Most of the features of this unit are thoughtful and work well. When the face is closed, you have access to all the unit controls. Additionally, the front face swings open to present an iPod dock and a second set of controls that handle most of the unit's functions. The iPod dock is nice and sturdy; my iPod Classic fits in it better than it does inside a Bose Sounddock. It has an aux input and programmable subwoofer/rear output, as well as a spare preamp output.
The EQ settings are not as detailed as I would like, but they aren't bad. There's bass and treble settings, no mid. There is also no built-in crossover, which I would prefer to see in any head unit with a dedicated subwoofer out, but again, for the price, this is to be expected.
The big fault, however, is in the programming.
One of the nice touches on this device is that you can set the EQ separately for each input - radio, aux, iPod, or bluetooth. However, unless an iPod is set in the dock, the iPod mode does not appear in the audio settings menu, so you can't adjust the EQ for it that way. And the kicker? When an iPod IS docked, there is no way to access the audio settings menu; the only button for that is on the front panel, which does not function when the faceplate is open to allow an iPod to dock. Effectively, it is impossible to adjust the EQ for the iPod, with the factory radio.
I've figured out one workaround; if you purchase a dock-extender cable, you can plug in an iPod, and then close the front panel. Alternatively, you can set your iPod into the dock, then plug the aux cable into it and basically use it in aux mode - you'll have the ability to change the EQ, and your iPod will stay charged, however you won't be able to use the remote to control the iPod.
EDIT Added 2/20/11: As many commenters have now pointed out, you can adjust the EQ using the remote control when the iPod is docked. Press the Audio Settings button on the remote to cycle through each EQ setting, and use the volume buttons to adjust that setting up and down. I still consider this a crappy solution to a problem that should have been caught in testing, but I also consider it way too minor for me to buy a different head unit. I still like this one quite a lot, more than a year after first installing it. Dual XML8100 AM/FM Mechless Receiver with iPod Dock, BT Ready, SWI, iPlug, Remote (Black)
a really great product. it fit perfectly in the slot converter i had to buy. really easy to install. you have to know how to splice wires and crimp or tape them together though. overall its a great radio. i hardly use it closed. it makes some squealing noises with my iphone. i'm not sure if thats just because of the iphone itself. when i have music playing, i cant hear it though. i hardly use the remote, but its a good accessory to have. Dual is supposed to release an iphone/ ipod touch app soon to work with it even better. i wish the bluetooth module came with it but for the low price of the radio, it wasn't that big of a deal to order the 50 dollar module separately. i suggest this radio to anybody with an ipod, it really works out well.
another problem with the iphone is that with the bluetooth connected to it it defaults to the a2dp streaming when it connects so you either have to wait for it to connect before you put the iphone in the dock, or switch the audio back to the dock when it connects. not that big of a deal.
Was looking into getting a new car stereo for my wifes van, 1993 Aerostar. Been shopping around.
She wanted one with an Ipod dock. Found this here on Amazon. Noticed that Walmart also sells
same one for a few cents more then Amazon. Walmart had it on Clearance for $50.00 new.
Bought it.
Stereo was very simple and use of a wiring harness made it that much simpler.
Sound is great out of the factory 17 year old speakers. Very simple controls.
Ipod dock couldn't be easier. Just slip in and it goes to playing. Full
controls of Ipod from the stereo. Sound is great.
Remote is small. Buttons hard to read. Not to be used when driving. More
for your rear passengers to use when they connect their Ipod or other MP3
device to it.
Would recommond this to anyone. Thinking about getting one for my truck.
NO CD PLAYER. BUT, with an Ipod you really don't need one.
I bought this to replace my stock stereo in my 2004 Rav4. I was using just a tape converter to listen to my ipod (horrible sound quality), since i never buy cds any more i thought this stereo was a cool idea. I was worried about the ipod falling off around turns but it is held pretty steady. Also the sound sound quality is leaps and bounds better. It sounds clearer than fm transmitter, aux cable, and the tape/aux converter.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who uses their ipod as the only music source like me.
My only complaint so far is that you can't use the stereo's equalizer settings when the ipod is plugged in because the screen and controls are down. I sometimes feel like pumping the bass when a rap song comes on the ipod but i can't :(
I love this head unit! The sound quality is great and it is so nice to not have extra cords cluttering up my car, eg charging and aux in. My only complaint is that the display is not too bright and can be hard to see at certain angles during the daytime. Overall it's a great radio!!!Dual XML8100 AM/FM Mechless Receiver with iPod Dock, BT Ready, SWI, iPlug, Remote (Black)
A. Does not fit in dash: dock needs clearance in order to fold out. Unit must stick out over 3/4". Looks awful (metal cage and screws remain visible).
B. Radio reception not hot. I get three stations where factory radio had 20.
C. Ipod-dock sounds beyond poor: constant hiss and white noise audible at all times (except at HIGH volume).
D. Cheap plastic, UI poorly conceived as well (audio controls are literally 'folded away' when using dock!).
I wanted a dock minus the cable etc. (great concept here) but unfortunately it looks and sound like......a cheap head unit!
Maybe the new double DIN unit will work better, this one gets 2 stars for A+ concept, but unfortunately it will only
make sense in a 800 dollar junker...My DUAL 8100 will soon go the way of the DODO bird... - Automotive Accessories - Ipod Dock - Car Audio - Car Stereo'
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