Hi-MD+AUX input in CAR question, please HELP!

[kaeru]

I currently have a honda civic and a panasonic CQ-DRX900U CD receiver

(which does not play mp3's) with a AUX input located on the back of the

unit. I was thinking of buying a Hi-MD or iPod(don't know which model

yet, but please recommend one) and buying the neccessary cables to

allow the Hi-MD to play in my car.

My questions are:

1) will this even work?

2) how much is the neccessary cable? (is it rca and mini)

3) does the Hi-MD require a different car battery charger cord? or can i just use the Sony DCC-E34CP car connecting pack to charge and play at the same time.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...nics&vi=reviews

4) if i am able to use the Hi-MD in the car, which model do you think is the best to go for? i would think the MZ-NH900, MZ-NHF800 or the MZNH600DKIT would be the best because it requires only 1 AA battery, which i think is pretty clever and convenient compared to a internal battery that would eventually die out and have to be replaced.

also please feel free to give me your opinions on listening to music

through AUX input.

One last thing, some may wonder why i don't just buy a mp3/cd head unit. well its b/c i don't want my current panasonic cd receiver to lay in the closet collecting dust and if i get a Hi-MD or iPod for the car, i would also use it for when i am on foot.

THANKS to those who will reply w/ answers.

[dex Otaku]

1) Yes.

2) Dual RCA to stereo 3.5mm cables run anywhere from $2-$15 depending on what kind of cable quality you're going for. I'd say thta for hooking up in your car, the variety available for about $5 should be perfectly fine.

3) Based on the claim that the power supply includes an adapter for 1.5/3V units, and that it says it works with MDs, I'd say that yes - the car connecting pack should work. Please don't blame me if I'm wrong, though. If you check on the Sonystyle website they should probably list compatible accessories, and I imagine that car kit would be one of them.

4) The NH900 and NH1 both have line outputs. Other HiMD models have only headphone outputs. Either will work, but the signal will be higher from the models with line-out. I regularly use my NH700 [similar to the 800 but not available in the US] by plugging it in to people's stereo systems using the headphone out, and performance is just fine with the volume turned up all the way. It just means having to turn the volume control on the amp up louder than you'd have to with a line-out model.

The iPod's output is substantially higher in level than all of the HiMD models, and would work as well.

I'd say that going by the AUX in is a fine way of doing things, as long as you can deal with having to manipulate your portable while driving.

As for advice about which HiMD model to get, if budget isn't so much of a concern I'd recommend the NH900 since it can use both the gumstick battery and AA batteries. It also has a half metal/half plastic case, whereas the lower models are all-plastic.

If you're budget-conscious and don't need portable recording capabilities I see nothing wrong with the NH600.

I would highly recommend reading about people's experiences with SonicStage before diving in with HiMD, though.

Cheers.

[kaeru]

Thanks man, you ROCK!