Best option for Auxiliary input?

[hazertag]

Just bought a 2001 SR5 last week to replace my rustbucket 1994 SR5.

I do 99% of my music/radio listening from my iPhone 4. I had a FM transmitter taht worked pretty well in the '94. Not so much on the '01. It does bother me enough to spend money to fix it.

Originally thought straight AUX plug, then was reading that there are better options that give you better sound quality AND charge your ipod/iphone at the same time. Only problem with those is the plug into the BOTTOM of the device...so no non-apple device can plug&play. Also, when I upgrade to the iPhone 5 sometime in Q1 2012...my mod is obsolete since they changed the bottom port.

Anyone have experience with straight AUX vs. a bottom feeding plug in terms of sound quality?

Thinking I should just go straight AUX. That way I can do it sooner and have more flexibility.

 

[JWaldz]

Why not just get a cd deck with iphone/ipod integration via usb port or with just a usb port in general. That way you can play music and charge your phone at the same time like you said. You can get a decent single den deck for just 150-200 bucks. Auxiliary is nice but so is using one cord to do it all.

 

[hazertag]

Sounds like more Parts and Labor $$$...

 

[Millerad1651]

I paid $129 for my HU from Crutchfield. It has a dedicated USB that I plug my iPhone in to. It also has an aux port that I can use. If I upgrade to the 5, I can simply plug the new cord that comes with it into the USB. I put the same thing in my wife's 98. Easy peasy.

Here is a page that has a bunch of HUs that would work for you.

Car Selector

 

[JWaldz]

Sounds like more Parts and Labor $$$...

So are you saying your current 4runner has an aftermarket radio with auxiliary already?

 

[sTraTz]

Pretty sure most new cd decks come with a USB and AUX port. Ive found the USB to be noticeably better sound quality.

 

[farmerjon]

For my Zunes, I charge them with my JVC headunit's build in USB input, and run an aux cable to the aux port. Two cables yes, but it gets the job done and it's built in, and works beautifully.

 

[Millerad1651]

Pretty sure most new cd decks come with a USB and AUX port. Ive found the USB to be noticeably better sound quality.

The sound quality is definitely better through the USB than aux.

 

[that$pit]

I forget what model it is but I run a Kenwood, has a USB and aux, great thing is I can charge and control her zune, or my ipod, or damn near any mp3 player, and all plugs are in the back cords go to glove. Clean