollegeHillsHonda an Email to see if they know any specifics...
-Adam |
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| aaz |
| It is so expensive, They need to study the price again |
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| ED27 |
quote:
Originally posted by ncelk
I wonder whether or not you will lose the XM radio as others have suggested.
It is expensive, but if it works well, then it may be worth it.
I am waiting for someone to get one and report how it functions:p
The installation instructions verify that you can integrate the adapter with XM or a CD changer (page 4 specifically).
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/in...otmusiclink.pdf |
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| Kataku2k3 |
| Thanks for clarifying on the XM situation... I'd read through the install .pdf awhile back, but obviously not closely enough. So I guess as long as it allows all of the normal controls, I'll be ordering mine! |
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| wile76 |
Looks like the music-link won't work with the Leather trimmed models. Here's the write up on College Hill's site:
This kit does not apply to any Pilot model with factory leather interior. (EX-L, EX-L RES, or EX-L NAVI).
The application guide indicates the same thing. I can understand the Navi and RES models but what about the EX-L would prevent using the music-link? Unless they're only worried about contradicting that you can add Navi or RES as a Dealer option. I'm kinda bummed. Was hoping to get an EX-L NAVI and add the Ipod. Might not buy til '07 model so maybe they'll fix it by then. |
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| Kataku2k3 |
| That would really be ****ty... The only difference in the head units is XM ready (EX) and XM loaded (EX-L), correct? Guess I better Email them before ordering. |
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| hondacuraworld |
I'm going to have a can't-pass-it-up special on these starting tomorrow.....I'll update in the AM.
As well, I will attempt to clarify everything as to fitment. Time to get doing some research..... |
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| cfilkins |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
I'm going to have a can't-pass-it-up special on these starting tomorrow.....I'll update in the AM.
As well, I will attempt to clarify everything as to fitment. Time to get doing some research.....
Having sold off my iPod and replaced it with something that works with software other than iTunes, I'd love to find an interface that will just give me RCA line inputs. I still haven't heard of anyone with a US-model 2006 EX installing one.
Chris |
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| ictvuser |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
I'm going to have a can't-pass-it-up special on these starting tomorrow.....I'll update in the AM.
As well, I will attempt to clarify everything as to fitment. Time to get doing some research.....
Any idea if it will work on a 2004 EX-L (no Nav, Res or CD changer). |
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| CMasten |
quote:
Originally posted by cfilkins
Having sold off my iPod and replaced it with something that works with software other than iTunes, I'd love to find an interface that will just give me RCA line inputs. I still haven't heard of anyone with a US-model 2006 EX installing one.
Chris
Curious why you would sell off the most elligent combo of portable music on the market? Almost every car manuf is making an IPOD interface going foward, dont know of any that are making IPOD replacement interfaces... |
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| rocky |
Thats twice the price of say an 05 blitzsafe connector.
Also, whats the point of putting the ipod in the glovebox? It needs to be more accessible than that. |
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| cfilkins |
quote:
Originally posted by CMasten
Curious why you would sell off the most elligent combo of portable music on the market? Almost every car manuf is making an IPOD interface going foward, dont know of any that are making IPOD replacement interfaces...
While the iPod was a very slick interface, the fact that I was permanently tied to iTunes left much to be desired. While I'm not a fan of Microsoft, their WMP10 DRM, which seems to be used by EVERYONE else except Apple, made for a much more flexible choice.
I wanted to use the Virgin Digital music subscription service, for $7/month for unlimited downloads. $7 doesn't get you very far with iTunes.
It seems to me that what would make the most sense that manufacturers offer a straight RCA input first and an iPod adapter second, but I imagine that they don't want to make it easy to install aftermarket peripherals that would drop sales of OEM (thinking RES).
Just because iPod is currently the most broadly used media player definately doesn't mean it will stay that way.
Chris |
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| hondacuraworld |
I've read this Honda bulletin 4 times, and it's starting to make some sense to me. Here's the deal.....
