Phatnoise vs iPOD with aux input?

[heyloo]

[EDIT] I apparently do not have permission to delete my post...I've looked once more in the forum and found my answer~

The Phatnoise is quite appealing..but I'm not sure if it'll be worth my money to spend $850+ for the system...as opposed to the ipod system + aux input would cost me less...

What do you guys think about the Phatbox? Have any clue how much it'll cost to get it installed? I don't have time and the skills to be installing the system myself...I'm planning to bring it to one of the Phatbox dealers IF I'm purchasing the system. If the system installs somewhat similar to the CD changer, would my bimmer dealership be able to install it for me? (if the labor fee costs less, i guess..)

How about the sound quality? Assuming that I have good quality music files to put, is the sound quality good?

Thanks

 

[flashinthepan]

The install is essentially plug in a wire and mount the unit..I had thought of having it installed until I saw how simple it is. Any stereo installer can do this one..its extremelly no-brainer.

The iPOD could be a great choice, IF imo you dont need the functionality of your factory stereo buttons/controls. The only working button on your stereo would be volume. If you listen to long tracks of music and dont switch around often..go iPOD.

The Phatbox is very very easy to use & has excellent computer software.

 

[heyloo]

The install is essentially plug in a wire and mount the unit..I had thought of having it installed until I saw how simple it is. Any stereo installer can do this one..its extremelly no-brainer.

Hey flashinthepan~
Thanks for the reply. So, the phatbox system installs similar to a 6-CD changer unit? My X3 apparently will be 'pre-wired' for the 6-CD changer............hopefully that would save some time with my installation?

 

[flashinthepan]

Its essentially "plug & play" and is identical to the 6-cd install, if you pull back the grey carpet like material in the trunk you will find the plug and also ways to mount the unit. Dont worry about taking it to a stereo shop, they can easily do it. The unit comes with install pictures and very good instructions.

As for the music software..it kinda reminds me of, a cross between the "Windows media player" and "Napster"...very easy to use, I didnt really even need the instructions to set up my song lists etc...

As you can tell, I like it !

- More storage
- More selection
- No skipping
- Factory compatibility

Mine sounds very clear & nice too !, I have read complaints, but mine works great.

 

[heyloo]

Hey, thanks for the info.
I can see that Phatbox is not available right now....but Bavarian motors's website apparently has some in stock, I think. Which storage did you get? I'm thinking just 20GB, although I would like the 40 or the 60, I'm a little short with budget...........an extra 200 bucks would get me 3 times more storage.......

Also, have you heard of any news of a 'newer' version of Phatbox coming out? If there's one...I might want to hold on...

 

[heyloo]

Its essentially "plug & play" and is identical to the 6-cd install, if you pull back the grey carpet like material in the trunk you will find the plug and also ways to mount the unit. Dont worry about taking it to a stereo shop, they can easily do it. The unit comes with install pictures and very good instructions.

Hey~
I've read through numbers of threads here, on BMW Board, and the Phatnoise forums about installing the system on a BMW. All the people seem to be agreeing with you; that I would be able to install it myself. My car doesn't have the CD brackets from the factory, would I have to drill holes into the side??

Thanks~

 

[izzyracer]

Just had an Auxiliary input installed on my new 330i mainly for an ipod.. and a TV Tuner and a Portable DVD. Now I jsut need to clean up all my wiring.