iSimple from Best Buy. Thoughts and opinions please

[tripod06]

Saw this at best buy today and would like to know if anyone has this particular setup or knows good or bad about it. Best Buy is offering free install on it. Price is $179.99.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/racesnos/406ceb7f.jpg

[iZHP]

not that great audio quality. my gf has it and in fact it's not working. It plugs into the CD changer port in the trunk and you run the cable up front.

[tripod06]

Thanks! Which ones are recommended?

[mimalmo]

I've got that one, it was given to me for free otherwise I would have bought something else. For that amount of money, I'd rather have the DICE or the Dension setup.

[Mtnman]

I have it and like it ok. Installed it myself...not too hard. Maybe an hour and a half to hide all the cables. I paid 119 for it though, from best buy

Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk

[tripod06]

Many of my old import JDM friends are telling me to get a new unit and all but the reason I love the ZHP is because it is the most beautiful thing to me and it's all stock. I don't want to mess with too many "unnecessary" mods and all but I live with the music on my iPhone so I find it important to upgrade this. I will look for the DICE and Dension products and see what they can run. If anyone in SoCal were able to help me out with installing I would appreciate it!

[pyreguy]

I agree with you. I plan on getting an AUX input and a complete BSW upgrade and keep my stock unit.

[mimalmo]

I'm with you. I too prefer the clean and uncluttered look of the OEM dash.

It also doesn't help that someone broke into my car a few years back and stole a complete system. The only thing tipping them off there was a system in the car? The deck was a $700 Kenwood eXcelon. I think I still have the remote control for it that they left behind.

[pyreguy]

Yeah it's been several cars back since I had an aftermarket deck.
That was a $600 eclipse unit that sounded amazing but wouldn't even remotely match the indigo lights of a VW or our BMWs. My priorities have skewed.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

[Rovert]

http://www.gromaudio.com/images/grom-usb2.jpg

http://www.gromaudio.com/store/all-bmw.html

[E1022]

I have an isimple installed in my car. Haven't had any problems with it. If installed properly, you shouldn't have any audio issues. Plus, it charges your ipod and iphone if you have one.

[iZHP]

^+1 I like how it charges at the same time but it definitely doesn't sound the same, or cost the same as the factory AUX input ($~40 from BMW)
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/ianbrady/54aab5ba.jpg
I got the Belkin micro-USB car charger to solve that problem :)
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/ianbrady/eb832b24.jpg

[JohnnyGraphic]

^+1 I like how it charges at the same time but it definitely doesn't sound the same, or cost the same as the factory AUX input ($~40 from BMW)
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/ianbrady/54aab5ba.jpg
I got the Belkin micro-USB car charger to solve that problem :)
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/ianbrady/eb832b24.jpg

My set up is very similar. I'm using the Aux input (in the glove box) and the Belkin micro USB charger. I also added the dash mount for my iPod so that I can retain the use of my cup holders. I really like that set up now. Easy and functional and CHEAP to boot!!!

Johnny

[mimalmo]

^+1 I like how it charges at the same time but it definitely doesn't sound the same, or cost the same as the factory AUX input ($~40 from BMW)


Actually, the iSimple has better sound quality than the aux input since it uses the digital output from the bottom of the iPod instead of the iPod's headphone jack.

The iSimple is also only $78 if you're willing to DIY the install.

Remember to use the link on our advertisers page (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?229-List-of-Affiliate-Advertisers-at-ZHP-Mafia) if you're going to buy it.

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=zhpcom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B001ANXPPS

[Dotpage]

Old "fat" iSimple is junk, had 5 replaced before losing my patience an replacing HU in my previous 330i. New slim one so far is holding OK, my installer swore by his Gods that they changed the wires to a more malleable one..

[az3579]

I 100% stand behind the Dension Gateway 300. Sound quality is top notch, has the most features compared to the other similar units (DICE, iSimple, etc.), and looks completely OEM when installed. Costs a little more but you get what you pay for, IMO (except in the case of the DICE, in which case you probably get crap regardless of what you buy based on all of the threads with neverending problems). If you know where you buy you can get it for quite a bit less than $200.

[Crestwood1001]

Listen, dont pay 179 bucks for shit from best buy, i used to work there and was just laid off and we litterally got that for about 34$. Put your money elseware.

[mimalmo]

Just because it's profitable for the retailer doesn't mean it's shit. Heck, I'm sure all the iPod adaptors out there are very profitable, regardless of selling retailer as they all contain very few parts.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Yeah. There can be little doubt that a lot of this stuff has huge margins. Best Buy is just one retailer among many that is making good money selling this stuff. I can't isolate Best Buy. They all do it.

[tripod06]

so if i have a connection at best buy (which i do) to get it for $34 should i go with it then?

[danewilson77]

I have an isimple installed in my car. Haven't had any problems with it. If installed properly, you shouldn't have any audio issues. Plus, it charges your ipod and iphone if you have one.

This is a good review. I mean for $34....I would say its worth a try........

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Same here. No one is going to get in a twist over $34.