According to Honda, the LX kit will be available on 1/16, the EX kit is available now. What the differences in the kits themselves are, I don't know.
Now Honda says that the kits will not work with EX-L, EX-L RES, or EX-L Navi with factory-installed XM.
Now here's what I don't understand.
The XM that comes with Acura products connects to the head unit through a bus connector on the right hand side of the radio. To use the MusicLink in XM equipped Acuras, there is a two-way Y-splitter used so that the input can come from either source. I would think that it would work the same for Honda vehicles, and I don't understand why it wouldn't. Curiously this XM noncompatibility is listed ONLY on the Pilot, and not on the other Honda products.
So, here's what I have to do......
I'm going to order in the kit listed for the EX models, and the bus harness XM adapter listed for the Acura models, and test to see if it's a plug and play deal. If it is, then we go to step 2, and attempt to test it out. If not, I try and figure out why. |
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| A6Pilot |
| Thanks, Tim! We are all scratching our heads too. |
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| CMasten |
quote:
Originally posted by cfilkins
While the iPod was a very slick interface, the fact that I was permanently tied to iTunes left much to be desired. While I'm not a fan of Microsoft, their WMP10 DRM, which seems to be used by EVERYONE else except Apple, made for a much more flexible choice.
I wanted to use the Virgin Digital music subscription service, for $7/month for unlimited downloads. $7 doesn't get you very far with iTunes.
It seems to me that what would make the most sense that manufacturers offer a straight RCA input first and an iPod adapter second, but I imagine that they don't want to make it easy to install aftermarket peripherals that would drop sales of OEM (thinking RES).
Just because iPod is currently the most broadly used media player definately doesn't mean it will stay that way.
Chris
Thanks Chris, always good to look at options, but does Virgin allow you to download songs to your non-IPOD or just your computer? taking it mobil is the whole point for me. I know they have a 99cent service the same as ITunes. I still buy a lot of my music on CD's and use ITunes to rip them at a higher quality to MP3. Your right, buying music online at ITunes is a hassle is you dont have an IPOD, which is what they are after.
I think the issue with the manuf's and IPOD is 1) they have the largest market to sell to for aftermarket kits 2) by giving them an interface you can use your cars controls and displays to control the IPOD and keep it charged. I dont think there are enough non-IPODs to make it worth their effort at this point. Lots of 3rd party people making interfaces though, they seemed to come out of the woodwork this year. |
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| ramirami |
quote:
Originally posted by cfilkins
I wanted to use the Virgin Digital music subscription service, for $7/month for unlimited downloads. $7 doesn't get you very far with iTunes.
Chris
try allofmp3.com :2: |
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| fireflock |
I'm not sure what you don't like about iTunes, but there is probably a solution to your problems without too much effort.
You don't have to use iTunes to add music to your iPod; you can use the iPod as a disk drive and add music that way.
If you have not yet 'upgraded' iTunes to version 6, check out http://hymn-project.org/ to unDRM your iTunes songs so you can use them elsewhere.
If you have upgraded iTunes to version 6, you can still burn and re-rip your songs to un-DRM them. This can be a big pain if you have a lot of songs.
I agree that some aspects of iTunes and iPods are not as easy as they could be. Maybe this will help a little. |
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| cfilkins |
quote:
Originally posted by CMasten
Thanks Chris, always good to look at options, but does Virgin allow you to download songs to your non-IPOD or just your computer? taking it mobil is the whole point for me. I know they have a 99cent service the same as ITunes. I still buy a lot of my music on CD's and use ITunes to rip them at a higher quality to MP3. Your right, buying music online at ITunes is a hassle is you dont have an IPOD, which is what they are after.
For the price, Virgin lets you have the tracks on 3 computers and 2 portable devices. I picked up a 60GB Toshiba Gigabeat for less than $300, and it works like a charm with all my existing MP3's as well as everything I've downloaded from Virgin (about 15GB so far, and growing...)
