McIntosh CD

[JCSB]

Shadow and JC, I'm trying to attach a link. If it doesn't work, go to macintoshlabs.com and look for the car stereo downloads section. They still list the CD changer there, but looks like they have upgraded the head unit to much fancier.

Sorry, can't copy the links.

It really doesn't matter since the stock McIntosh head in the GT doesn't have the required connections to use a cd changer directly. If you change to the MX406 head then yes, but it really gets sticky here. I appears the MX406 head was only sold in Japan and you need an FM adapter to broaden the band width so that you get all the channels. Also, the cd changer is harder than that to secure. I'm still thinking though. I'm going to call McIntosh sometime this week and ask some questions about our unit and the MX406.

John

 

[t32b]

IMHO it sounds like a lot of work just to add multi-CD's. Mr Shadowman did a very tidy RCA/Aux cable (wrapped in OEM-looking mesh) to which I hang an iPod Touch and leave in the passenger-side 'shelf'. Other than looking like I'm texting in the car when I'm choosing a tune (a CA no-no), it is a great solution. That said, I anxiously await Kip's new piece of carbon. As long as it will be reasonably simple to put back to stock, what I really want is an integrated GPS AND a camera screen - for rear camera and front camera (so I can see what just destroyed my lower air dam).
In reality, the GPS/camera thing would be the only use. I never listen to the iPod. I've got nothing in my iTunes library that sounds better than that big thing behind my right ear.

 

[Kingman]

Thanks guys. I'm with you shadowman on the upgraded McIntosh MX 604. If you can get a lot more input functionality then I think it would allow you to put in a cd changer and even a sat radio. :cheers

John

Is the Model # for the GT MX 604 or MX 406?

 

[JCSB]

Is the Model # for the GT MX 604 or MX 406?

I corrected my mistake and it should say MX406, but that isn't the unit in the GT either. I think the McIntosh in the GT is a one off of something like the MX406 without the cd changer cord and the optical output.

John

 

[JCSB]

IMHO it sounds like a lot of work just to add multi-CD's. Mr Shadowman did a very tidy RCA/Aux cable (wrapped in OEM-looking mesh) to which I hang an iPod Touch and leave in the passenger-side 'shelf'. Other than looking like I'm texting in the car when I'm choosing a tune (a CA no-no), it is a great solution. That said, I anxiously await Kip's new piece of carbon. As long as it will be reasonably simple to put back to stock, what I really want is an integrated GPS AND a camera screen - for rear camera and front camera (so I can see what just destroyed my lower air dam).
In reality, the GPS/camera thing would be the only use. I never listen to the iPod. I've got nothing in my iTunes library that sounds better than that big thing behind my right ear.

I would like to see how the double din would look and how he is going to handle the starter button and air bag switch. I too would like the gps with cameras.

John

 

[MAD IN NC]

I would like to see how the double din would look and how he is going to handle the starter button and air bag switch. I too would like the gps with cameras.

John

:thumbsup +1 (in silver pls)



When Gennadi was in business I asked Mark for one to no avail as each piece was customized. :frown

 

[OzGT]

Interesting timing this thread. My car is with my car audio guys right now. They got the head out late last week in order to link up the aux for me and set it up for easy iPhone connection. I have to say it's becoming a bit of an outdated thought to me to think about CD changers these days(after being so many years of car audio enthusiasm) now that I've fallen into digital audio via a portable device. Certainly makes it easier moving between 3 cars and generally. I was getting sick of not having any CDs to listen to in the GT. Took me along time to jump on the portable library bandwagon but now I'm here, it's so simple.

 

[JCSB]

Interesting timing this thread. My car is with my car audio guys right now. They got the head out late last week in order to link up the aux for me and set it up for easy iPhone connection. I have to say it's becoming a bit of an outdated thought to me to think about CD changers these days(after being so many years of car audio enthusiasm) now that I've fallen into digital audio via a portable device. Certainly makes it easier moving between 3 cars and generally. I was getting sick of not having any CDs to listen to in the GT. Took me along time to jump on the portable library bandwagon but now I'm here, it's so simple.

I agree it is getting a little antiquated, but I like the idea of controlling it through the head unit. I really like music servers, but I think the car would eat up hard drives. I got a couple of ideas that I'm exploring and will add info once I've made a decision.

John

 

[OzGT]

I agree it is getting a little antiquated, but I like the idea of controlling it through the head unit. I really like music servers, but I think the car would eat up hard drives. I got a couple of ideas that I'm exploring and will add info once I've made a decision.

