IPOD as a source unit

[intense]

What is the best way to use my ipod as the source in my boat (no radio) and hook it up to amps?

[Beer-30]

You could use one of these. Just a stereo RCA harness into it. Could run all your amps from here. Master volume on the end. Plus, you would have control over the sound.
http://www.directed.com/audio/signal/images/m4500.jpg

[Beer-30]

model 4500 features
Four band quasi-parametric equalizer with 18 dB boost/cut
Filters offer adjustable center frequencies for tuning flexibility
Active gain preamplifier with adjustable input sensitivity
10 volts RMS output improves system dynamic headroom
Low noise BI-FET op-amp design yields very low distortion
Adjustable built-in 12 dB/octave subwoofer crossover with dedicated output
Input selector allows use of two signal sources
20 dB of headroom eliminates signal clipping in preamp
30 volt MOSFET switching power supply
Remote input triggers at 4.5VDC for enhanced flexibility in OEM interfaces
Added remote output switches on amps with delay to prevent turn-on pop
Built-in ATC fuse with anti-tamper cover
Gold-plated RCA input/output jacks
Half-DIN chassis for easy installation

[sigepmock]

I've also seen I-pod mini jack to RCA straight to the amps. A billet mount for the Ipod on the dash. Only down side I saw was exposed I-pod to water and difficulty controlling volume while underway, other than that it sounds great.
Chris

[riverbound]

The ipod has a such a low votage output, it is highly recommended to run through some sort of line source driver or an EQ that will booes the pre-out voltage. I will be doing this in my new boat. I will have my Ipod as a source that will go into and Audio Control EQ (forgot model#) it will then go to the amp and out to the speakers. I have already done this system in quite a few boats and it works out really well.

[Jyruiz]

I've also seen I-pod mini jack to RCA straight to the amps. A billet mount for the Ipod on the dash. Only down side I saw was exposed I-pod to water and difficulty controlling volume while underway, other than that it sounds great.
Chris
Control the iPod with this (http://www.theistore.com/ijet.html) or this (http://www.tentechnology.com/products/products_naviproex.php) I use the second one because it lets me switch between playlist. The RF one though will work from anywhere in the boat.

[Jyruiz]

Those RF units couldn't sound any worse. Well, I guess they could. I could give the Ipod to my wife and have her sing the playlist. :D
It is an RF remote control, not an RF modulator.

[intense]

Any other suggestions I would like the volume control on the eq.

[Beer-30]

The one I suggested should be real affordable and give excellent quality. Bumping the line voltage up to 10V provides a good clean signal to the amp(s). I'll see if I can locate a price for this Directed one. I have the same thing, but in Eclipse. Fosgate makes a similar model. Both of those have a bass volume that allows adjustment of bass volume on the fly.
Plus, I just noticed it has a soft turn on for the amps.
Looks like about $150 for the 4500 EQ.

[Beer-30]

Here is one on Ebay, if you are into that. This explains that there is an extra input for Ipod or other peripheral - in addition to normal deck inputs. THerefore, if you end up with something like this, you could always add a head unit later and have both inputs - switching back and forth as you wish.
Good price, also.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Directed-Model-1500-Equalizer-Car-Audio-Ipod-CD-Nice_W0QQitemZ5841712254QQcategoryZ79841QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

[ROZ]

Yea, that directed line driver eq is a pretty cost effective unit... Anything Audiocontrol will be a BIT more :D
definitely recomend running a line driver in this type of application...

[intense]

Yea, that directed line driver eq is a pretty cost effective unit... Anything Audiocontrol will be a BIT more :D
definitely recomend running a line driver in this type of application...
Hey Roz, do you sell directed?