I know that the iPod has a great (and sometimes rabid) user base, but Apple's unwillingness to play well with others drove this user away. Last I read, some of the manufacturers are working towards establishing a common interface now to make it easier to get accessories for non-iPod players. I think that if/when that happens, we'll see a change in the tides (it'd be great if they went with the same dock connector as the iPod, but that might be asking too much).
Chris |
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| hondacuraworld |
| By the way, the MusicLink is our January monthly special :) |
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| Kataku2k3 |
| Tim, I will definately be ordering from you (as I have done with all my other OEM stuff this past month), assuming that we can make this thing work with the EX-L. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! |
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| Sportymonk |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
....snip ...
So, here's what I have to do......
I'm going to order in the kit listed for the EX models, and the bus harness XM adapter listed for the Acura models, and test to see if it's a plug and play deal. If it is, then we go to step 2, and attempt to test it out. If not, I try and figure out why.
Thanks for stepping out and taking the lead to make sure what the situation is. That's part of what makes you so great. Thanks again for the great service ans sponsorship. :D |
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| il38694 |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
By the way, the MusicLink is our January monthly special :)
Tim,
I have 05 EX-L. Does the Musiclink work with it? |
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| hondacuraworld |
| We won't know until we try at this point. Backwards compatibility is an area for Honda where angels fear to tread. They're of no help at all. |
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| wile76 |
Found an interesting tid-bit on the College Hills site about the new Ipod MusicLink. It's in the MusicLink userguide:
iPod: 4th generation or later iPod, iPod miniŽ, iPod U2
Special EditionŽ, or iPod nanoŽ. (See right.) Music Link
cannot be used with iPod shuffleŽ.
Guess this rules out the MusicLink for older Ipod owners. Since I'm probably not buying my Pilot I'm hoping they have Ipod integration on all Pilot models by that model year. I'm hoping to get some variation of an EX-L (with or without NAV) and it's annoying that you can't get the present MusicLink installed in those versions. |
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| Johnny-Pants |
On Honda Owner link they had a blub about this on there. They had this paragraph in there which I thought was interesting...
Honda Music Link enables consumers with iPods to select their music by artist, album, genre and play list through the Honda Civic's standard controls on the audio system head unit. In addition, this system is the first of its kind to offer synthesized audio voice feedback when searching through the iPod music library with the vehicle's audio system controls.
Anyone sure what this Voice feedback is?
JP |
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| wile76 |
JP,
I think the voice feedback is the Text To Speech (TTS) technology Honda refers to in the MusicLink Users Guide ( http://www.collegehillshonda.com/st...tusersguide.pdf ). It converts the names of playlists, artists, and genres into speech files it will read back over the radio in certain circumstances. Full explanation of how it works in the vehicle begins on page 15. Interesting stuff. Maybe someday they'll integrate it into the mic for the NAV system. Then you could say "KITT, please play the following songs from my Ipod". Sorry, 80's flashback there. |
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| Sportymonk |
Bummer. I have a 3rd generation iPod and the only difference in the 3rd and the fourth is the change in the wheel and button on the front. I think the original 4th generation was not photo capable but they were changed to the photo capability. Know the current video ipods are called the 5th generation.
Know the early iPods didn't have the same connector but the 3rd generation is the same as the fourth. Must be an internal software issue. (as compared to an external software ... :p
quote:
Originally posted by wile76
Found an interesting tid-bit on the College Hills site about the new Ipod MusicLink. It's in the MusicLink userguide:
iPod: 4th generation or later iPod, iPod miniŽ, iPod U2
Special EditionŽ, or iPod nanoŽ. (See right.) Music Link
cannot be used with iPod shuffleŽ.
Guess this rules out the MusicLink for older Ipod owners. Since I'm probably not buying my Pilot I'm hoping they have Ipod integration on all Pilot models by that model year. I'm hoping to get some variation of an EX-L (with or without NAV) and it's annoying that you can't get the present MusicLink installed in those versions.
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| Rinku |
Hi i am thinking about ordering the music link and the y adapter. i hope that it works with EX L without navi/ res...
Has anyone has good luck so far.. |
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| whizmo |
Soapbox warning.
