Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Dual XML8100 AM/FM Mechless Receiver with iPod Dock, BT Ready, SWI, iPlug, Remote (Black)
Dual Electronics 200-watt mechless AM/FM in-dash Docking Station for iPod and iPhone devices. Securely dock your iPhone or iPod in the dashboard of your car, enjoy the convenience of a 'control center" that is right in front of you for easy and quick access from arm's length and switch easily and safely from iPod to AM/FM mode and the touch of a finger.If you own an iPod touch or an iPhone, you can now safely enjoy all the cool apps in the car - from listening to Internet radio through car speakers while navigating to a destination and exploring an area for places of interest, to locating the best deal on gas, checking movie schedules in the nearest theaters and finding a restaurant for dinner. You don't need a separate windshield mount, and you won't drain your batteries. And if you just want to listen to your favorite tunes or audio books from your iPod player, the Docking Station lets you do so safely and easily. It provides a 'home" for your iPod in your car, and you can browse your playlists and choose music directly from your iPod menu using the familiar iPod scroll wheel.So check your CDs at the door, as only iPods and iPhones need apply. Stay tuned for news about upcoming accessories for the Docking Station such as apps, a GPS Receiver and a Memory Storage Module with arecording feature that allows you to record music you are listening to on the radio.
