My friend has that setup and it's bad ***. The install wasn't bad and I'm guessing it could be used with a stock evo HU. He's using it in his nissan with the stock nissan HU.
I'm using the alpine 9857 and it works pretty good but if I had to do it over again that is the way I would go.

 

Based on its apparance and the eBay description, not having actually seen it, here's what I think you'd get with the Harmon-Kardon:

• Nice interface and controls
• Mediocre sound quality if wired through the antenna; fine if wired through the auxiliary inputs of a stereo (none on the OEM stereo unless you hack the CD changer jack
• Difficulty locating the control unit and display -- maybe put them in the cupholders?
• Low cost
• Nice display

Here's what I've found having the Alpine with my SSL:

• Higher cost
• Need to get a cheap set of Mitah cables to feed the SSL amplier--not needed with base stereo
• includes good cheap amp upgrade to base stereo
• Nice head unit
• Confusing iPod interface and poor display of what's playing -- only one line of data at a time
• Very slow scrolling through my massive (80-gig) iPod
• Easy to hide the head unit by mounting it in the lower DIN slot
• Good sound quality using the Alpine dock connector cable
• no need to mount a bunch of extra equipment here and there

All else being equal, I think the Alpine approach is cleaner. I just wish it had better and faster iPod controls. YMMV.

 

Wow I must be like the only person without an ipod. Anyone out there use portable mp3 players that don't suck?

 

i did a write up on this setup a while ago...albeit it was with an aftermarket HU

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...on+kardon+ipod

 

I am using an Alpine deck IVA 901, and I would have to say that its just ok. I have to use playlists and just scroll through them using the FF button, kinda sucks, I can not see a list of songs and choose a particular song that I like. Technology hasn't advanced as far as I thought it would have by now Maybe there is some newer iisshh out there now but I already spent about 4k on my system.

 

I'm using the kenwood adapter

 

The cable that you said that "connect to the back" is a simple RCA to headphone jack. The RCA jacks connects to the back of the receiver and the headphone jack connectes to the Ipod headphone output. It is indeed the simplest and cheapest way but it is also one of the worst as far is controls.

Carlos

 

If you care about sound quality, your best bet is an aftermarket head unit with direct iPod connection. If you don't care about sound quality all that much, this Harmon unit should be fine. If you can, buy it at your local Best Buy or order it from Crutchfield and give it a shot. If you don't like it, just return it and get a new head unit/ipod adapter.

 

I installed that setup in my wife's Explorer about 8 months ago. The interface is awesome, the screen and controls look like they're from a much more expensive setup.

Install is easy and the hardwired (AUX in) sound is great. The FM modulator, however, is disappointing, even with the direct antenna wiring. Now, I don't think you're ever expecting crazy good sound with an FM modulator, but you'll be pissed after spending $150 on this if it doesnt sound great.

Since you're not gonna have an AUX in, I suggest picking up a new CD player with built-in iPod compatibility. It will be similar in price (you don't need a top-of-the-line anymore for iPod compatibility) and you'll get the direct input.

 

I'm curious now to see if the alpine in my eclipse has one, it's somewhat old, but was top o the line when it came out, but it may have been before the ipod's time. Still though portable cd players were available Althought the fact that it is one kinda defeats the purpose of that

 

the oem adapter is a compromise... i could see why a setup like this one would be desireable... but it's not necessary for someone like me :\

i don't know why people put songs they don't wanna listen to on their ipods but if you are one of those people the oem style ipod turned into a cd type units aren't for you.

 

an more simple way and cheaper method, were to just buy an aftermarket headunit i myself stay with pioneer and wire it from the rear were you use an auxilary wire , then buy a cheap male to male wire and there you go. one end goes to the headunit the other to the headphone jack of the ipod and it sounds crystal clear. thats the way i have been running mine for over a year or so now no problems what so ever.

 

the only problem with that is you don't get to charge...

admittedly the oem style adaptors kinda suck because it removes your control over the ipod but... i guess that's good because you don't wanna be starin' at the ipod when you drive.

 

No, it won't work w/ the stocker.

I had one of these installed about a year ago - over $500 including the HU but worth every nickel.

BTW, don't try this installation yourself...