Cool iPhone headunit: Dual XML8110

[JnC]

While not a highend stereo, I really like the packaging as I don't need a CD player anymore. If it's possible to run apps (GPS, g-meters, Pandora, Trapster, etc.) while plugged into the dock, this would be perfect for the Elise. The way the door drops down shouldn't have any issues with clearing the dash. I only hope the iPhone is secured well enough in the dock to stay put in the twisties.

A blurb from their press release:

For audio enthusiasts who want their receivers to play more than just CD's, Dual has the products to satisfy their needs. Starting with the XML8110 ($179.99), glimpse into the future with Dual's 240-watt MOSFET powered mechless receiver with in-dash docking station for iPods and iPhones. With a flip of the front panel the adjustable dock fits iPods and iPhones (except Shuffle). This advanced technology is complemented with Bluetooth ready capabilities and a steering wheel interface input. Stay tuned for upcoming accessories and app store applications.

Animated gif:



Dual's product link is here. It's supposed to ship this month.

I've seen one other dock headunit by Boss, but it was very low end, not iPhone compatible, and badly reviewed. The headunits with pockets behind the faceplates (from Parrot and Fusion) can only be used to play music and not navigate.

[darkSol]

I like it... now if the iPhone would stay put during:

1.25g braking
1.15g acceleration &
1.39g lateral g's on track

then I wouldn't hesitate to run Harry's Lap Timer on it:



Really, really cool and much better than the Blaujunk...


Just scanned the manual... I can't believe it doesn't list the unit's weight... it's gotta be lighter than the stocker 4.6 lb. beastie with no mechanicals...

[JnC]

With my commentary in italics...

General
• 240 Watts Peak (60x4) Not realistic, I suspect 25W/channel RMS, but should be ok without an amp.
• MOSFET powered
• Solid state "mechless" design
• 2-Pair of preamp outputs (F/R+S)
• CD player not included
• Steering wheel control input (PAC SWI-PS required)
• 12 Character full dot matrix black/white LCD
• Fold down front panel with integrated iPod® dock
• 4 Character inside black/white LCD Why? I think I would know I have an iPod in the dock. Perhaps to run the radio.
• Expansion module slot You can see it in the gif, this is for the optional Bluetooth module
• 1-Pair RCA auxiliary input
• iplug™ adapter included
• Infrared remote control
• Adjustable LCD illumination dimmer
• 30 Station presets (18FM/12AM)
• 5 Selectable preset EQ curves
• Auto station store
• Loudness
• Clock

Bluetooth Good luck getting this to work in the Elise but it might be entertaining to the caller.
• Requires BTM60 Bluetooth module (Sold Separately) Clever putting this in the stereo as opposed to wiring it to the back.
• Bluetooth version 2.0 (1.2 compliant)
• Wireless hands free operation with caller ID
• Supports A2DP streaming audio This might be interesting if you don't want to dock the iPhone.



iPod Control
• Supports every iPod® (except shuffle)
• Recharges iPod® while docked
• Adjustable side supports
• Control from iPod® or head unit This implies that you may be able to run an app while docked, but I'm not completely certain.

iPod Information
Compatible iPods iPod 4th Generation (20 & 40GB)
iPod 4th Generation (color display) (20, 30, 40 & 60GB)
iPod Classic (80 & 160GB)
iPod 5th Generation (video) (30, 60 & 80GB)
iPod Classic (80, 120 & 160GB)
iPod Nano 1st Generation (1, 2, & 4GB)
iPod Nano 2nd Generation (2, 4 & 8GB)
iPod Nano 3rd Generation (4 & 8GB)
iPod Nano 4th Generation (video) (8 & 16GB)
iPod Touch 1st Generation (8, 16 & 32GB)
iPod Touch 2nd Generation (8, 16 & 32GB)
iPod Touch 3nd Generation (8, 32 & 64GB)
iPhone Compatible iPhone (4, 8, & 16GB)
iPhone 3G (8GB)
iPhone 3GS (16 & 32GB)

[JnC]

Manual can be found here.

Unfortunately it's lacking detail as to how an iPhone would work (whether or not you could run apps while docked).

[...m...]

