Is the CD-IU50V Needed?

[chadmb2003]

I'm looking at getting the x920bt, and I'm wondering if the iPod cable that Pioneer says you need is actually a necessity. Can I not just use the iPod cable that comes with the iPod instead? I would rather not have to spend an extra $50 if I don't have to.

 

Thanks!

[rgarjr]

U won't get video playback with a normal cable. Don't skimp on the cable and get the Pioneer one.

[chadmb2003]

I may also get the x710bt or the x910bt, do I need the Pioneer cable for those as well?

[rgarjr]

u need a pioneer ipod cable for anyone of 'em.

[Ixian]

I'm going to repost my own Amazon review of the thing here which sums it up I think:

 

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I'm posting this after reading the reviews here and then experiencing first hand the difference on my own x920bt between this and a "regular" iPod cable used with the stock Pioneer USB cable.

 

Technically, you don't actually need this cable to use your iPod/iPhone with your Pioneer HU. If you were sitting on the fence like I was about buying it though, read on:

 

First, while the cable is short for the money, it doesn't need to be any longer, as it attaches directly to the already 6-foot long USB cable the Pioneer comes with. You've got 9 feet of cable with this attached which will reach just about anywhere in any front seat.

 

There are 3 things you need to know about using the USB cable that comes with your HU over this one with an iPod/iPhone:

 

1) Without this cable, you have to plug two cables in to your iPod/iPhone - the dock connector, and a standard mini-audio cable. With this cable you only need to plug in the dock connector. Minor detail but if it's something you are going to use every time you get in the car you'll find one connection better than two over time, I assure you.

 

2) You need this cable to get video from your iPod/iPhone. If you care about video at all, then this is your only choice. One review mentions the video quality is so-so but I did not find that to be the case - as with all videos on iPods/iPhones the source is everything and good quality videos looked perfectly fine to me; I'll agree that the Pioneer HU doesn't go a great job with marginal sources compared to other displays but that isn't the fault of the cable.

 

3) And most importantly, with this cable, you get line-level audio out, where with the USB cable/mini-jack you get audio that's amplified once already by the iPod/iPhone itself. Don't brush this detail off! Having listened to both, same music, same player, I can tell you that you don't need to be an audiophile with the ears of a teenager to hear the difference. It is pretty significant, especially with music that's already lower-quality (like tracks purchased from iTunes prior to 2009). For this reason alone I found the cable to be a necessary purchase.

 

In short, while yes it is pricey, and you can control and listen to your music without it, you are going to want it anyway. I mean, not to defend Pioneer, but it is kind of a niche item they don't mass-produce, and frankly if you own an iPod/iPhone you already paid a premium for a product, so what's another few bucks for a cable? If it were longer I'd give it 5 stars, but that's it's only real fault.

 

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The bottom line of my review is, don't cheap out. You bought an expensive HU, an expensive iPhone/iPod even though there are cheaper options for both, don't cheap out on the cable. Is it pricey? Yes. It's not mass-produced by the millions out of some Chinese factory either because there's really not all that many people who need this thing; if you don't have a Pioneer HU it's useless. So part of the cost just comes from it's scarcity. Anyway go buy it off Amazon for $40 and stop worrying about it.

[kculp]

I did get mine from newegg.com - just search for the CD-IU50V. I think it was $29.99 shipped ( Item#: N82E16882461008) . I also found one on ebay (Chinese seller), but didn't buy it at $6.99 plus $14.99 shipping (yea right). For what it is worth, my 24 hours with the newegg.com cable works fine - charges the iPod Touch and plays video - the insert inside the bag said "for Pioneer head units" or similar.... so yes, you can skimp penny-wise "within reason." I am just having fun with my bypassed X920 !!! Thanks for your help people !!! Maybe this little note is a payback.

[VBLUE42]

Just in case anyone is considering buying one of these cables on ebay.

 

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