John

Good in theory, but it's real pain fiddling around with a small head like the Mc in a car like the GT while on the move. Best scenario I've got currently is in my Cayenne with proper iPhone/iPod interfacing that gives you control on the Pioneer F900BT touch screen. I wouldn't advocate trying to stash a music server in the car anywhere. To me ultimate library portability (at least enough to keep you going for countless hours), is happily achieved with my as yet still unfilled iPhone , 36 albums(mostly 320kbps) which includes multi-disc comps. Allied with either some sort of cosmetically correct holder or even DBK rubber tunnel mat, I'd rather select visually from the iPhone as you can move it closer to you and avoid looking down. I've proven this just recently with the same concept in my Cobra which is even simpler. iPhone/iPod sits in one of the cup holders and connects to a minijack just mounted in front of it.

 

[JCSB]

Good in theory, but it's real pain fiddling around with a small head like the Mc in a car like the GT while on the move. Best scenario I've got currently is in my Cayenne with proper iPhone/iPod interfacing that gives you control on the Pioneer F900BT touch screen. I wouldn't advocate trying to stash a music server in the car anywhere. To me ultimate library portability (at least enough to keep you going for countless hours), is happily achieved with my as yet still unfilled iPhone , 36 albums(mostly 320kbps) which includes multi-disc comps. Allied with either some sort of cosmetically correct holder or even DBK rubber tunnel mat, I'd rather select visually from the iPhone as you can move it closer to you and avoid looking down. I've proven this just recently with the same concept in my Cobra which is even simpler. iPhone/iPod sits in one of the cup holders and connects to a minijack just mounted in front of it.

The iphone/ipod just doesn't do it for me. I agree with you on it being hard to fool with while moving (I noted this in my other thread in the general section under ergonomics), but I really like the McIntosh system. If the double din set up comes out and looks good then that will cause me to dump the head unit.

John

 

[OzGT]

The iphone/ipod just doesn't do it for me. I agree with you on it being hard to fool with while moving (I noted this in my other thread in the general section under ergonomics), but I really like the McIntosh system. If the double din set up comes out and looks good then that will cause me to dump the head unit.

John

For me the iPhone scenario was more about finding by default had an incredibly sensible way of having a lot high quality music on me at all times and having it easily interfaceable with all my vehicles to varying degrees. I was very disinterested in iPods until the iPhone came along and I started to think about the practicality of not having to cart CDs around and constantly moving between 3 cars plus home, whilst trying to keep tabs on where different CDs were. It's also now the quick gratification of going on line to buy an album now after say reading a music mag review rather than working out where I was going to buy a physical copy from, particularly when nothing I listen to is particularly mainstream. Now I have copies on my home network to play through the hifi along with the bonus of carrying a decent selection on the iPhone. I really like the McIntosh system too, I've in fact used a McIntosh head and amp before(long before the clarion buyout). I'm also really keen on not disturbing the GT interior much and just have a very discrete connection for external audio. Not sure how you would envision tidily incorporating a double din unit without upsetting the interior aesthetics of a car like the GT.

 

[JCSB]

For me the iPhone scenario was more about finding by default had an incredibly sensible way of having a lot high quality music on me at all times and having it easily interfaceable with all my vehicles to varying degrees. I was very disinterested in iPods until the iPhone came along and I started to think about the practicality of not having to cart CDs around and constantly moving between 3 cars plus home, whilst trying to keep tabs on where different CDs were. It's also now the quick gratification of going on line to buy an album now after say reading a music mag review rather than working out where I was going to buy a physical copy from, particularly when nothing I listen to is particularly mainstream. Now I have copies on my home network to play through the hifi along with the bonus of carrying a decent selection on the iPhone. I really like the McIntosh system too, I've in fact used a McIntosh head and amp before(long before the clarion buyout). I'm also really keen on not disturbing the GT interior much and just have a very discrete connection for external audio. Not sure how you would envision tidily incorporating a double din unit without upsetting the interior aesthetics of a car like the GT.

Sorry but I have zero need for a phone that plays acceptable music. A phone is a tool for me and it needs to make phone calls. The compressed music it serves just doesn't do it for me. If you like it then I think that's great, but I'm looking for a different solution.

I believe if you read further back the double din isn't my idea, but one suggested by T32B and he was noting that Kip Ewing was working on it.

John

 

[OzGT]

Sorry but I have zero need for a phone that plays acceptable music. A phone is a tool for me and it needs to make phone calls. The compressed music it serves just doesn't do it for me. If you like it then I think that's great, but I'm looking for a different solution.

