PhatNoise and Volvo: our player or that other one

We'd like to think that PhatNoise's PhatBox — a car-based digital audio player that works like a trunk-mounted CD changer (pictured) — could stand on its own merits, but such is the power of the mighty iPod that the company is offering two audio options via a partnership with Volvo: the 20GB PhatBox-based Digital Jukebox and the "Volvo Adapter for the Apple iPod, powered by PhatNoise," which works like most other factory-installed iPod adaptors (lets you control your iPod via the car's audio system and steering wheel-mounted buttons). We're not knocking iPod integration and we like the idea of offering consumers choices, but considering that Volvo already announced two different iPod adaptors back in January, we think they could cut PhatNoise some slack and just let them sell their own gear.

[XiozTzu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I have a Phatnoise player in my Jetta and I would take it hands down over an integrated iPod. The iPod is a "walkman" it should not be crowbarred into every application under the sun. Don't get me wrong I love my iPod, but having to constantly jack it into my car and remember to always bring it with me make it a lesser experience than knowing my car has a built in hard drive MP3 player.

I only wish that I could use iTunes to fill my DMS cartridge.

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Wow, I must have just entered a time warp and ended up back in the year 2000. PhatNoise? I can't believe they still exist. Haven't heard a peep out of them in years. What next? Will the Empeg player (which I absolutely love) suddenly be revived by Rio and be called the "next big thing"?

[Christian Leue @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

While we are all waiting for Volvo's long-announced interface to appear (knowing Volvo, it will be $800 model year 2009 option, and of course only compatible with new cars), you can go buy the USASpec PA11 today. Its about $120,- at online retailers (discountcarstereo.com, crutchfield.com) and it works just fine. Read all about it on forums.swedespeed.com.

[Chris Benard @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I have a Kenwood Keg, aka PhatNoise PhatBox. I freaking love it. That's my 2 cents.

[Tom W @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

If the Phatbox doesn't have enough storage capacity for you, then check out this 120GB unit:

http://www.ssiamerica.com/products/neo35/

[XiozTzu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

@Tom W
The beauty of the PhatBox is it integrates with your most late model brand stock radios, without the need for an external wired remote. It also, gives you voice prompts so you don't have to look at a tiny display to navigate through your music collection.

I hardly see a problem exceeding a 80GB cartridge, unless you went all FLAC (which you can do with a PhatNoise player, the Neo unit does MP3 only)

[Robin Siebler @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I have a Kenwood Music Keg (Phatbox) and I love it. However, I *hate* PhatNoise's "Customer Service"! And for some unexplained reason they axed their public forum - probably because of all the people on it bitching about their poor customer service.

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I have an omnifi dmp1 (basically a phatbox made by rockford fosgate). I decided to get it rather than an integrated iPod for 2 reasons. First, it was $150 cheaper. Second, it automatically sychs with my computer via wifi every night. There are lots of other advantages too (easy to read screen, looks better, upgradeable hard drive, etc.) but those two nailed it for me.

Hopefully the fact that phatbox is selling an iPod adapter doesn't mean that car mp3 players are dead, I think they're an excellent option for many people.

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

The words "phat" and "Volvo" should never be used together.

[Rich Goldsmith @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

One issue the Phatnoise player might address that the Volvo's system doesn't is that several Volvo models -- notably the V50 and S40 -- have MOST-based stereo head units, so Volvo is only going to be supplying FM tuner adapters. Hopefully Phatnoise's player integrates with MOST. There was another one covered on here that did. the ICE player, or something to that effect.