[Mtnman]

I like mine. if i paid 34 for it, Id like it even more. Sound is good.

[tripod06]

okay there is enough information here to make my educated decision of wanting to move forwards with this. i already contacted my friend and he said his best buy car audio guys are insane with getting things done good and right and quickly. but im not worried about how long it will take, i just want it done clean and right.

[danewilson77]

How many moar can you get at the $34 price?...hehe

[Oli77]

Actually, the iSimple has better sound quality than the aux input since it uses the digital output from the bottom of the iPod instead of the iPod's headphone jack.

You really think we can tell the difference between these two outputs with the speakers that are present in our cars? I could understand on a home setup with some serious speakers and nice components but in the car, I am not sure.

Also, let's not forget iPod users are listening to compressed files, so the source is already compromised (badly in my opinion). As such, the little bit of difference between the headphone jack and the bottom digital output may not be very much, if noticeable.

[mimalmo]

Yes, absolutely the difference exists, especially at higher volumes where the preamp section of the headphone jack struggles to output a clean signal. If you're ever around my car, I'd be happy to demo the difference for you.

[Oli77]

That would be great! I am a bit of a audiophile at home (not so much in my car). More importantly, I want to see those wheels up close and personal!.
Not sure when I'd be in Minneapolis though.

[Jon D]

Yeah it's been several cars back since I had an aftermarket deck.
That was a $600 eclipse unit that sounded amazing but wouldn't even remotely match the indigo lights of a VW or our BMWs. My priorities have skewed.

Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

some of the Alpine decks have red lighting... mine does... it's not factory but still works for me and with the rest of the system much better sound...

[M3TA5IN]

I wouldnt be surprised if you can get it for less than $34. I use to be a manager at Best Buy (actually loved working at the place and discount was insane, 5% above cost).

Anyway, car audio department has the biggest mark up. Top of the line subs like the Alpine 12" subs they carry, i forget the name, you can get those for $30 bucks and they sell for like $300.

I know a lot of people with iSimple though and they love and the installers at best buy did a great job with it. I also remember from working there that Harman Kardon makes a similar thing like iSimple for BMWs.

[tripod06]

I wouldnt be surprised if you can get it for less than $34. I use to be a manager at Best Buy (actually loved working at the place and discount was insane, 5% above cost).

Anyway, car audio department has the biggest mark up. Top of the line subs like the Alpine 12" subs they carry, i forget the name, you can get those for $30 bucks and they sell for like $300.

I know a lot of people with iSimple though and they love and the installers at best buy did a great job with it. I also remember from working there that Harman Kardon makes a similar thing like iSimple for BMWs.

got the price update. according to my friend who makes no profit on helping me out with stuff from Best Buy, $43 before taxes for this exact unit.

as being a HUGE audiophile (worked for Bose for many years before moving on) i do care about sound quality but i'm super happy with how my car sounds now (Stock H/K system) and all i am really wanting is to be able to play Pandora again! haha

[Crestwood1001]

Go for it but they will get fired if they get caught, company is very strict on that

[tripod06]

okay so i bought it today. i have it. got it at a great price but i dont know where to start. i took apart the trim but it says it needs to be connected to the CD changer connections. where are they and how do i find them? i'm slow with OEM stuff. aftermarket head units i used to be king of but OEM is another animal to me lol help please?!

[mimalmo]

It connects in the trunk.

[mimalmo]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=837987&highlight=isimple+install

[tripod06]

you are a hawk among field mice!

[danewilson77]

you are a hawk among field mice!

He is a hawk!!!

Sup?

[tripod06]

got it installed took some pictures will post soon!

[johnrando]

Congrats. And your trim removal experience?

[Johnmadd]

How's it sound tripod?

[danewilson77]

Need update.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[DESANT]

Please let us know about your experience. I'am about to buy one from Amazon for under $100.

[mimalmo]

Make sure it's the current one. There were a few of the old ones listed on Amazon last time I checked.

[DESANT]

Do you know if isimple works with navigation? I hope it does since I have the same cables in the trunk as you.

[tripod06]

okay UPDATE!!!

sorry i haven't posted. i LOVE it! it works amazing and did the installation myself. i didn't even have to remove the front trim of the radio unit. all i needed to do was take apart the trunk and connect the module to the CD changer cables and route the dock cable to the front and call it a day. installation honestly took no more than 30 mins for myself. great buy (thanks to the hook-up through Best Buy). i'm very happy. cannot take calls through the speakers BUT i did hear you can get some sort of adapter thingie that allows you to do so. works with my 3Gs iPhone and my ipod Classic easily. charges both and is overall great sound!

now i just need to fix my left tweeter.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/racesnos/0ac43dab.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/racesnos/6bb5d666.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/racesnos/776cc578.jpg

[johnrando]

Great news, glad it worked out!

[tripod06]

yeah man me too! i love it!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Albert, nice work, sir.

[tripod06]

thanks Marcus!

[DESANT]

I still wondering of it will work with navigation?

[tripod06]

i dont see why it would not. the box said it DOES NOT work with iDrive systems but we dont have that so i think we are all in the clear (navi or not).