To my mind, this is a classic example of cascading complexity resulting in systems that even experts can't figure out. Only certain models of Pilot (no leather?!), only certain IPod models, a $200 kit that requires hours of labor to install...jeez.
Hey Honda, how about simply putting an aux headphone input on the front of every Pilot stereo, mark it "Aux Input" and have the radio use this input if you push the "Aux" button? Buy a $3 cable at Radio Shack and pipe ANY audio source into the radio - Ipod, another brand of MP3 player, XM, a cassette deck, your laptop audio, aftermarket GPS with voice prompts, whatever - if the device has a headphone output, you could play it in your Pilot's music system. It would cost Honda about $0.50 to provide such an input on the stereo.
Now granted, you couldn't stick the Ipod in the glove box and you couldn't control it with the head unit. But is this really something that people are clamoring to do? Enough to buy such an expensive kit and deal with all these compatability and installation issues? Is it really that big a deal to use the UI on the player to control what you listen to?
Whizmo |
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| Rinku |
The care makers are more greedy and focus more on the other aspescts of the car.. though we have evolved on the consumer electronics and has lot of gizmos, the car stereo are plain vanilla..
10 yrs ago we had casete playe and cd discman kits...
now we have CD player/changer and XM radio...not a big improvement..
Why can't a car stereo can have these features..
1) AUX input in front for all car stereo.. so we can add any source of music..
2) SD/compactflash card reader so we can load/play song from the card..
3) Hard drive capacity built in...
3) usb/firewire/wifi built in.. so we trasfer songs from the pc to car easily when we park our car in the garage...
4) All CD player shoule be MP3/wma enableled...
5) Record button... so i can repord what i want...from the radios.. |
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| Kataku2k3 |
| As stated above, Tim from HondaAcuraWorld ordered one and was going to test it... I'm just waiting for the nay or yay before I order mine. There's sooo many of us with EX-L's, I don't understand why they wouldn't put a little more time into making it work from the beginning... |
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| JoshFink |
Any updates on this?
Thanks
Josh |
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| Sportymonk |
quote:
Originally posted by JoshFink
Any updates on this?
Thanks
Josh
There was a post in 74Pilotmoms surgery thread by Tim saying he was having surgery the same day Tues 1/24 to have some lumps removed from his head. Probably will be while before we hear. |
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| JoshFink |
quote:
Originally posted by Sportymonk
There was a post in 74Pilotmoms surgery thread by Tim saying he was having surgery the same day Tues 1/24 to have some lumps removed from his head. Probably will be while before we hear.
Didn't know that.. Thanks for letting me know. It's not like I'm in a hurry, just curious.
Thanks
Josh |
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| Kataku2k3 |
Hope it hasn't been posted somewhere else, but I haven't been on in awhile, and didn't really feel like searching...
Anywho, has anyone tried this iPod MusicLink Adapter on even an '06 EX (cloth), and if so, how does it work? Is it working 100%? As in, allowing playlist jumping from the H.U. without any problems, fully functional steering wheel controls, etc.? Just curious... Thanks!
Hope it ends up working for the EX-L. I'm about ready to just say F*CK it and order it! |
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| BlueWombat |
| Just upgraded from a 2003 EX to a 2006 EXL. Has anyone found out whether there is an AUX input option for the new EXL '06s? FM modulator solutions don't work for me due to lack of available FM channels in Bay Area. |
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| mbze500 |
| Try to keep this thread alive. I am also waiting for solution about Ipod connection kit. I don't mind to lose XM radio... I am not big fan for XM radio at all (Actually I will lose XM radio after trial period). Since Honda website especially mentioned not working with EX-L model, I don't want to spare about $200 + Ipod (I don't have one yet...) to try out my theory (I believe unplug XM radio connector and connect to Musiclink kit will work). |
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| BlueWombat |
| Anyone have any success hooking up an iPod to a 06 EXL? Radio transmitters aren't a viable option - too many stations in area and too much interference... |
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| cubfanjim |
Lot's of back and forth and I am still uncertain about what lies behind the stereo/cd changer in my 2006 exl with leather. Has anyone removed the components and can tell me if there are RCA inputs? I don't really care if my ipod charges, nor do I care if I can control it through the car controls...as long as I can control the ipod itself and it plays through the car speakers...