I believe if you read further back the double din isn't my idea, but one suggested by T32B and he was noting that Kip Ewing was working on it.

John

You're on the wrong track re compression my friend. I am huge critic of over compressed audio! I am home hifi enthusiast(since in short pants) who will not put up with sound quality compromises. You do realise 320kbps encoded MP3 audio is beyond CD quality? I am not talking about buying from itunes or even itunes plus for that matter, I'm talking about buying from other online music stores who offer 320k or Wave format. So please don't talk down to me in that sense. I can replay a 320k album over my home system through my KEF Reference 4's and I can tell you there is no sonic compromise whatsoever the reproduction is pristine. The last thing I would try to convince someone of here is listen to shoddy quality. Hence this is the reason I am also upgrading the factory speakers to Focals.

If Kip does it, it may well look the part. I'd interested to see how it comes out.

 

[BlackICE]

I am huge critic of over compressed audio! I am home hifi enthusiast(since in short pants) who will not put up with sound quality compromises. You do realise 320kbps encoded MP3 audio is beyond CD quality?

My ears are not so discriminating, but when I did some test ripping of CD to MP3 to find the best compression level, to my ears, 64k bps was awful, 128k like a cheap radio and 256K about the same to my ears. So I encode to at variable 320 kbps rate just in case.

 

[JCSB]

You're on the wrong track re compression my friend. I am huge critic of over compressed audio! I am home hifi enthusiast(since in short pants) who will not put up with sound quality compromises. You do realise 320kbps encoded MP3 audio is beyond CD quality? I am not talking about buying from itunes or even itunes plus for that matter, I'm talking about buying from other online music stores who offer 320k or Wave format. So please don't talk down to me in that sense. I can replay a 320k album over my home system through my KEF Reference 4's and I can tell you there is no sonic compromise whatsoever the reproduction is pristine. The last thing I would try to convince someone of here is listen to shoddy quality. Hence this is the reason I am also upgrading the factory speakers to Focals.

If Kip does it, it may well look the part. I'd interested to see how it comes out.

I am truly glad your happy with your Iphone's quality. Being an audiophile myself I would remind you that the source material is no better than what comes out at the end. Since the Iphone is not sending a digital signal into the rca connectors for the McIntosh head, then it is relying on the quality of the circuitry and D/A that is in the Iphone. I really don't remember reading anything about the quality of that circuitry in the Iphone. I will say this I have an Ipod that I plan on hooking up to the head (once the cord come in) and will be doing a a/b test to see if in fact if I can discern the difference. Once I do that I will report what I think honestly without prejudice.

John

 

[fjpikul]

The iPod sounds just fine, since the only time you listen to it is in the parking lot or garage. Your engine/exhaust is the things dreams are made of.

 

[JCSB]

The iPod sounds just fine, since the only time you listen to it is in the parking lot or garage. Your engine/exhaust is the things dreams are made of.

I think your repeating yourself. I like the exhaust note, but I own 12 cyl. Ferrari Testarossa. Now that is an exhaust note. I have the factory exhaust on mine and I'm looking forward to hearing those who have modified. Listening to youtube sound clips I just couldn't make a decision. :banana

John

 

[OzGT]

I am truly glad your happy with your Iphone's quality. Being an audiophile myself I would remind you that the source material is no better than what comes out at the end. Since the Iphone is not sending a digital signal into the rca connectors for the McIntosh head, then it is relying on the quality of the circuitry and D/A that is in the Iphone. I really don't remember reading anything about the quality of that circuitry in the Iphone. I will say this I have an Ipod that I plan on hooking up to the head (once the cord come in) and will be doing a a/b test to see if in fact if I can discern the difference. Once I do that I will report what I think honestly without prejudice.

John

I am more than aware of the D/A in such small devices being 'inferior' and yes one can get critical about that, but sonically with quality files, there is nothing to complain about when using the iphone that way, particularly in a car audio system. I also have no troubles nowadays using the iPhone at my weekender through my M&K based surround system.

 

[JCSB]

I am more than aware of the D/A in such small devices being 'inferior' and yes one can get critical about that, but sonically with quality files, there is nothing to complain about when using the iphone that way, particularly in a car audio system. I also have no troubles nowadays using the iPhone at my weekender through my M&K based surround system.

Then lets agree to disagree until I have had a chance to see how the Ipod tests. I appreciate your input and look forward to the test.

John

btw: I'm having a nice single malt scotch and thinking of my next mod.