...i wouldn't trust it to stay secure in the cabin while driving hard, and button-based headunit controls are too distracting for me...

...the concept is sound, though - give it knobs and the ability to retract the iphone for internal stowage while mirroring to a front-panel screen, and i'd be interested...

[turbophil]

Neat...

What about this one?

Parrot - Parrot RKi8400, the car stereo made for your iPhone

In search for a new HU that will work with the iphone/ipod now as well but not exactly an audio-nut so looking to just get what "works" and will be a big improvement over the blaujunk

Cheers,

pv

[JnC]

Originally Posted by turbophil

Neat...

What about this one?

Parrot - Parrot RKi8400, the car stereo made for your iPhone

Thx for the link. That's the Parrot I was referring to at the end of the first post. The problem with it is that the only way to dock an iPhone is to put it in a pocket behind the faceplate. You can't run apps, only use it as an iPod or phone.

[turbophil]

hmmmm: Parrot RKi8400 Tests / Review Thread - Talk Audio Forums

edit: sorry JNC, missed your last before posting... Ah, the apps is a good point that would be nice indeed!

[JnC]

Phil, prior to stumbling upon the Dual I was debating how to cut a groove into the Parrot headunit to get the connector cable out of that pocket. But I have a suspicion that once connected it may put the iPhone into a device mode that replaces the screen with a white generic iPod logo. Making it useless for running apps. Don't know... no one has hacked the RKi8400 up yet.

[turbophil]

of course the other problem is that there's not a snows ball chance in hell that the speaker pickup system on the parrot would work in the lotus, so the phone portion of the unit would be useless

Too bad, as the build quality looks to be a lot better than the dual...

[JnC]

Originally Posted by turbophil

of course the other problem is that there's not a snows ball chance in hell that the speaker pickup system on the parrot would work in the lotus, so the phone portion of the unit would be useless

Too bad, as the build quality looks to be a lot better than the dual...

Agreed on both points! Although historically Parrot's firmware can be rather dodgy. I can never trust them with version 1.0 of anything.

[turbophil]

so what does a fella buy today with a great internal amp and iphone compatibility?

[turbophil]

Alpine iDA-X305 Digital media receiver at Crutchfield.com

Perhaps this... doesn't hold the iphone though... charges and controls it like the parrot... could use a ram mount to hold the iphone...

[JnC]

Originally Posted by turbophil

so what does a fella buy today with a great internal amp and iphone compatibility?

Well, I'd like to keep this thread focused on this particular unit and direct dock competitors instead of everything on the market. But the quest for an iPhone interface that would allow me to use the headunit controls to index songs (since monkeying around with a touchscreen while driving is inviting trouble), is how I stumbled onto these direct dock headunits.

[turbophil]

I digress

[JnC]

Here's a photo of the Boss Audio 755DBi. While it can put an iPod front and center into the field of view, the construction is flimsy cheap and to my understanding an iPhone won't stay seated in the dock.

[JnC]

Originally Posted by turbophil

I digress

Happens to me all the time.

Here's an informative thread on that Parrot.

[JnC]

And here's a in-depth video review about the Fusion headunit. Ok for music, but not a good solution for an iPhone. Like the Parrot, it has a pocket behind the door. The internal dock is much more sturdy than the Parrot.

My motivation is to find something that I didn't have to attach a litany of wires, mounts, holders, power supplies, etc. to interface the iPhone to the head unit. I would not recommend the Fusion CA-IP500, but at least they were one of the first to adopt an integrated interface.

YouTube - Macworld Video: Fusion iPod Car Stereo CA-IP500

[mrcarcrazy]

Originally Posted by turbophil

of course the other problem is that there's not a snows ball chance in hell that the speaker pickup system on the parrot would work in the lotus, so the phone portion of the unit would be useless

Too bad, as the build quality looks to be a lot better than the dual...

Can you dumb that one down for me? Speaker pickup system?

[JnC]

Originally Posted by mrcarcrazy

Can you dumb that one down for me? Speaker pickup system?

I think he meant to say "microphone" as the Parrot is a phone-centric headunit. The parent company makes a number of bluetooth handsfree systems.