I did talk to the guy at blitzsafe.com and it sounds like in the next week they will have the bugs out of their product which should bring full functionality, including charging and in car controls.
Any answers on what must get disconnected? XM radio? CD changer?? |
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| Rinku |
Ipod inerface from the USA SPEC HON2 with Y adapter works fine in 2006 EX-L with XM.. though it says it is not compatible with the XM..
When u start the car you will hear xm and ipod both. then u selext XM and then selext AUX. that would give clear Ipod sound and it works great.
I order direct through USA SPEC.. i just call their no and paid through pay pal and got that installed at BB for 55. buck.. totla cost 200 $..i dont know if that is worth that much money for others... but u get clen OEM looks with I pod with stereaing wheel control intact with EXTRA AUX input for DVD or playstation and keep your CD changer, XM
or U can get new Alpine or Pioneer head unit with ipod interface and get better stereo sound with MP3 CD.. that would cost alos 200+ installation and + harness and + din kit and + ipod interface.. almost 400 dollors.. |
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| sdihome |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
We won't know until we try at this point. Backwards compatibility is an area for Honda where angels fear to tread. They're of no help at all.
Tim, Did you ever find out anything? I would like to use the Honda Music Link. |
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| stanley cup |
*bump*
I'm interested in Tim's test also. I want to put that dead "aux" button to some good use in my 06 EX-L (no nav or res). |
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| JoshFink |
Ok.. Time to bump this up. What's the results?
I have a 2006 EX-L and I want to make sure this will work before I buy it.
Surely there has to be someone out there that has done this.
Thanks
Josh |
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| jlee2070 |
quote:
Originally posted by JoshFink
Ok.. Time to bump this up. What's the results?
I have a 2006 EX-L and I want to make sure this will work before I buy it.
Surely there has to be someone out there that has done this.
Thanks
Josh
Works FINE!!! Many postings now boasting of success!!! There is a slight "problem" as noted by Rinku a few posting above. Easily remedied by pressing XM, then AUX. You will need the "Y" Cable if you want to keep XM working.
You can buy from www.enfig.com. |
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| JoshFink |
quote:
Originally posted by jlee2070
Works FINE!!! Many postings now boasting of success!!! There is a slight "problem" as noted by Rinku a few posting above. Easily remedied by pressing XM, then AUX. You will need the "Y" Cable if you want to keep XM working.
You can buy from www.enfig.com.
THanks.. Great to know.
Josh |
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| jlee2070 |
| Just to be clear, while the thread was for the Honda Music Link Adapter... My response is to the to the later mentioned USASPEC, PA11-HON2 Interface. It would appear most postings were negative in regards to the Honda Music Link. |
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| JoshFink |
quote:
Originally posted by jlee2070
Just to be clear, while the thread was for the Honda Music Link Adapter... My response is to the to the later mentioned USASPEC, PA11-HON2 Interface. It would appear most postings were negative in regards to the Honda Music Link.
Ahhh.. Ok, that's different.. Now i Need to check that out as well.
Thanks for clarifying.
Josh |
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| Mugnut |
Anything further on this in the EX-L? My dealer wants 400 bones for this accessory - I am leaning towards going with teh USA spec (despite the fact that I imagine that I am utterly incapable of installing it myself).
The lack of easy AUX connectivity is the only disappointing thing about the Pilot. I am utterly ipod dependent, adn thought all the manufs. would have figurewd this out by now. Even domestic rental fleet cars offer AUX inputs now . . . |
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| ASAGA |
ok..... so let me get this clear........
if I do not want to keep the xm I dont need the y spilter?
i ordered the hn2 from crutchfield and now im getting a little nervous!
please le this be a plug and play!!!!! |
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