I am not that keen on using the usb socket for ipod interfacing (I think its a bit clunky) and would rather have my ipod in a holder and retain control of my tunes from the ipod (to me much quicker and easier, especially with the voice control on my iphone). However as others have discovered, it appears as though there is no aux/cd/line-in potential with the A500 stereo. The B&M system seems to take up all the relevant connectors. I've therefore resorted to a Dension FM modulator with an ipod connector cable and a Macally cup-holder holder (if that makes sense) which works well and to me is certainly preferable to having to wade though folders with the B&M.
I recommend the Macally cup-holder holder to anyone as it holds your ipod in a good position to use and your ipod can be easily rotated so that it is held horizontally or vertically. The only slight problem with the Macally is the expanding base doesn't sit flush in the front cup holders unless you trim the plastic on one side, but this is easily done with a knife or cable snips.
The Dension FM modulator works well, charges your ipod and has a pretty good sound. It has seven preset frequencies that you can scroll through to overcome any interference. The cables and modulator fit easily behind the stereo. Be careful when removing the head unit as its edges are pretty sharp and it is easy to scratch the body colour part of the dash beneath it! The cable to the ipod dock connector cable can be easily fed down the back of the dash to come out in the passenger footwell. It then tucks neatly just under the edge of the centre console to pop out beneath your Macally holder. The Dension also has a 3.5 mm socket for those not using an ipod.
