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from Columbus, OH on 10/29/2009
Comments about USA USA SPEC PA15 ACU XL FOR NEWER HONDAS ACURAS WITH NAV TRAFFIC IPOD CONTROLLER:
Having read various forums, it seemed the best bet for adding an iPod on a 2005 RL is via the USA Spec PA15-AcuXL. I say this because it preserves XM, displays song info and allows control via the cars controls and/or the iPod. The extra rca input is an added bonus.Whilest waiting for the gizmo to arrive [...], I found out that this unit connects via the XM module which is in the trunk of my RL (drivers side right by gas cap). This really simplifies things, as you don't need to remove the dash or anything (or even need that code in case you shut the power off to your radio).When the unit arrived, I struggled a bit with the harness that's connected to the XM module by Honda (its got very little slack) as I didn't realize that the black trim is a part of the harness--grabbing on that with pliers made it a breeze. Once that was done, I was able to connect the new harness to the XM and the old to the y connector (again the lack of slack was an issue). The USA Spec harness is every bit as well made as Honda's and perhaps moreso.If I were just going to leave my iPod permanently mounted in the car, I may just leave it in the trunk, but that's not the plan. I was able to snake the other part of the cable around in the trunk to near to near the pass-through. I used that to reach through and pass it into the backseat (though not through the pass through, as that seemed a bit too half-assed). From there, I pushed it into the base of the seat (behind some of the springs to keep it there) and down to the floor. I ran out of time, but I'll run it into the console soon enough (you get ample heavy duty cable from the xm unit to the USA spec controller and from there to the iPod).Performance wise, the setup works very well. XM1 is gone when in use, but XM2 remains. Controls are a bit less than ideal using the cars controls (all aftermarket solutions share these issues, and using a playlist helps tremendously), but they work, and I can skip tracks (all I really need). You can still control the iPod in direct mode (and seemingly use the cars controls from my experience). In short, its just about perfect for an aftermarket solution. Audio quality is top notch. I don't use traffic, but supposedly it works with this unit.RL owners: FYI, the carpet in back is on clips that detach properly (as oppose to rip off) if you slide the carpet along the body panels. The cargo hook in the back has a center plunger that holds it in (pop it loose and the hook will come out too).
from Indianapolis, IN on 10/22/2009
Comments about USA USA SPEC PA15 ACU XL FOR NEWER HONDAS ACURAS WITH NAV TRAFFIC IPOD CONTROLLER:
Easy enough install for the 2007-2009 MDX with navigation due to the plug and play. Used velcro to keep the module in place by the tire jack. Sound quality is excellent and the information appears clearly on the "Audio" screen and on the stereo display. Difficult to search through artist and album lists if you have a lot as you have to use the search buttons. Tuning knob and steering wheel controls change individual songs. Best function is to have a small number of playlists to be able to switch among. Instruction booklet is helpful but very low quality--typos, pages that aren't continued, etc. Overall highly recommended product.
from Tulsa, OK on 10/7/2009
Comments about USA USA SPEC PA15 ACU XL FOR NEWER HONDAS ACURAS WITH NAV TRAFFIC IPOD CONTROLLER:
This unit was easy to install but beware, it doesn't plug into the radio head unit. It plugs into the xm module on an Acura MDX.
I had been using the aux cable until I install the interface. The quality & sound of the music is much better through the interface.
My only complaint is the when scrolling through the iPod music using the navi screen is slow.
from Suffolk, VA on 10/6/2009
Comments about USA USA SPEC PA15 ACU XL FOR NEWER HONDAS ACURAS WITH NAV TRAFFIC IPOD CONTROLLER:
Works flawlessly! Install in an 09 MDX took only 5 minutes and only required the removal of 1 philips head screw. MDX's XM receiver is in the back of the cargo area and was easy to get to and install. To make it easier, I left my ipod inside the tire jack area since it can easily be accessed at any time. Audio performance is fantastic and ipod can be fully controlled from the steering wheel. Love it!
from Tulsa, OK on 8/24/2009
Comments about USA USA SPEC PA15 ACU XL FOR NEWER HONDAS ACURAS WITH NAV TRAFFIC IPOD CONTROLLER:
The only thing that I don't like is it is a bit slow when you scroll through your iPod files. You have to scroll through alphabetically. Direct iPod mode works better to find music faster.
One hint.........I assumed that this until connected directly to the radio. It hooks up to the XM unit.